•January 11, 2023•
Hunters still have time to donate to the program, as the 2022-2023 hunting season comes to an end on January 15! If you’re a shotgun or muzzleloader hunter in Clay, Coles, Crawford, Effingham, and Shelby counties and still have an extra tag to fill, take advantage of the late-winter season January 13-15, 2023.
Remember, hunters do not have to pay the processing fee for donated deer taken to the 6 partnering meat processors. Read More
Category Archives: News Briefs
How to Prepare for Winter Storms
•January 11, 2023•
Winter arrives with fanfare as Christmas, Chanukah and New Year’s Eve all take place within days of the first day of the season. Parties and shopping may distract people from the weather around them, but after resolutions are made and the decorations are packed away, it’s not long before it’s time to confront winter’s wrath.
Storms are commonplace in January and February in many parts of the world, and even March storms are not unheard of. Knowing how to prepare for storms can keep people safer and prevent home damage. If a storm is forecasted, follow these guidelines.
• Charge a mobile phone and other electronic devices to full battery in advance of the storm in case power goes out.
• Stock the home with extra batteries for flashlights and battery-powered devices, such as a portable radio. Read More
A Homeowners’ Guide to Ice Dams
•January 11, 2023•
Cold weather contributes to many different conditions that can affect homes.When winds are blowing fiercely, homeowners may soon discover deficits in insulation or in caulking around windows and doors. Icy conditions can cause walkways and stairs to become slick.
One winter condition can cause extensive headaches and damage and could be a mystery to many homeowners. Ice dams occur when warm air in the attic heats up the roof and melts accumulated snow. Water from this melt runs down the roof and refreezes when it reaches the colder roof edge. A mound of ice forms at the lower edge of the roofline as a result. Read More
Dos and Don’ts of Healthy Weight Loss
•January 11, 2023•
Maintaining a healthy weight promotes long-term health. Being overweight or obese are risk factors for various conditions, including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The World Health Organization reports that the worldwide obesity rate has tripled since 1975. In 2016, more than 1.9 billion adults were overweight. Of these, more than 650 million were obese.
Health issues related to obesity are largely preventable. Losing weight in a healthy manner is essential for safe and lasting results. Individuals aspiring to lose weight can follow these guidelines on what to do and what not to do. Read More
Illinois National Guard to Celebrate 300th Year in 2023
•January 11, 2023•
On May 9, 1723 in the small village of Kaskaskia, Diron d’ Artaguiette, the Inspector of Troops for the French Commandant, drilled the first militia in the Illinois Country.
What is today known as the Illinois National Guard arose from this humble beginning. Then, as now, the Illinois National Guard was part of the community and drew its strength from the community. The National Guard is the oldest component of the U.S. military and the only military component with both state and federal missions.
The Illinois National Guard will celebrate its 300th year by commemorating significant dates in its history with communities across the state that share that history. Read More
Learn to Preserve Food Safely with Illinois Extension
•January 11, 2023•
Home gardening and food preservation have become more popular during the past few years. People are taking advantage of preserving food at home to enjoy the fruits of their labor throughout the year. Learn how to water-bath and pressure can with University of Illinois Extension’s afternoon class sponsored by the Arthur Public Library District. Read More
Facts for Families: The Great Kindness Challenge
•January 11, 2023•
By Cheri Burcham
Family Life Educator
I was digging in the archives and found this article that was originally published back in 2017. It was written by Extension Educator (now Assistant Director) Durriyyah Bryant (Kemp). I feel it has timeless information that can be especially good to read at the beginning of a new year. Read More
Jesse White Announces Organ/Tissue Donor Registry Hits 7.5 Million Registrants
•January 11, 2023•
Secretary of State Jesse White announced today that the state’s organ/tissue donor registry reached 7.5 million registrants.
“I am so proud that Illinoisans have shown their giving and caring spirit by signing up for this lifesaving program,” said White. “Our mission over the past 24 years has been to strengthen the Organ/Tissue Donor Program through outreach and registration initiatives. We have worked to end the waiting for the approximately 4,000 people statewide. Each year, unfortunately, about 300 people die waiting for a transplant in Illinois.” Read More
Letter to the Editor 1-11-2023
Dear Editor,
Kyle Lehman’s recent passing has reminded us of some important points of his career, many of which revolved around the IGA. Given the role the store has played in our community, establishing an IGA scholarship funded by memorials to Kyle is especially appropriate. Read More
Red Cross Volunteers Assist 20 People Affected by Home Fires in Past Week
•January 11, 2023•
American Red Cross volunteers in the Quad Cities and West Central Illinois chapter responded to eight home fires in Carterville, Casey, Luka, Mattoon, Meredosia, Springfield and Witt in the past week and provided assistance to 20 individuals, through supplying them with basic items to meet immediate needs after a fire, and additional support in the form of health and mental health services and one-on-one support. Read More