•July 28, 2021•
On July 9, the State of Illinois adopted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) updated guidance regarding COVID-19 prevention in K-12 schools for all public and nonpublic schools in Illinois. The updated federal guidance is currently in effect. Read More

•July 28, 2021•
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Lake Shelbyville will be conducting dove hunts on Wednesday, September 1, 2021 at Whitley Creek and South Sand Creek Dove Fields. On September 1, two hunts will take place at each field, one in the morning (7:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.) and one in the afternoon (2 p.m. - 7 p.m.). Typically, both fields would require a permit to hunt opening day. However, due to excessive deer browsing on the flowers, a free public drawing will take place prior to each hunt at Whitley Creek. Flowers are better than expected. Hunters should arrive at Whitley Creek forty-five minutes before the start of the morning or afternoon hunt. All participants will only be able to hunt once on September 1, 2021. A permit is required to participate in the hunt at South Sand Creek. Permit applications can be picked up at the Lake Shelbyville Project Office Monday through Friday 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. or obtained online at https://www.mvs.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/Lake-Shelbyville/Recreation/Hunting/. Applicants will be able to indicate their preference for the hunt (a.m., p.m., or either). Permit applications must be received at the Lake Shelbyville Project Office no later than 8 a.m. on August 16, 2021. A $30.00 permit issuance fee will be assessed per blind (good for two hunters), payable at the time of application. One permit will allow two hunters the use of a designated hunting blind. The public drawing for permits will take place on August 16, 2021 at 9 a.m. at the Lake Shelbyville Project Office. Applicants do not have to be present for the drawing; successful applicants will be notified by phone no later than August 17th. Hunting blinds for both hunts will be drawn at the field before each hunt on September 1, 2021. Read More

•July 21, 2021•
By Jim Baumann
NP Guest Writer

So, I left the stove burner on the other day while engrossed in a novel over lunch.
As I was cleaning up the dishes, I caught a whiff of natural gas — and quickly snapped it off.
“Boy, I’m glad that was you,” my wife said, relieved that it was I — not she — who nearly blew us up.
“It couldn’t have been me, because I’m much more perfect,” she added.
Such is the dynamic in my house.
This, of course, launched a discussion about whether one can be “more perfect,” idiom notwithstanding. “Or slightly pregnant.”
I’m sure you’ve heard someone — whether that someone is you or another person — remark, “That’s even more perfect.” Read More

•July 21, 2021•
Local farmer Michael Reedy recently directed a $2,500 Bayer Fund America’s Farmers Grow Communities donation to Okaw Valley High School FFA.
Since 2010, the America’s Farmers programs have awarded more than $59 million to community nonprofits, aspiring ag students and public schools across rural America. Farmers are leaders in their communities, which is why America’s Farmers programs rely on them to help identify the most worthy causes. Read More

•July 21, 2021•

The Sullivan Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development have announced plans for this year’s Elf Hunt. Ways that a person can participate include sponsoring an elf sign, which can be done by businesses and individuals this year. When you receive your sign, you hang it in your business window or place outside where it’s easy to see and safe for people to take a photo with it. Organizations or businesses that don’t have a place to display an elf sign can ask about having their sign placed by the SCED office. Members without a physical location to diplay will be displayed in a public location. Every photo posted to the SCED Facebook page of a person, pet or family in front of a sponsors Elf sign is an entry into the contest to win prizes. More elf sightings equals more prizes. If you would like to sponsor an Elf Hunt sign for $20 please contact the SCED by September 30.