•March 24, 2021•
With 64 percent of the state’s seniors having received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine as of Monday, March 22, Illinois is nearing the “bridge” phase of reopening that will allow for greater capacity limits at businesses and social gatherings.
That number must hit 70 percent to enter the bridge phase, which would trigger another 28-day monitoring period. If virus transmission and hospitalization metrics don’t worsen during the monitoring period, Phase 5 can begin, removing all capacity restrictions.
The vaccination rate for seniors age 65 and older is up from 58 percent on Thursday, when Gov. JB Pritzker first announced the bridge phase. Read More
Category Archives: News Briefs
Millikin University Plans Return To In-Person Instruction
•March 24, 2021•
Millikin University has announced plans to return to an in-person academic experience for the fall 2021 semester allowing students, faculty and staff to take full advantage of the university’s on-campus Performance Learning model. Additionally, residence halls will return to standard double-occupancy assignments and campus dining will continue to offer in-person dining and spaced seating.
During this transition, the continued safety and well-being of the campus community is Millikin University’s top priority. The university will continue to adhere to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as well as state and county COVID-19 health guidelines. Read More
Me Oh My, I Screwed Up Again On A Gerund Phrase
•March 24, 2021•
By Jim Baumann
NP Guest Writer
Shortly before Thanksgiving, reader Lloyd Thomas sent me a question:
“I am a bit confused in my 85-year-old brain about one short paragraph (in Grammar Moses) in Sunday’s paper: ‘Stan took a swipe at me for me having explained our policy ...’ The use of the second ‘me’ is a bit clumsy, I think, and/or awkward. In fact, the second ‘me’ could be left out of the sentence altogether. Would it be wrong to say that what is wrong is a failure to use a possessive with a gerund?“
Dearest Lloyd,
I apologize humbly for returning your email well past its expiration date. Read More
Menu 3-24-2021
Senior Peace Meal
For additional information or for reservations, please call 1-800-543-1770
March 29 - BBQ Pork Sandwich, Mini Potato Bakers, Mixed Vegetables, Bun, Fruit Juice
March 30 - Chicken Broccoli Rice, Bake, Corn, Whole Grain Wheat, Warm Fruit Combo
March 31 - CHEF’S CHOICE. REGIONAL FAVORITES WILL BE SERVED
April 1 - Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes w/Gravy, Midori Blend Veggies, Whole Grain Wheat, Sunshine Salad
April 2 - CLOSED FOR GOOD FRIDAY HOLIDAY
Master Gardeners to Host workshop in Charleston
•March 17, 2021•
Submitted by Jenny Lee
Master Gardener/Master Naturalist Coordinator, U of I Extension Coles County
Do you have limited space but would like to grow potatoes? Looking for an easier way to harvest potatoes? Growing potatoes in containers is a great option. Almost any vegetable can be grown successfully in a container, and potatoes are no exception. Read More
With Stimulus On The Way, Lawmakers Want A Say
•March 17, 2021•
By Capitol News Illinois
Lawmakers from both parties told officials from Gov. JB Pritzker’s administration on Thursday, March 11 that the General Assembly should have some say in how the state spends the $7.5 billion in federal funds that Illinois expects to receive from the newly-enacted American Rescue Plan.
Those comments came during a virtual hearing of the House Revenue and Finance Committee that took place just hours after President Joe Biden signed the $1.9 trillion pandemic relief bill into law.
“I think the legislature would like a say in appropriating money, given our role,” Rep. Michael Zalewski, D-Riverside, said to the director of the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget, Alexis Sturm. “So my hope is that you could convey that to the governor’s office and we can develop a framework to work together on that.” Read More
February Students of the Month
Seth Rakestraw
•March 17, 2021•
Windsor Jr./Sr. High School recently announced the February Students of the Month as Seth Rakestraw and Toby Kemper.
Seth Rakestraw is an eigth grade student and is the son of John and Angie Rakestraw. Seth participates in Scholastic Bowl and is interested in music. He plans to pursue a career in music after high school.
Toby Kemper
Toby Kemper is a senior and is the son of Ron and Viola Kemper. Toby has been involved in Eco Team, Art Club, Physics Club and Band. After high school Toby would like to make a career of wildlife photography.
Webinar Series Offers Keys to Embrace Aging
•March 17, 2021•
Cheri Burcham
Extension Educator
U of I Extension
What you do today influences your future. Learn how to take care of yourself now, to embrace aging and mature gracefully, successfully and with increased longevity. University of Illinois Extension will be presenting the webinar series “Keys for Embracing Aging” using the videoconferencing platform Zoom. This program is a free 12-part series designed to help aging adults develop strategies for taking care of themselves through the years. The session will be held on Thursdays from 10:00 – 11:00 AM, beginning March 25 through April 29 and September 2 through October 7. Sessions cover topics including positive attitude, nutrition, socialization, brain health, stress management and safety. Attend all 12 sessions, or simply drop in on the sessions that fit your schedule. Read More
Layette Sentenced to Six Years in Prison
•March 17, 2021•
Anthony M. Layette, 26, of Decatur has been sentenced to six years of imprisonment in the Illinois Department of Corrections.
At a hearing on March 11, Judge Jeremy Richey accepted a plea in which Layette pled guilty to the offense of robbery, a Class 2 Felony, Moultrie County Case 20-CF-47 Read More
Weber Sentenced to Three Years in Prison
•March 17, 2021•
Jeremiah A. Weber, 40, of Sullivan has been sentenced to three years of imprisonment in the Illinois Department of Corrections. At a sentencing hearing on March 9, Judge Jeremy Richey imposed the three-year sentence for theft from a coin operated machine (enhanced sentence), a Class 4 Felony, Moultrie County case 2020-CF-57. Read More