Yard Sign Assaults Make Our Town Look Bad
Editor,
2020 is a pivotal year in many ways. Americans have to make a choice between a Democratic leader with decency, honesty, ethics, intelligence, experience or a Republican failed reality host.
As the election approaches, political signs start to appear around town. Normally political signs contain the name of the candidates you’re supporting. Read More
•May 20, 2020•
On May 13th, the Okaw Valley FFA planted sunflowers for the USACE annual Dove Hunt that is hosted in September.
OVHS planted 26 acres in sunflowers and an additional 10 acres will be in corn for the FFA.
An additional 18 acres behind the Ag Facility is planted in corn as well.
Thanks to the generosity of Louis Coleman for the planter and John Wise for the tractor. Tanner Coleman is pictured helping plant the crops.
Tanner is home from college and will be a junior at Millikin. When Tanner was in high school he was a big part of the CORPS Project and as a Senior he worked at the CORPS during the mornings and was extended a summer job after graduating. Read More
•May 20, 2020•
By Jim Nowlan
NP Guest Columnist
The only major, contested issue on the ballot this fall in our Blue State will be whether to enact Gov. JB Pritzker’s proposed constitutional amendment to allow graduated income tax rates. I think the Pritzker approach — not the concept — is wrong-headed. I try to explain here.
Background. Throughout this century, Illinois has each year been spending and obligating billions more than we have been generating in revenues. So now, each of Illinois’ 4.6 million households would have to cough up $41,000 to get our state out of its deficit position of $188 billion, according to figures from the Illinois comptroller.
Painful to say, Illinois will have to raise taxes, or someday default on its obligations. Why can’t we simply cut spending, you ask? In practical terms, we aren’t allowed to cut the big-ticket items. Read More
•May 20, 2020•
By Jerry Nowicki
Capitol News Illinois
State Republican leadership is pushing for a vote in the upcoming legislative session to remove a graduated income tax amendment question from the November general election ballot.
“Times have changed dramatically since this initiative was first put forward,” Senate Minority Leader Bill Brady, R-Bloomington, said Monday in a video news conference. “But never more has our state’s economy been challenged than it will be, and is today.”
But Gov. JB Pritzker has said the revenues anticipated from the graduated income tax – estimated at more than $3.5 billion in its first full fiscal year before the COVID-19 pandemic – are now more important than ever amid uncertainty created by the spread of the virus.
The economic fallout from the pandemic and associated shutdowns has led to projected state revenues for next fiscal year plummeting by billions of dollars. Pritzker said at his news conference Monday that the tax, which would be in effect for only half of the next fiscal year, could bring in more than $1 billion in state revenues.
The ballot question Read More
•May 20, 2020•
By Raghela Scavuzzo,
As consumer demand for local food access and summer and fall market seasons approach, local supply access is more important than ever. The Illinois Farm Bureau, Illinois Specialty Growers Association (ISGA), Illinois MarketMaker and several other farm and specialty groups encourage farmers, ranchers, specialty growers, value-added producers, processors and food businesses to utilize FREE online marketing opportunities to enhance and expand their reach in communities across the state. Read More
•May 20, 2020•
Aaron Fleming, son of Steve and Jayme Fleming of Lovington, is one of 13 eastern Illinois residents among the 70 new physicians at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine who achieved degrees Saturday, May 16, in the school’s virtual celebration of commencement. The event was doubly historic: The Class of 2020 included the medical school’s 3,000th graduate during its 50th anniversary year. Read More
•May 20, 2020•
On May 9 Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville held graduation with local students among degree recipients.
Graduates include: Kathy Garriott and Rebecca Nixon, both Bethany, Nursing graduates.
•May 20, 2020•
Memorial Day and Veterans Day each honor the military, though the two holidays are not the same. Memorial Day, which is celebrated annually on the last Monday in May, honors the brave men and women who lost their lives while serving in the American military. Many communities host memorial ceremonies honoring their fallen soldiers on Memorial Day, ensuring such soldiers’ bravery and sacrifices are never forgotten. While many people now view Memorial Day weekend as the unofficial start of summer, the weekend should not be celebrated without also pausing to reflect on and recognize the military personnel who lost their lives in defense of freedom and the American way of life. Read More
Senior Peace Meal
For additional information or for reservations, please call 1-800-543-1770
Monday, May 25 - CLOSED FOR MEMORIAL DAY HOLIDAY
Tuesday, May 26 - Saucy Cabbage Rolls, Corn, Dinner Roll, Hawaiian Salad
Wednesday, May 27 - Shepherd’s Pie, Harvard Beets, Dinner Roll, Pears
Thursday, May 28 - Beef Pattie w/Mushroom Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, Carrots, Dinner Roll, Cinnamon Chunky Applesauce
Friday, May 29 - Pulled Pork Sandwich, Macaroni and Cheese, Broccoli , Fruit Juice, Bun, Peaches
•May 20, 2020•
Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White announced today that beginning Tuesday, May 19, seven facilities will be offering drive-through services for vehicle registration sticker transactions ONLY. This is the first step in a comprehensive reopening plan that will be announced shortly and will include the proper protections for customers and employees, such as PPE and social distancing. Read More