•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

•October 20, 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.” Read More

•October 20, 2021•
The Moweaqua Muddy Water Rendezvous will be October 16 and 17. Saturday hours are 10 am to dark and Sunday hours are 10 am to 2 pm. Take a step back in time and re-live the past with the Prairieland Frontiersmen Club at their annual fall rendezvous. This year’s events include: tomahawk throwing, long bow shooting, black powder gun demonstration, blacksmithing, wood working, rug weaving, new working sawmill, candy canon. Saturday’s meal will be ham and bean dinner or vegetable soup with cornbread. Sunday’s meal will be chili. Hot dogs and sloppy joes will be provided both days. All prepared over an open fire. There will also be water. Directions: Proceed west at the four way stop sign in downtown Moweaqua. Follow the signs to the Moweaqua Golf Course then continue 1 1/2 miles west. There will be a sign on the right side of the road, turn in and follow drive back to parking. Muddy Waters Rendezvous is part of the Prairieland Frontiersmen Club located in Sullivan. For more information contact Tom Addison at 217-827-3124 or Bill Adams at 217-820-7869.

Photo furnished
Erick, a consumer of the Moultrie County Beacon, helps a customer at Buxton’s Garden Farm and Flower Shop.

•October 20, 2021•
Happy Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) Recognized each October, NDEAM is a time to celebrate the contributions of workers with disabilities as well as provide education and promote diversity, equity and inclusion through awareness raising and action.
Our own Moultrie County Beacon is doing what they can to “raise awareness” right here in Sullivan. “And we are taking ‘action’ by actively helping our friends (most of whom currently work at the Beacon) find employment in the community”, said Stan Parks, Job coach at the Beacon. Read More

•October 20, 2021•
Lake Land College recently introduced a medical assistant completion program for those who have a Certified Medical Assistant certificate from somewhere other than Lake Land College and would like to earn an associate degree as a medical assistant.
“This is a great opportunity for people already working in this field to advance their careers,” Medical Assistant Program Instructor and Director of the Medical Assistant Program Molly Yeske said. Read More