•September 29, 2021•
By Capitol News Illinois

Despite opposition from Republicans as well as reform groups, Gov. JB Pritzker on Friday signed into law the revised state legislative district maps that lawmakers passed in August, opening the door to almost certain court challenges.
“These legislative maps align with the landmark Voting Rights Act and will help ensure Illinois’ diversity is reflected in the halls of government,” Pritzker said in a statement.
But not everyone agrees that the maps do reflect the state’s diversity. The political action arm of the reform group CHANGE Illinois issued a statement arguing that they actually dilute minority voting power. Read More

•September 29, 2021•
Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White awarded over $5.6 million in Adult Literacy Grants to help students develop and enhance their reading, math, writing and English-language skills.
Libraries in our area who were awarded grants are: Arthur Public Library District, $8,283.60; Marrowbone Public Library District, $3,877.78; Lovington Public Library District, $2,718.43; Elizabeth Titus Memorial Library, $6,549.00; Windsor Storm Memorial Public Library District, $2,174.15. Read More

Senior Peace Meal
For reservations, please call 1-800-543-1770

Oct. 4 - Sausage in Gravy, Hash Rounds, Orange Juice, Sautéed Mushrooms, Onions & Bell Pepper, Biscuit
Oct. 5 - Fried Chicken, Mashed Potatoes w/Brown Gravy, Italian Green Beans, Cranberry Salad, Whole Grain Wheat
Oct. 6 - Beef Tortellini, Peas, Carrots, Tropical fruit Salad, Bread
Oct. 7 - Country Fried Steak, Mashed Potatoes w/White Gravy, Nantucket Vegetables, Apricots, Whole Grain Wheat
Oct. 8 - Goulash, Seasoned Greens, Pineapple Chunks, Whole Grain Dinner Roll

Photo furnished
Sullivan Ambucs members Tony Feeler and Bob Waelde work at the Habitat home site recently. A group of Ambucs members helped to deck the roof that day.

•September 22, 2021•
The Sullivan AMBUCS partnered with the Moultrie County Habitat for Humanity on September 9 to put the roof on the newest Habitat build. According to Bob Gillespie, the club suggested that Habitat find a day where they could come out and help build the home. The prefaced their offer by saying they would be willing to do any job no matter how hard, dirty or crummy. “Given the advancing ages of out Care-a-vanner builders who are all retired couples/individuals we don’t have many volunteers who are able to work at heights such as on a roof,” he said. Read More

•September 22, 2021•
By Jim Baumann
NP Guest Writer

Tired of my blathering?
Well, you’re in luck.
My mailbag is in serious need of a fall purging, so here are some quick hits as short and sweet as anything you’ll find in the back of the TV Guide:

Pled
Susan Biskner wrote to me: “When I said he ‘pled guilty’ during a conversation with a friend, she replied, ‘I am so glad you didn’t use the word “pleaded.” I think “pleaded” is used too much when speaking of guilt or innocence.’ I had to agree. What do you think?”
I probably spent as much time punctuating Susan’s quote within a quote within a quote as I spent on coming up with a response.
The good old (new) Associated Press Stylebook urges us to use plead/pleaded/pleading and not to use the colloquial past tense form “pled.” Read More