•October 27, 2021•
Listening Tour to Bethany
State Representative Brad Halbrook invites residents in the Bethany area to meet him on November 1st at the Marrowbone Public Library to discuss state issues and concerns. Rep. Halbrook’s Fall Listening Tour brings his office to communities throughout the district to better assist those who want to discuss issues face to face with him and his staff. Read More
Category Archives: News Briefs
Illinois Department of Public Health Issues Updated COVID-19 Fall Festivities Guidance
•October 27, 2021•
As we continue through Fall and head into the holiday season, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is issuing updated guidance to help people celebrate more safely as we continue to battle COVID-19.
“Although we’re still in the pandemic, this Halloween and Fall festivities season will look a little different than last year thanks to the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines that are readily available,” said IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike. “However, we must still take precautions as not everyone is vaccinated and a vaccine for children younger than 12 year is not yet available. Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself, your friends and family, and your community, but it’s also important to use a layered approach by wearing a mask indoors and limiting/avoiding settings where physical distancing is not possible to help stop the spread of the virus.”
MASKS Read More
Sullivan Pre-School Receives ExceleRate Illinois Silver Circle of Quality Designation
•October 27, 2021•
Sullivan Pre-school received the Silver Circle of Quality designation from ExceleRate Illinois, the state’s new quality recognition and improvement system for early learning and development providers.
“Every early learning and development provider who participates in ExceleRate Illinois makes quality a priority,” said Cynthia L. Tate Ph.D., Executive Director, Governor’s Office of Early Childhood Development. “The higher the designation, the higher the program’s demonstrated quality and comprehensiveness in meeting children’s early learning needs,” she said. Read More
Create a Fall Family Fun List
•October 27, 2021•
By Cheri Burcham
Family Life Educator
Fall is my favorite time of year, so when I read this article from Extension Educator Emily Schoenfelder, I wanted to make sure and share it with you. Emily says: I don’t know about things in your neck of the woods, but here in Central Illinois, the indications of autumn are everywhere! The shorter days are marked with bright blue skies and a crisp breeze, mums adorn doorsteps, and there’s pumpkin spice everything! In case these tell-tale signs don’t ring true for you, last week also marked the Autumnal Equinox, a date when the day and night have equal timeshare and meteorologists make it official. It’s fall!
This is my favorite season, and I kicked off the festivities by digging my tall boots out of the closet, throwing an extra blanket on the bed, and spending the weekend hawking pumpkin doughnuts at a small-town harvest festival. (BTW, I think I’ve found a new calling - I can sell the heck out of fair food!) But the real reason I love fall is all the opportunities the season affords for family fun, mental well being, and a smooth transition into winter. The mild weather makes it easier to spend time outside, enjoying the physical and psychological benefits of being active, soaking up some vitamin D, and reconnecting with nature. The end of the agricultural season gives us time to enjoy the abundance, community, and gratitude that comes with a successful harvest. And the shorter days and cooler temps help us prepare our bodies and minds for what’s to come. Read More
Tips for a Healthy Halloween
•October 27, 2021•
This Halloween, HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital is recommending parents take precautions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Although trick-or-treating is mostly an outdoor activity, there is still a chance for close contact with neighbors,” said Dr. Ryan Jennings, St. Mary’s chief medical officer. “So, it is important to remember that we are still dealing with a pandemic and we need to continue to wear a facemask, wash our hands and maintain social distance.”
The Illinois Department of Health (IDPH) recommends that if you are trick-or-treating it should be outdoors and in small groups. Parents around the world have had to make adjustments for their children as the pandemic continues, but there are some fun alternatives to consider this Halloween.
A few trick-or-treating alternatives include: Read More
Remember When? 10-20-2021
25 Years Ago This Week
Zak Horn was a finalist for the national FFA award. He was also named one of ten national winners in the National FFA Agri-Entrepreneurship awards program, which recognizes FFA members who start their own agribusiness. For this award, Horn received $1,000 and the Sullivan FFA chapter received $500. He was informed that his turf-grass management project had been selected as one of the top four in the nation. Other top projects were from students who were state winners in California, Wisconsin and Missouri. Read More
Legislation Making Virtual Meetings of Public Bodies Acceptable for Any Reason Should be Defeated
•October 20, 2021•
Every city council or school board has issues large and small that impact the lives of the people it serves.
Should residents be allowed to have chickens within city limits?
Should the city-owned hospital be sold?
What programs should the school district cut to have a balanced budget?
How should students be allowed to dress in school?
Even matters that may seem trivial are important to someone. It is the duty of public officials on public bodies to give every matter serious consideration. And it is the duty of citizens to whom those matters are important to provide input. Read More
SCEF Receives Gift from Estate
•October 20, 2021•
The Sullivan Community Education Foundation provides grants for school and community needs each year. One of the ways to contribute to SCEF is through estate planning.
The SCEF wishes to acknowledge the generous gift of $86,000, from the estate of Lloyd and Helen Maurer. The Maurers’ were former Sullivan residents. Mr. Maurer was a farmer for over 40 years and a gifted golfer. Mrs. Maurer taught elementary grades at Lowe School for 25 years and retired in 1982. They were the parents of sons, Gary and Joel. After retiring, they moved to Florida.
We, as board members of the SCEF, were so appreciative of this unexpected gift! Generous donations like this one allow the foundation to continue its mission to promote and improve lifelong learning opportunities in our community and schools. For more information about the SCEF visit: http://www.SCEF.info.
Talking Out of Both Sides of Your Mouth and Other Inconsistencies
•October 20, 2021•
By Jim Baumann
NP Guest Writer
Today please enjoy a mailbag column from readers who have observed some pretty weird linguistic anomalies in recent weeks.
But first, I have a question for White Sox manager Tony La Russa, who was hot with a capital H after the Pale Hose were unceremoniously shown the door in Game 4 of the ALDS.
“The stuff there in the eighth inning leaves just a bitter taste in your mouth and in my gut,” he told reporters after the game. And seconds later: “You don’t want to come back because you got a contract. I would just leave if they don’t want you back.”
Who are you talking about, Tony? You, us, someone else?
What do you mean by “in my mouth and your gut”?
And “I would leave ... if they don’t want you back.”
Is this some sort of shared declaration of misery? Read More
Edward Jones Adds Financial Advisor
•October 20, 2021•
Edward Jones Financial Advisor George Levi recently announced that a Financial Advisor, Troy Rogers, has joined their office in Sullivan on October 11, 2021. Read More