•May 24, 2023•
Legacy Performing Arts Community Showband is ready to start its 3rd season with rehearsals and performances this June, July, and August. Legacy is known for performing a variety of “Greatest Hits” from legendary artists and bands including Elvis, Michael Jackson, and more. This summer will feature a new show that includes music from the Beatles and the return of the popular Queen show performed in 2021. Read More
Category Archives: News Briefs
Applications Available for the Governor’s Hometown Awards
•May 24, 2023•
The Serve Illinois Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service (Serve Illinois) is accepting applications for the Governor’s Hometown Awards (GHTA) program. GHTA gives formal recognition to those who contributed to projects that improved their community’s quality of life. Nominated projects must be sponsored by units of local government, include strong volunteer support, and made a positive impact in the community. Read More
Loop Lake Shelbyville Bike Ride
•May 24, 2023•
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Friends of Lake Shelbyville are hosting the Loop Lake Shelbyville bike ride on Saturday, June 10th, 2023. All rides will start from the Lake Shelbyville Visitor and will include options for a 22 mile, 34 mile, 48 mile or a 65 mile ride. Proceeds for the ride will benefit the Friends of Lake Shelbyville (FOLS). The FOLS provides education, historical interpretation, recreational and environmental improvements at Lake Shelbyville. Read More
Outdoor Fire and Burn Safety Reminders as Memorial Day Approaches
•May 24, 2023•
The Memorial Day holiday brings with it the excitement of summer’s start and the many outdoor celebrations that happen during warmer weather. These events and activities can also present dangers related to fires, and residents are encouraged to review fire and burn prevention tips, provided by Camp I Am Me (formerly the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance).
“This is the time of year where residents can take advantage of being outdoors, as they attend barbecues, go camping or enjoy other activities where fire or other burn dangers can be present,” said Camp I Am Me President, and Barrington Countryside Fire Protection District Chief James Kreher. “We urge everyone to be vigilant and follow basic safety tips and precautions.”
Fire and Burn Prevention Tips:
Supervise children and pets while the campfire/fire pit is burning.
Create a 3-foot “Kid-Free Zone” around the campfire/fire pit. Read More
Facts for Families: Eight Mental Health Self-care Tips for Youth
•May 24, 2023•
By Cheri Burcham, Family Life Educator
Did you know that 7 in 10 teens struggle with feelings of overwhelm, stress, anxiety, and depression? One way to help manage these difficult emotions is to practice self-care. Self-care is simply taking time to do something every day to help you relax, manage stress, and improve your mental health. The National Institute for Mental Health has the following tips to get you started with self-care:
· Get regular exercise. Just 30 minutes of walking daily can help boost your mood and improve your health. Small amounts of exercise add up, so don’t be discouraged if you can’t do 30 minutes at one time.
· Eat healthy, regular meals, and stay hydrated. A balanced diet and plenty of water can improve your energy and focus throughout the day. Also, limit caffeinated beverages such as soft drinks or coffee. Read More
Tractor Drive to Support Local Scholarship Program
•May 24, 2023•
The Shelby County Farm Bureau Foundation is putting the final touches on plans for the 2023 Tractor Drive. The Tractor Drive will be held on Saturday, June 10, rain or shine. This year the event will be leaving from the Shelby County Farm Bureau office in Shelbyville, IL. Participants will have the opportunity to share the exciting event with other antique tractor enthusiasts as they travel through a portion of Shelby County. Pre-registration is encouraged by completing a registration form. Registration forms can be obtained in the Shelby County Farm Bureau office or online at www.shelbycofb.com. Registration is free. Do-nations are appreciated and all proceeds will benefit the Shelby County Farm Bureau Foundation Scholarship program.
Refreshments, lunch, and a fun-filled experience will be provided. If you would like more information, you may contact the Shelby County Farm Bureau at (217) 774-2151. All proceeds will benefit the Shelby County Farm Bureau Foundation Scholarship Program.
Illinois Wheat Yield Contest Registration Open
•May 24, 2023•
Registration for the Illinois Wheat Association’s (IWA) 2023 Wheat Yield Contest is now open to Illinois farmers competing for the top weight/yield of wheat harvested.
This year, entrants will compete statewide for the top three yields, which must be from a 2022 commercial seed purchase. Those interested in participating in the annual contest must be members of the Illinois Wheat Association and submit their entry by June 4.
“The Wheat Yield Contest is not just a competition but a great opportunity for farmers to learn from one another and see what worked or didn’t work,” said Megan Dieken, IWA interim executive director.
A farm or operation may enter more than one entry, but each entry must have a different individual name. Participants are asked to fill out separate forms for each entry. Contest field must be at least 10 continuous acres of one variety number.
IWA defines continuous as fields that are not separated by public roads, permanent field roads, or waterways that are delineated out of FSA maps or other structures of features that cause a field to be “farmed” separately. Read More
Cancer Care Specialists of Illinois, Decatur Memorial Hospital and HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital Celebrate Cancer Survivors
•May 24, 2023•
Cancer Care Specialists of Illinois, Decatur Memorial Hospital and HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital will once again join together to celebrate local cancer survivors. National Cancer Survivors Day is an annual celebration that honors cancer survivors, whether recently diagnosed or in remission for years.
We encourage cancer survivors and caregivers to join us at Fairview Park Pavilion #1 on Sunday, June 4 from 1 to 3 p.m. for a meal provided by Notorious P.I.G. and music from Pizzazz. Read More
Make your Memorial Day Barbecue a Success
•May 24, 2023•
Summer unofficially starts with the arrival of Memorial Day at the end of May. Although it is a holiday designed to honor American military personnel who have died in various wars, it also serves double-duty as a chance to gather with friends and loved ones and enjoy the return of the warm-weather entertaining season.
Barbecues are the centerpieces of Memorial Day celebrations. It may have been awhile since the grill was fired up, so anyone can use a little refresher course in barbecue etiquette. Here are some tips for making the most of Memorial Day parties.
Ready the grill: If your grill has lain dormant for several months, it’s wise to inspect and thoroughly clean it in advance of Memorial Day. Insects like spiders may have built homes inside, and grease and grime may be lingering from last year. Ensure the grill is in top form before cooking for guests. Read More
Letter to the Editor 5-24-2023
•May 24, 2023•
Has Sullivan youth sports dropped the ball for our kids?
Dear Editor,
Summer is a time for the great American game of baseball and for years our Sullivan ball diamonds have been open to all of our youth, giving them the opportunity to play recreational (rec) baseball or softball. For the last 8 years, I have had the privilege of coaching many of these kids. I care passionately about sports, particularly youth sports and the opportunities it provides for our children to develop both physical and social skills.
Last year we had 26 girls sign up for middle school softball rec league which gave us two teams, one of which I coached. This year I received an email stating there would be no girls middle school recreational softball team for Sullivan. Knowing we had so many playing last year, I was shocked to hear this. And as someone who also signed up to coach again this year, I wrote to the Sullivan Youth Sports Board asking why. Here is, in part, the answer I received: Read More