Category Archives: News Briefs

Lake Land College Navigator News wins awards

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•December 18, 2024•

The staff of the Lake Land College Navigator News earned awards at the 2023-2024 Illinois Community College Journalism Awards (ICCJA) in Palos Hill, Illinois. Viv Ard, Windsor, and Darrius Frazier, Charleston, earned first place for Best Page Design. Ard also received an honorable mention for Best Front Page Design. 

 The students also earned multiple team awards, finishing second place in the Mike Foster General Excellence Award category and third place in the Best Student Media category for the Navigator website design. 

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New home blessing in Bethany

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•December 18, 2024•

Dakoda and Courtney Lucas were welcomed into their new home in Bethany on Saturday, November 30th. The family were welcomed by the Habitat for Humanity organization during the Habitat House Blessing, as the blessing commenced the pair were given the keys to their new home. 

Habitat for Humanity has provided over 800,000 homes nationwide with multiple families given homes within Moultrie County and other neighboring counties. The chilly weather during the House Blessing was no match for the warmth in the volunteers hearts and smiles in celebration of another family receiving a home during an increase of home insecurity. 

Habitat for Humanity works with the family to provide good housing at an affordable mortgage cost and offering multiple ways to assist in the betterment of families lives.

Fun books to read to children this holiday season

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•December 18, 2024•

The holiday season is a special time of year for people of all ages, but children might be the most enthusiastic celebrants come December. Children spend much of the holiday season anticipating the arrival of the man in the red suit, and that enthusiasm can be contagious. 

Families have their own unique traditions during the holiday season, but one popular way to harness kids’ enthusiasm between Thanksgiving and Christmas Day is to read them holiday stories. There’s no shortage of great holiday books for kids, but here are a handful that kids may remember well into adulthood.

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Illinois minimum wage increasing on January 1

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•December 18, 2024•

The minimum wage in Illinois is increasing on January 1st, 2025.

Workers will see an increase of $1 per hour from $14 to $15. The minimum wage for tipped workers will rise to $9 per hour and youth workers (under 18) working fewer than 650 hours per calendar year will see their hourly wage increase to $13 per hour.

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Summer employment available at Lake Shelbyville

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•December 18, 2024•

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Lake Shelbyville is looking for qualified candidates to fill student vacancies for the 2025 summer recreation season. Lake Shelbyville offers a great work experience opportunity for those students who plan to make a career in biological sciences, outdoor recreation, or law enforcement.

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Be mindful this holiday season

News Progress Posted on by

•December 18, 2024•

by Cheri Burcham
Extension Educator
University of Illinois Extension                   

I have mentioned the practice of mindfulness before, but did you realize how helpful mindfulness can be during the holiday season? I shared this article back in 2019, but dusted it off and thought I would reshare as an important reminder. In an effort to slow down and enjoy all that the season has to offer, Illinois Extension County Director Karla Belzer encourages us all to be more mindful this holiday season. To linger in the moment longer. To be present while wrapping presents. To be aware of each moment. To put the stress of the holiday season aside to truly enjoy the gifts the season brings. To be more mindful. 

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Financial emergency preparedness: Are you ready to weather the unexpected?

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•December 18, 2024•

by Cheri Burcham  

A financial emergency is any expense or loss of income you do not plan for, like a missed paycheck, a damaged roof, a flat tire, or a medical bill. According to FEMA, 6 out of 10 households in America experience at least one financial emergency in a year and about one-third of American families do not have any savings. Financial emergencies can result from health or medical care issues, household expenses, or natural disasters. Illinois Extension Educator Jamie Mahlandt has written this excellent article about financial emergencies that I would like to share since it is such an important topic that we don’t always think about. According to Jamie: 

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Remembering Who We Are…….39

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Isaac Hill’s Mission for Jefferson

•December 18, 2024•

by Janet Roney

I’ve read a lot of books about Illinois, but none mention Isaac Hill’s expedition for President Thomas Jefferson to explore the interior of Illinois along the third principal meridian. When I found Hill’s 1811 hand-drawn map reproduced in the reprint of the Montgomery and Bond County History, I gained new insight into the history of the Kaskaskia River Valley.  

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Hatchets upcoming important dates

News Progress Posted on by

•December 18, 2024•

The Windsor Schools have released a short calendar of important dates for their students in the next few months. 

 December 20th: 2pm early dismissal 
December 23rd through January 3rd: No school (Winter Break) 
January 6th: School resumes 
January 20th: No school, Martin Luther King Jr. day 
February 7th: Noon dismissal 
February 17th: No school, President’s day

Menu 12-18-2024

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Senior Peace Meal
For Reservations Call 1-800-543-1770
The Peace Meal Senior Nutrition Program suggests a donation of $4.00 for each congregate and home delivered meal. We accept the Illinois Link Card.

Dec. 23 - Breakfast Casserole, Paco Blend Vegetables, Hot Spiced Apples, Fruit Juice, Muffin or Biscuit
Dec. 24 - CLOSED FOR  CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY
Dec. 25 - CLOSED FOR CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY
Dec. 26 - CHEF’S CHOICE REGIONAL FAVORITES  WILL BE SERVED
Dec. 27 - Meatloaf, German Potato Salad, Stewed Tomatoes, 3 Bean Salad, Bread or Roll