Category Archives: News Briefs

Facts for Families: Spring into food savings

News Progress Posted on by

•June 14, 2023•
By Cheri Burcham, Family Life Educator

I’m sure you have all noticed that prices seem to be up on everything - including food! Extension educator Jamie Mahlandt recently wrote this article for her blog that addresses how we might be able to at least save a little on food. Jamie says: as food is necessary for everyone, it is an important expense in your regular budget. Some ways to minimize your food expenses may be to keep a list of necessary groceries and stick to the list when shopping. With the option of online grocery ordering that includes pick-up services, you may be able to avoid the temptation of spending on extras that were not part of your plan.
Home Gardening Read More

Dairy Farmers Donate Nearly 10,000 Pounds of Milk to Illinois Food Banks

News Progress Posted on by

•June 14, 2023•
Illinois dairy farmers are committed to building up communities experiencing food insecurity. Recognizing the hardships many families are facing, the Illinois Milk Producers Association (IMPA) donated nearly 10,000 pounds of milk, including lactose-free, between two local food banks.
“We know that many families are struggling with food insecurity amid rising prices at the grocery store,” said Don Mackinson, IMPA president. “Everyone deserves access to fresh, nutritious food, which is why Illinois dairy farmers wanted to find a new way to support our communities.” Read More

Multi-County 4-H Horse Show

News Progress Posted on by

•June 14, 2023•
On Saturday, June 17 at 9am the Multi-County 4-H Horse Show will be taking place at the Cumberland County Extension Education Building Association Livestock Facility. This new facility is located at 205 S New York St, Toledo. 4-H members showing horses from Coles, Cumberland, and Moultrie-Douglas will be coming together to learn, compete, and have fun during this event. If you will need an accommodation in order to participate, please contact the Coles County Extension Office at 217-345-7034. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs.

Letters to the Editor 6-14-2023

News Progress Posted on by

Dear Editor,
Where were the flags? The City of Sullivan should be ashamed, how disgraceful! Where is your pride to show our honor and remembrance of the soldiers who keep this country free. Thank you to all veterans and those presently serving.

Luella K Hughes Read More

Pet Preparedness Month

News Progress Posted on by

•June 14, 2023•
June is Pet Preparedness Month and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security reminds you that a backpack with a few pet preparedness items could make all the difference with safety and comfort in a disaster for your favorite family pets.
“During Pet Preparedness Month, I challenge families to gather pet preparedness items,” said Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS) Director Alicia Tate-Nadeau. “Preparing now will greatly benefit your pets especially during a flood, tornado, or other severe weather.” Read More

Don’t Shine a Light On Me

News Progress Posted on by

•June 14, 2023•
By Jim Baumann
NP Guest Writer

Careless metaphors can be just as harmful as careless whispers.
Just ask George Michael.
Take this news release from the National Headache Foundation, which does important research and advocacy into the often debilitating world of chronic headaches and migraines.
“National Headache Foundation Shines a Spotlight on Migraine and Headache in June, Migraine and Headache Awareness Month” screamed the headline, including all of those capital letters. Read More

Father’s Day Gift Ideas

News Progress Posted on by

•June 14, 2023•
Each year in the middle of June, families honor the special men who help make the familial engine run. Father’s Day is celebrated on the third Sunday in June in the United States and Canada, and families across both nations make the day all about dads.
Many families have their own unique Father’s Day traditions, but it’s not uncommon for those rituals to cross familial lines. For example, gift-giving is one popular Father’s Day tradition many families share. With that in mind, anyone looking for the right gift for Dad this Father’s Day can consider these ideas. Read More

Moultrie County Ag in the Classroom Bookmark Contest

News Progress Posted on by

•June 7, 2023•
Moultrie County Agriculture in the Classroom hosted its second annual bookmark contest in May. Elementary students were invited to design a bookmark matching this year’s theme, “What Farming Means to Me.” This year’s winners were K-1st grade: Harper Coy, 2nd-3rd grade: Evie Ames, 4th-5th grade (tie) Scarlett Diener and Hank Monroe. There were over 140 participants this year. Participants included elementary students from Sullivan, Okaw Valley, Lovington and Arthur Christian. Winners were chosen based on creativity and originality. Bookmarks are available at local libraries.

Photos furnished.

Flag Day

News Progress Posted on by

•June 7, 2023•

Each year on June 14, Flag Day is observed. According to www.brittanica.com, The holiday commemorates the date in 1777 when the United States approved the design for its first national flag. In 1916 Pres. Woodrow Wilson proclaimed June 14 as the official date for Flag Day, and in 1949 the U.S. Congress permanently established the date as National Flag Day. Although Flag Day is not an official federal holiday, Pennsylvania celebrates the day as a state holiday. Each year the U.S. president delivers an address that proclaims the week of June 14 as National Flag Week, and all Americans are encouraged to fly U.S. flags during that week.