Category Archives: News Briefs

You Can Fool Some of the People Some of the Time

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•April 19, 2023•
By Jim Baumann
NP Guest Writer

Judging by the first response I received after last weekend’s column in which I went up against the ChatGPT artificial intelligence human interface, the next assignment I considered giving ChatGPT was to “write a letter of resignation admitting I am of less use than a 1970s-era Texas Instruments calculator.”
David Borck, who has been reading my column from its infancy, wrote: “Seems that YOU are Example A, but truthfully, it is hard to tell.”
Of the two “humorous” column items about gerunds, I wrote Example B (in 5 minutes) while ChatGPT “compiled” its column items in 40 seconds.
But given that 23 of the 28 people who responded guessed correctly, I “tore up” that letter of resignation even before I could ask ChatGPT to “write” it for me.
“The jokes weren’t funny in Example A,” wrote Sun Knisely. Read More

Remember When? 4-19-2023

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25 Years Ago This Week

Derek Elder of Sullivan became the first Eagle Scout in Illinois elected governor during the Eagle Scout Citizenship Day program in Springfield. Elder, a member of Sullivan Troop 39, was one of three Eagle Scouts chosen to represent the Lincoln Trails Council, Boy Scouts of America at the annual event. As a result of his election as governor, he followed Gov. Jim Edgar through his daily routine.
A one pound, 13 ounce red beefsteak mushroom had been found in Moultrie County by Lulu Belle Morris of Sullivan. Read More

Sullivan Schools Hold Art Show at High School Commons

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Photo by Crystal Reed
Art Show attendees view creations during Sullivan Schools Art Show held on Wednesday, April 5 in the high school commons.

•April 12, 2023•
An art show was held on Wednesday, April 5 in the Sullivan High School commons. Art displayed during the show was created by Middle School and High School students. Middle School: 1st Place Rhesa Isaacs, 2nd Place Lorelei Parker, 3rd Place Karson

Robinson. Read More

Caps to Benches Service Project

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Caps to Benches Service Project
Moultrie County Shining Stars 4-H Club has completed their Caps to Benches Service Project. Two benches were donated to the Moultrie-Sullivan Fair as the result of this project that started approximately 3 years ago. Sarina Voegel coordinated the project as our club’s Community Service Chairperson. The club would like to thank everyone who donated caps and/or was a collection site for the club and also the funding sponsors: Dale & Suzy Crawford, Darrell & Connie Meese and Nick & Ginger Voegel. 450 lbs of ‘good’ caps were required in order for them to purchase 1-6’ and 1-8’ bench.

Lake Shelbyville has New Message Board

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Lake Shelbyville has New Message Board
Nothing is more important than communication. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Lake Shelbyville recently announced the completion of their new electronic message board. The Lake Shelbyville Project Office partnered up with the Friends of Lake Shelbyville to purchase the sign. The new sign will replace the lake’s current outdated sign. Lake Shelbyville loves their new sign and is excited to get creative with their messages. Next time you’re driving past the lake on Rt. 16 check out the new sign.

McClure Takes Part in New Defensive Training with DCFS Employees

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•April 12, 2023•
Frontline Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) employees are now able to take training to safely and effectively use pepper spray in emergency situations, with the goal of being better able to protect themselves in the field. The training also includes instruction on situational awareness. The new program was created by legislation filed by State Senator Steve McClure (R-Springfield).
“Frontline DCFS employees need to be able to stay safe while they work to protect vulnerable children and families,” said Senator McClure. “I hope this program gives them vital tools and information that they can use to help protect themselves.” Read More

University of Illinois Extension Program Held

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Caitlin Mellendorf of the University of Illinois Extension presented a program on dehydrating, freezing and fermenting foods for safe storage at Arthur Public Library on Saturday, April 1.

•April 12, 2023•
On April 1 Caitlin Mellendorf provided a packed room with techniques for dehydrating, freezing and fermenting foods for safe storage.
“Drying or dehydrating food involves removing its water content to a point where the food is preserved for a longer time than if left fresh. Dehydrated foods can be done by drying in an oven at 140 degree F. Higher than that they will cook. Dried fruits should reach 20% moisture and be pliable, but not sticky. Dried Vegetables will be brittle or crisp, with a moisture level of 10%. You may use an electric food dehydrator, oven, sun, solar or air drying method. Air drying works for peppers and herbs. If the dehydration takes place outside you do need to put it in the oven afterwards for pasteurization to destroy insects or eggs that might be present.” Read More

Sullivan High School Students Conduct Research at Booth Library

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Sullivan High School Students Conduct Research at Booth Library
Students from Sullivan High School visited Booth Library on the campus of Eastern Illinois University on April 3.
Students in the AP English Class were given a tour of the library, followed by research instruction. Librarian Kirstin Duffin gave the tour and helped them research their individual topics.
For more information on Both Library, visit the website, www.library.eiu.edu; call 581-6072; or find the library on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
Pictured from left to right are Lane Richardson, Liz Owens, Madalyn Booker, Cassidy Short, Paul Bates, Will Dawkins, Ethan Schmohe, Kenzie Pedigo, Sydni Waidelich, Kaylee Ogle, Aubrey Tate and Natalee Hunter.

What to do When Parents are Poor Sports

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•April 12, 2023•
Heated debates with referees and trash-talking players is something one may expect when watching professional sports. But such behavior is not expected of parents on the sidelines of youth sporting events. However, unruly parents are on display with increasing frequency at various youth sporting events.
According to a 2017 survey by the National Association of Sports Officials, adult behavior is the reason more than 75 percent of all high school referees quit. About 80 percent of new officials stop after two years on the job. This has led to a shortage of officials across the youth sports landscape. Read More