•March 22, 2023•
Western Governors University (WGU) today announced the return of its “Fund My Classroom” initiative, issuing a call for K-12 teachers across the state to nominate their proposed classroom projects for the opportunity to receive full or partial funding. The fully online, nonprofit university is pledging up to $100,000 in grant money across four states for K-12 teachers who have innovative ideas that will further engage their students but need funding to help bring these ideas to life. Teachers can submit their proposed projects online at wgu.edu/fundmyclassroom through April 14. Selected classroom projects will be announced during Teacher Appreciation Week, which runs May 8-12. Read More
Category Archives: News Briefs
Lake Land College to host Commencement Ceremony
•March 22, 2023•
Lake Land College will celebrate with graduates during a Commencement ceremony on Friday, May 12, 2023 at 6 p.m. in the Field House.
“We are thrilled to celebrate with our graduates and recognize their many accomplishments at this year’s Commencement Ceremony,” Lake Land College President Josh Bullock said. Read More
Tax Cuts on the Table if State Revenues Continue to Exceed Expectations
•March 22, 2023•
By Jerry Nowicki
Capitol News Illinois
jnowicki @ capitolnewsillinois.com
With two months to go before the legislature adjourns and current-year revenues continuing to smash expectations, Gov. JB Pritzker said he and legislative leaders are considering tax cuts.
His comments came one week after the legislature’s nonpartisan Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability, or COGFA, increased its revenue estimates by about $1 billion for the current and upcoming budget years combined.
“I would like to see – as we feel comfortable with these new revenues coming in and their stability; and I think we’re seeing a few years in a row now of the stability of that revenue – that we should be talking about whether there are tax cuts that we can implement,” he said at an unrelated news conference at a Springfield community college. Read More
Green Creek Drone Company Offers Leading Technology in Agriculture
•March 22, 2023•
The Equity and WebAir LLC are partnering in a new business. Green Creek Drone Company is focused on making cutting edge drone sprayer technology available to corn, soybean, and wheat producers across the Midwest. This technology allows producers to “Take Control” of aerial applications made to their crops. Green Creek Drone Company will also be working closely with The Equity’s Agronomy Department providing custom application of fungicides in select areas through the first growing season. Tony Weber who has years of experience with drone applications will be leading the team as General Manager. Read More
IL State Fire Marshal Awards $1.5 Million in Grants
•March 22, 2023•
The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM) has announced the recipients of the 2023 Small Equipment Grant Program. A total of $1.5 million was awarded to 64 fire departments/districts and EMS providers across the state. The program was established to provide grants of up to $26,000 each for the purchase of small firefighting and ambulance equipment.
Lovington Community Ambulance is a recipient of a grant in the amount of $26,000.
This program is an innovative approach to a problem that has long caused difficulties for fire departments and not-for profit ambulance services in Illinois, particularly those that have hardships in generating the necessary revenue for small equipment. The purpose is to allow eligible applicants the opportunity to purchase small equipment that they may otherwise not be able to purchase. The OSFM received 296 applications, requesting around $4.5 million in funding for this grant period. Read More
“Safeguarding Tomorrow” Low-Interest Loans Available to Illinois Communities
•March 22, 2023•
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has announced the formation of the new Safeguarding Tomorrow Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) Program to help with hazardous mitigation projects at the local level. While funding for this program has not yet been authorized for Illinois, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) needs to document program interest among our communities in order to be considered for the grant. Read More
Moultrie County Republicans Lincoln Day Dinner
Photo by Crystal Reed
Moultrie County Republicans Lincoln Day Dinner
The Moultrie County Republicans held their Lincoln Day Dinner on Saturday, March 18 at the Sullivan American Legion. The event included a live auction, 50/50, gun raffle, dinner and speakers. This year’s keynote speaker was Darren Bailey (pictured above). Other speakers included Shane Bouvet and Congresswoman Mary Miller.
Home Food Preservation Doesn’t Need to be Difficult; Learn how to Safely Preserve
•March 22, 2023•
There is a common belief that food preservation is difficult. However, with the right equipment and proper education, anyone can enjoy garden fresh foods all year long by preserving at home. Join University of Illinois Extension at the Arthur Public Library for a two-hour Saturday workshop to unlock the mystery of food preservation. Read More
March is National Ladder Safety Month
•March 22, 2023•
The Illinois Department of Labor’s (IDOL) Division of Occupational Health and Safety (IL OSHA) and On-Site Consultation Program are highlighting 2023 National Ladder Safety Month to promote the safe use of ladders and the opportunity to be certified in ladder safety training. Read More
Better Sleep Boosts Overall Health
•March 15, 2023•
The National Sleep Foundation, which launched Sleep Awareness Week in 1998, says 45% of Americans report poor or insufficient sleep negatively affects their daily lives.
Sleep Awareness Week, March 12-18, highlights the importance of good sleep. With everyone moving their clocks ahead one hour on Sunday, March 12 with the start of Daylight Savings Time, sleep schedules may be affected. Read More