•January 26, 2022•
Freshmen High Honors: Mitiku Appleby, Ryan Appleby, Maggie Benedict, Calahan Binion, Kendall Carnahan, Mackenzie Condill, Layla Deel, Lilian Edwards, Sara Herschberger, Caitlyn Hoots, Jewelyonna Hutchcraft, Kori Klay, Matthew Miller, Emmalee Nall, Alayna Plank, Dylan Price, Alex Rexroad, Riley Robinson, Lindsay Rohacs, Ava Sherwood, Rialynn Slaughter, Michael Stirrett, Alek Stutzman, Andrew Stutzman, Danaysha Stutzman, Jacob Tighe, Addison Yeakel.
Freshmen Honor Roll: Brook Bolsen, Mackenley Bowles, Kayla Johnson, Brett Menna, Jessica Miller, Micaela Perez, Arik Stutzman, Skyler Vorck. Read More
Category Archives: News Briefs
Heating Equipment and Carbon Monoxide Safety
•January 26, 2022•
Cold winter winds continue to bring a chill to the state meaning many Illinoisans will be turning up their thermostats to stay warm for the rest of the winter season. This also brings an increased risk for home fires and carbon monoxide incidents. Unlike smoke, carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas only detectable by special devices and CO alarms. The Office of the State Fire Marshal encourages residents to have their furnaces checked, change furnace filters and to make sure carbon monoxide (CO) and smoke detectors are functioning properly. Read More
2022 Illinois Tax Filing Season Began Jan. 24
•January 26, 2022•
The Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) began accepting 2021 state individual income tax returns on Monday, January 24, 2022, the same date that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) began accepting federal individual income tax returns.
“We encourage taxpayers to file their taxes electronically and choose direct deposit, as early as possible in the tax season, to ensure the fastest processing and issuance of any refunds,” said IDOR Director David Harris. “Taxpayers may file their electronic returns for free with MyTax Illinois, our free online account management program. Electronic filing is also available through third party software or with most tax preparers.” Read More
Millikin University to host Panel Discussion on Human Trafficking Education
•January 26, 2022•
The Human Trafficking Research Lab at Millikin University is partnering with the Set Free Movement-Macon County to host the 5th annual panel discussion for Human Trafficking Awareness Month entitled “Human Trafficking Education.”
The panel discussion will be held on Monday, Jan. 31, 2022, at 6 p.m. in the Bob and Debi Johnston Banquet Room located on the 3rd floor of the University Commons on Millikin University’s campus. The event is free and open to the public. Read More
Facts for Families: Foods for Better Health
•January 26, 2022•
By Cheri Burcham
Family Life Educator
Happy New Year! I thought it might be good to kick off the year with an article about healthy eating since so many resolutions are related to that topic. This article is from Extension Educator Kristin Bogdonas and explains why eating certain colored foods are good for us. Kristin says:
The function of Anthocyanins in Plants:
· Colored pigments in plants are produced to protect them from pathogens, predators, and climate conditions.
· They attract pollinators and act as antifeedants (adversely affects insects when eaten) and phytoalexins (inhibit the growth of parasites).
· Contribute to the plants’ sensory characteristics, color, and nutritional value.
· Natural colorants used in the food industry. Read More
Remember When? 1-26-2022
25 Years Ago This Week
Sullivan native and swimming champion Seth Dunscomb passed away after collapsing at swimming practice. He was 21. He was attending the University of Kansas and was the co-captain of the Kansas men’s swimming and diving teams. Read More
Hydro-Gear Extends Thank You
•January 19, 2022•
On December 10, 2021, what is now known as The Quad-State Tornado event heavily impacted western Kentucky affecting many people and businesses –including team members of the Hydro-Gear facility in Princeton. Among those, 17 employees lost their home and all belongings with numerous others impacted to varying degrees.
In an effort to support our families, Hydro-Gear quickly reached out to ensure immediate needs were being met and then established the Hydro-Gear Employee Quad-State Tornado Response Committee to coordinate ongoing support activities. The timing of these losses being so close to the holidays made them especially troubling, yet the outpouring of support has been truly remarkable. Read More
Illinois Department of Public Health Adopts CDC Recommendations for Booster Doses for Ages 12-15
•January 19, 2022•
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is adopting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendation for those aged 12-15 years to get a booster dose five months after receiving the second dose of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.
“We know that COVID-19 vaccine booster doses can help provide ongoing protection against the Omicron variant,” said IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike. “Following the CDC’s recommendation, booster doses are encouraged for those aged 12-15 years who received their second dose of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine five months ago.” Read More
IEMA, American Lung Association Encourages Home Radon Testing
•January 19, 2022•
The Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) is urging residents to take time in the coming weeks to test their home for radon as part of Radon Action Month. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. Radon related health risks are preventable with a simple home detection test.
Radon comes from the natural breakdown of uranium and radium in the soil.This odorless, colorless, tasteless gas is found in the air that we breathe in buildings, homes, offices and if not properly mitigated can reach drastically high levels causing major health concerns. It’s estimated more than 1,100 people in Illinois develop radon-related lung cancer each year. Read More
Snowmobilers Urged to be Safe on the Trails this Season
•January 19, 2022•
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) reminds snowmobile operators and riders to focus on safety this winter when snowfall allows for snowmobile riding. International Snowmobile Safety Week is Jan. 15-23 this year.
“It’s important that snowmobile operators carefully review their safety checklist before hitting the trails this winter,” said Jeff Hopkins, IDNR Safety Education Administrator. “Accidents are often preventable if snowmobile drivers and riders take reasonable and proper precautions.”
Basic safety tips for safe snowmobiling include:
Never consume alcohol or drugs before or during a ride. Read More