•January 12, 2022•
The pristine, white backdrop of a snowy winter day can be a wonder to behold. While fresh snow on the ground can make for awe-inspiring landscapes, the absence of greenery amid the starkness of winter poses challenges for animals that do not ride out winter in a state of hibernation.
Several bird species stay in colder climates over the winter. Red-winged crossbills, snow buntings, bohemian waxwings, evening grosbeaks, and cardinals are just some of the birds one may find while gazing outside on a chilly winter’s day. Birding in the winter can be a rewarding hobby because, despite the chilly conditions, birds tend to be easy to find in bare trees. Furthermore, the colder temperatures may keep many people inside, meaning neighborhoods, trails and parks can be very quiet, making it easier for those who brave the cold to see birds. Read More
Category Archives: News Briefs
Navigate Around these Four Winter Hazards
•January 12, 2022•
Fresh snowfall can bring a hush over any landscape and, temporarily at least, create a perfect picture scene. As idyllic as such landscapes can be, snow-covered sledding hills can pose various threats to outdoor lovers’ health and safety.
Frostbite
Frostbite occurs when the soft tissues of the body start to freeze. It most commonly affects the fingers, toes and nose. The Cleveland Clinic says single-digit Fahrenheit temperatures are cold enough to cause frostbite. Frostbite affects skin cells and tissues and can cause severe damage. Frostbitten skin turns black as cells die from freezing. Numbness and a painful feeling of “pins and needles” occurs in areas that are exposed to the cold or cold water for too long. Dressing appropriately for weather, limiting time spent outdoors in very cold temperatures and maintaining strong blood flow can reduce risk for frostbite. Read More
Efforts Add 64,000 Pounds of Fresh Produce to Central Illinois Tables
•January 12, 2022•
The goal was 1,000 pounds of produce; instead, the first year of Extension’s Partners in Produce project tipped the scales at over 25,000 pounds. With the enthusiastic support of the growers and buyers at the Arthur Produce Auction, University of Illinois Extension has provided more than 116,000 pounds of fresh produce to central Illinois food pantries in three years.
In early 2019, MaryBeth Massey, Illinois Extension program coordinator for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education, wanted to address food insecurity in her community. She was familiar with the Arthur Produce Auction and curious if a partnership, now called Partners in Produce, could start between Extension and the auction to provide excess produce to families in need. The auction is operated by the local Amish community and managed by Sheldon Raber. Read More
Menu 1-12-2022
Senior Peace Meal
For additional information or for reservations, please call 1-800-543-1770
Jan. 10 - Baked Spaghetti
Broccoli, Corn, Tossed Salad w/Dressing Pkt., Bread or Roll
Jan. 11 - Roast Beef with Brown Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, Seasoned Greens, Clementine, Whole Grain Roll
Jan. 12 - Mushroom Crusted Chicken, Au Gratin Potatoes, Capri Vegetables, Pineapple, Whole Grain Bread
Jan. 13 - Cheeseburger Soup, Pickled Beets, Broccoli Salad, Peaches, Roll
Jan. 14 - Salmon Burger w/condiment, Baked Beans, Brussels Sprouts, Apricots, Bun
Millikin University to Host Campus Visit Day January 17
•January 12, 2022•
Millikin University will host a campus visit day for prospective students on Monday, Jan. 17, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Campus visit days at Millikin University provide students with the road map they need to plan their college journey. During a visit to Millikin University, students will:
Learn about Millikin’s 50-plus academic programs and the career success of alumni. Read More
Lawmakers Approve Clarifications to Reform
•January 12, 2022•
By Capital News Illinois
Illinois lawmakers passed a bill clarifying issues around the massive criminal justice reform bill that passed with the support of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus last year.
On a 67-42 vote, the House voted Wednesday, Jan. 6, to accept a senate amendment to House Bill 3512, clarifying issues relating to pretrial services, detainee phone calls and moving back effective dates in the police decertification system and body camera footage labeling.
Rep. Justin Slaughter, D-Chicago, the lead House sponsor of the bill, said it’s intended to help facilitate the implementation of the Safety, Accountability, Fairness and Equity-Today, or SAFE-T Act that was passed in January 2021.
During the debate, Republicans voiced their frustrations regarding language used for detainee phone calls and pretrial services.
The bill outlines that when someone is detained, law enforcement must allow them to make up to three phone calls within three hours of being detained. If the individual is moved from one detention center to the next, the three phone calls and three hours will restart.
But House Minority Leader Jim Durkin, R-Western Springs, argued that the bill did not provide enough clarification between the words “police custody” and “detention”.
“Police custody means that they’re not free to leave. That means that they’re sitting in a squad car and under the way you’ve drafted your bill, that means that the police have to give that person three phone calls,” Durkin said. Read More
Funding is Available in the WIOA Young Adult Services Program
•January 12, 2022•
Local Workforce Innovation Area 23 would like to announce that a considerable amount of funding is still available in the WIOA Young Adult Services Program. If you are a young adult aged 16-24 and looking for supportive services including tuition assistance and/or paid work experience or you are a business who would be interested in serving as a youth employment site please contact us today.
WIOA Young Adult
Services
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) provides a Youth Training and Education Program that offers the following services:
· Paid work experience!! Read More
Illinois Department of Public Health Announces COVID-19 Antivirals Available in the Coming Weeks
•January 12, 2022•
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is announcing two new COVID-19 oral antivirals, Paxlovid (Pfizer) and Molnupiravir (Merck), will be available in Illinois later this month. The antivirals are for those with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 who are at high risk for becoming severely ill, including hospitalization or death. Both antivirals will be available by prescription only and should be taken as soon as possible after being diagnosed and within five days of the beginning of symptoms. Paxlovid is expected to reduce the risk of hospitalizations by 89% and Molnupiravir by about 30%. Molnupiravir is meant for use when other treatment options are not available. Read More
Facts for Families: Helping Children Cope with Disasters
•January 12, 2022•
By Cheri Burcham
Family Life Educator
Natural disasters, such as the recent tornados, wildfires, and floods along with other traumatic events like mass shootings and even the pandemic can be devastating for everyone. For children, just watching the news and listening to parents talk can make life’s events seem like they are out of control. This would be magnified for children who experienced direct loss and may need help understanding what happened to their world. Most children look to adults for guidance and understanding on how to react and deal with life’s events.
Common reactions of children experiencing stress may include new fears, clinginess, refusal to go to school or other places where they would be separated from familiar adults, regression or withdrawal into depression, or acting out behaviors. How can children be helped through disaster experiences? The National Association of School Psychologists reminds all parents and teachers to:
· Limit your child’s viewing of these events. If they must watch, watch with them for a brief time; then turn off the screen. Don’t sit mesmerized re-watching the same events over and over again. Read More
Mobile Food Pantry in Windsor
•January 12, 2022•
The University of Illinois Extension, in cooperating partnership with Decatur Catholic Charities and Windsor School District, will have a mobile food pantry on Wednesday, February 16, 2022 from 4 to 5 pm at Windsor Grade School. Line up not allowed before 3:30 pm. A mobile food pantry delivers a 2 week supply of food per family in rural communities. Any individual or family that does not have a steady food supply qualifies to receive food. No financial information is required. This distribution is open to all, not only residents of Windsor. Sign up by February 9 between the hours of 8 am-Noon and 1 pm to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday by calling 217-774-9546. Once your form is completed by phone, you will be given a number to bring with you on the day of distribution. If you lose your number, you need to bring identification. The food will be distributed according to your household size on February 16 from 4 pm to 5 pm at the Windsor Grade School Cafeteria.