Category Archives: News Briefs

Pandemic May Bring Tech Upgrades to Courthouse

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Work Station Security is Priority

•July 1, 2020•
By Mike Brothers

Moultrie County courthouse employees working remotely during pandemic restrictions could change the county’s technology in the future.
During the COVID-19 restrictions employees were secured to their courthouse work stations by their physical home address, Neil Bryan noted, explaining the system was only as secure as the person’s computer at home.
Those were among concerns discussed when Chair Elizabeth Houser called the County Board Tech Committee into session Friday, June 26.
Members present included: Bryan, Mike Barringer, Karen Cody, Rick Matthews and James Sines, along with Board Chairman Dave McCabe. Read More

Remember When? 6-24-2020

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25 Years Ago This Week

A Sullivan woman who served 20 years with the Moultrie County Retired and Senior Volunteer Program was honored as the longest serving volunteer in the county.
Ola Grubbs was the top honoree among 161 volunteers recognized during the RSVP recognition luncheon at First Christian Church.
Receiving special awards were Anna Hildebrand of Bethany and Marie Morris of Dalton City for 18 years; Mabel Standerfer of Sullivan and Mildred Johnson of Bethany 17 years; Lucile Jeffers of Sullivan, Hazel Bentz and Rosemary Crane both of Bethany 16 years.
Lindsay Patrick was elected president of the Marrowbone Merry Makers 4-H Club. Serving with her: Allison Patrick, vice president; Kelsey Tipsword, secretary; Anitra Rowe, treasurer; Sheree Norris reporter and Sunshine girls Savanna Freeland, Dana Grebe in, and Christina Allen. Read More

It’s National Pollinator Week; Join Farmers in Making a Difference

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•June 24, 2020•
By Richard Guebert Jr.
Illinois Farm Bureau president

During this time of year, you might look out your window to see bees and butterflies buzzing around nearby flowers, moving from one plant to the next, pollinating along the way. Many of the fruits and vegetables we enjoy in the summer are a result of the important work these insects do.
What better time to learn more about the role pollinators play in agriculture than during National Pollinator Week?
Here in Illinois, the growing season is in full swing. As you drive by fields of emerging corn and soybeans, take a moment to look for insects flying through fields, helping our farmers produce a strong food supply through pollination.
Pollination occurs when pollen from the male part of a plant is transferred to the female part of the same or a different plant. This movement can take place when pollen attaches to an animal or is carried by wind or water to its destination. Successful pollination results in the fruits, vegetables and nuts that we grow in our gardens or buy at the grocery store. Read More

Drops of Sweetness from Bethany Graduate

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•June 24, 2020•
Byron Cruitt left Bethany for the Air Force and although the Class of 68 BHS graduate spent most of his life in the serving in Augusta, Ga his heart remained at home and his book Drops of Sweetness Volume 1 let him return.
Last week Cruitt donated two copies of Drops of Sweetness Volume 1 to the Marrowbone Library, leaving his thoughts for local readers to enjoy.
Cruitt’s collection of stories and poems reflect on his days growing up on the family farm outside Dalton City.
Wrestling with a desire to share his feelings about the area after serving 22 years in the service Cruitt experienced three dreams that put him on the path to Drops of Sweetness. Read More

Superintendent-Y Stuff: A Walk with Mr. Walk

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•June 24, 2020•
By Ted Walk,
Supt. Sullivan CUSD #300

Sullivan Schools have received approval for in-person learning and limited summer extra-curricular activities, which are currently underway with a number of precautions in place.
The Illinois State Board of Education has indicated that specific reopening guidelines will be forthcoming soon, which we are eagerly awaiting. Read More

USDA Invests in Rural Electric Infrastructure

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•June 24, 2020•
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Illinois State Director Douglas A. Wilson today announced that USDA is investing $10 million in a joint project to build or improve rural electric infrastructure in Wisconsin’s Scenic River Co-op.
“Rural Development has a history of bringing areas together, whether with electricity, telecommunication, or broadband. Wilson said. This venture will expand services in two states. Another example of Rural Development bridging the gap to improve rural America.”
USDA is providing loans and loan guarantees to rural electric cooperatives and utilities through the Electric Loan Program throughout the United States. The recipients will use the funds to build and improve electric transmission and distribution lines, benefiting rural residents and businesses. The loans include funds for investments in smart grid technology, which uses digital communications to detect and react to local electricity usage changes. Read More

Letters to the Editor 6-24-2020

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The Great Daylight Comet Answers Photo Mystery

Thank you for publishing the 1910 comet photograph in the May 20 issue. The publication of a photograph of such a notable event, from a time when photography was still relatively new, was not only fascinating, but also it launched me and my family into some illuminating historical research that makes a great story.
My family loves both history and outer space, so I was excited to show the photograph to my husband and our children over breakfast one morning. I asked them to guess what it was. Their first guess was the sun, since the object was so bright. After a few farther-fetched ideas were suggested, my son finally guessed that it was a comet and, from there, the famous Halley’s Comet. I read the tag line to let them know that it was, indeed, a photograph of Halley’s Comet from May 19, 1910. Read More

Okaw Valley’s Wesley Wise Receives Award

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•June 24, 2020•
Lake Land College will present Wesley Wise, Bethany, with the 2020 Alumnus Achievement Award. Wise is also nominated to receive the 2020 ICCTA Distinguished Alumnus Award. Wise was recognized at the college’s Virtual Commencement Ceremony on June 18.
The Lake Land College Board of Trustees annually presents an Alumnus Achievement Award to an individual who has achieved outstanding success in his or her field of endeavor, has gained favorable statewide or national recognition or has performed services proven beneficial to society.
This year’s recipient, Wesley Wise, received the National Partnership Award from the United States Army Corps of Engineers in 2016 and the Emerging Buildings in Education Award from the Illinois Association of School Boards in 2019. Read More

Menu 6-17-2020

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Senior Peace Meal
For additional information or for reservations, please call 1-800-543-1770
Monday, June 22 - Chicken and Noodles, Mashed Potatoes, Green and Wax Beans w/Bacon & Onion, Whole Grain Wheat, Fresh Grapes
Tuesday, June 23 - Saucy Cabbage Rolls, Corn, Dinner Roll, Hawaiian Salad
Wednesday, June 24 - Shepherd’s Pie , Harvard Beets, Dinner Roll, Pears
Thursday, June 25 - Beef Pattie w/Mushroom Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, Carrots, Dinner Roll, Cinnamon Chunky Applesauce
Friday, June 26 - CHEF’S CHOICE. REGIONAL FAVORITES WILL BE SERVED

Illinois, Du Quoin State Fairs Cancelled due to COVID-19

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•June 17, 2020•
Junior Livestock Expo to be held in September, 4-H General Project Show will proceed virtually
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Pritzker will issue an Executive Order cancelling the Illinois and Du Quoin State Fairs this year. The announcement of the cancellations has prompted the Department of Agriculture to offer a safe, creative way to ensure youth exhibitors still get a chance to showcase their hard work. The annual State Fairs, which attracted over 600,000 visitors combined in 2019, will return in August 2021. Read More