•March 25, 2020•
The Lovington Grade School third quarter honor roll was announced.
Straight A’s- Daylon Doggett, sixth grade; Kendall Carnahan and Jacob Tighe, seventh grade; Garrett Casteel, eighth grade.
Honor roll: Sixth grade - Steven Harris, Jalena Haynes, Will Hilligoss, Kori Rich, Alyssa Richards, Cambrie Smith, Halle Wardrip.
Seventh grade - Austin Bates, Lilian Edwards and Brett Menna.
Eighth grade - Colton Taylor, Trevor Duzan, Marilyn Jean Hill and Nathan Tighe.
Category Archives: News Briefs
Jesse White Extends Office Closures
Many online services remain available
•March 25, 2020•
Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White is announcing that all offices, including Driver Services facilities statewide, will extend their closures to the public through April 7, 2020 due to Governor Pritzker’s “Stay at Home” proclamation issued today.
Expiration dates for driver’s licenses, identification (ID) cards, vehicle registrations and other transactions and document filings will be extended for the duration of the disaster proclaimed by Governor Pritzker and 30 days after the disaster ends.
“I applaud Governor JB Pritzker for his extraordinary leadership during this difficult and unprecedented time in our state’s history,” said White. “Working together, we can help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus.” Read More
Officials Say Agriculture Necessary as Other Industries Shut Down
•March 25, 2020•
By Ben Orner
Capitol News Illinois
borner @ capitolnewsillinois.com
Meat has been among the most in-demand items at supermarkets as people stock up on essentials amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
That has people up and down Illinois’ livestock supply chain – especially producers of beef and pork – trying to keep up. Industry leaders say the Illinois factories processing beef and pork are running at normal capacity with multiple shifts a day to keep shelves and meat cases stocked.
“There has been and continues to be a steady supply reaching consumers,” said Jill Johnson, executive vice president of the Illinois Beef Association. “In the beef industry right now, there’s nothing that’s pointing to not being able to fulfill that demand.”
As orders for pork – of which Illinois is the fourth-biggest producer in the country – come in more frequently from grocery stores, the state’s three major pork packing facilities are functioning at normal capacity, according to Illinois Pork Producers Association Executive Director Jennifer Tirey. Read More
Action Urged On Loans For Small Businesses, Local Governments
•March 25, 2020•
By Jerry Nowicki
Capitol News Illinois
jnowicki @ capitolnewsillinois.com
Amid widespread closures and event cancellations in response to the novel coronavirus disease pandemic, businesses and governments of all sizes and levels are feeling the financial stress and considering steps forward.
The federal government on Tuesday began debate of an $850 billion stimulus package which could include checks written to all Americans at the urging of President Donald Trump. Another federal bill to provide paid sick leave to workers among other provisions awaits action in the U.S. Senate.
Nearly two weeks ago, Congress approved and Trump signed an $8.3 billion supplemental coronavirus response funding bill, which will provide $14.6 million to the state’s public health department and $8.7 million to Chicago’s. The money can be used for patient monitoring, lab testing, acquisition of test kits and protective equipment, and research into vaccines and therapeutics.
In Illinois, Gov. JB Pritzker has urged stronger action from the federal government while also taking
COVID-19 response steps at the state level. He noted Tuesday the administration will file for statewide eligibility in a federal loan program for small businesses facing financial hardship. Read More
Letter to the Editor: County Clerk Goes Above and Beyond for Safety of All
•March 25, 2020•
Dear Editor:
County Clerk Georgia England, her colleagues in the County Clerk’s office, and all who worked as election judges during the recent primary election deserve the voting public’s thanks for getting the job done despite some rather trying circumstances, specifically the COVID-19 virus.
Georgia has always gone above and beyond her job description, and she did so again by taking extra care of her election judges. Read More
Remember When? 3-25-2020
25 Years Ago This Week
The Sullivan and Lovington school districts will receive a total of more than $60,000 in Goals 2000 grants from the state.
Sullivan schools receives $6,000 as part of the $600,000 Illinois State Board of Education planning grants program. Sullivan Supt. Richard Voltz indicated the $6000 planning grant was awarded in part because of the district’s involvement in community education.
Lovington schools received $55,700 as part of $700,000 worth of implementation grants awarded statewide. Lovington High School principal Judy Uphoff said the district’s $55,700 award will go toward purchase of computer software emphasizing science.
As the United States and the world commemorates the 50th anniversary of the end of World War II three Bethany High School music groups will travel to Washington DC to participate in the “World Liberation Music Celebration”.
Choral director Judy Patrick and band director Doug McCausland with take the Bethany concert choir and concert band, along with the BHS Jazz Band. Read More
Scholarship Available at ALAH
•March 18, 2020•
The Robert and Leila Lorenson scholarship is available for graduates of Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond.
Both current seniors and postsecondary students are eligible. Applications are available on the ALAH website.
Menu 3-18-2020
Senior Peace Meal
For additional information or for reservations, please call 1-800-543-1770
Monday, March 23 - Savory sausage stew w/beans, seasoned carrots, biscuits, spiced apple rings
Tuesday, March 24 - Fried chicken, mashed potatoes w/gravy, breaded tomatoes, dinner roll, seasonal dessert
Wednesday, March 25 - Ravioli w/meat sauce, broccoli, corn, whole grain wheat, pudding
Thursday, March 26 - Salisbury beef pattie, mashed potatoes, spinach, dinner roll, banana bread w/cream cheese
Friday, March 27 - Chef’s Choice
During School Closings Keep Kids at Home!
•March 18, 2020•
Closing school will only slow transmission of the virus if we also keep our distance from each other. This means no play dates. Each family should keep to their own house and yard.
Remember, even if your friend is well when they come over, they could already be infected with the virus and infect you. Read More
Remember When? 3-18-2020
25 Years Ago This Week
Marion Best writes in BB’s - “Fog, thunderstorms, heavy rains, sleet, and snow, all within 12 hours! Where but in Illlinois could we be blessed with such a variety of weather in such a short period of time.”
Three year old twins who are children of Loralyn Sue McArthur of Bethany and Jamie McArthur of Sullivan, have each qualified for the state Sunburst Beauty Pageant. Melissa and Matthew were selected during competion at Cross Country Mall in Mattoon. They are grandchildren of Mr. and Mrs. Earsel McArthur of Bethany Mr. and Mrs. Darrell McArthur of Mt. Zion. Read More