•April 10, 2019•
State Conservationist, Ivan Dozier announced the next deadline for Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) applications to be considered for funding in fiscal year (FY) 2019 is May 10, 2019.
Nationwide USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) plans to invest up to $700 million for new enrollments and contract extensions in fiscal year 2019. The 2018 Farm Bill made several changes to this critical conservation program, which helps agricultural producers take the conservation activities on their farm to the next level.
“CSP continues to be a very effective tool for private landowners working to achieve their conservation and management goals,” said Ivan Dozier, NRCS State Conservationist in Illinois. “It is the largest conservation program in the United States with more than 70 million acres of productive agricultural and forest land enrolled.” Read More
Category Archives: News Briefs
OV FFA Team Wins Competition
Photo furnished
OV FFA Team Wins Competition
Okaw Valley FFA Dairy Judging Team recently won the Section 16 Dairy Judging Competition. OV had the top five finishers in the competition with Grace Bunfill winning overall.
Grace Bunfill, first; Carleigh Bobbett, second; Garrett Tippit , third; Sophie Zimmerman, fourth; Sadie Zimmerman, fifth.
The OV Judging team headed to Kaskaskia College April 5 to compete at the state level.
In the high school non-reasons division of the Dairy Cattle Evaluation Career Development Event, 56 schools, 54 teams, and 249 individuals competed. Okaw Valley finished ninth overall.
Okaw Valley Open House
Photo by Mike Brothers
Okaw Valley Open House
The public had a chance to come in and see the new improvements at Okaw Valley Community School District #302 on March 27. Staff and volunteer students were on hand from 4-7 p.m. to guide visitors through the new agricultural complex, science labs, and sports complex. Above Supt. Kent Stauder explains the new facilities to Vicki Osman.
Superintendent-Y Stuff: A Walk with Mr. Walk
•April 10, 2019•
By Supt. Ted Walk
Sullivan CUSD #300
Sullivan High School Students have the opportunity to spend a portion of their day, not just learning about various jobs and careers, but through specific sites and locations to see what some area jobs and careers really entail.
By enrolling in a class called “Workplace Experience” students are placed with area businesses during which they are either employed at a location or spend volunteer hours there.
Depending on student schedules, they may spend up to half of their school day garnering real-world experience.
Placements for students have included sites such as Agri-Fab, Hydro-Gear, Metro Communications, Sullivan Chamber & Economic Development, Kaskaskia Valley Animal Hospital, and many, many more. Read More
MCRTA Learns About Allerton Park
Photo furnished
MCRTA Learns About Allerton Park
Allerton Park Director Derek Peterson and Retreat Center Manager Jordan Zech spoke to the Moultrie County Retired Teachers Association April 3 at Yoder’s Kitchen in Arthur. They told the group about the park’s history and activities planned for 2019 for Allerton Park and Retreat Center in Monticello.
Heightened Enforcement for Distracted Driving Awareness Month
Extra vigilance comes amid rash of ISP vehicle collisions
•April 10, 2019•
With National Distracted Driving Awareness Month starting today, the Illinois Department of Transportation, the Illinois State Police and more than 100 city and county law enforcement agencies are reminding drivers to put down their phones and focus on driving. In April, motorists will see increased patrols and enforcement zones across Illinois to ticket drivers using handheld devices.
“On any given day, you can glance into the next vehicle and see a driver texting, talking or scrolling through social media on their phone,” said Cynthia Watters, bureau chief of IDOT’s Safety Programs and Engineering. “If your attention is anywhere other than on the road, you’re driving distracted, and it can be deadly.”
Over the past decade, distracted driving has become one of the leading causes of vehicle crashes. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association, 3,166 people died in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers in 2017. Read More
Electric Coop Youth Day
Photo furnished
Electric Coop Youth Day
Dozens of students from across the state visited the Capitol as part of the Illinois Electric and Telephone Cooperatives Youth Day. The annual event held on April 3 in Springfield focuses on encouraging tomorrow’s leaders to take an interest in state government. State Senator Dale Righter (R-Mattoon) welcomed a number of groups from the 55th Senate District to the Senate floor including students representing Coles-Moultrie Electric Cooperative.
Menus 4-3-2019
Sr. Peace Meal
Monday, April 8 - Salisbury beef pattie, mashed potatoes, broccoli, Texas toast, peaches
Tuesday, April 9 - Taco salad w/meat, lettuce, cheese, beans, tomatoes, and salsa, peaches, taco chips, pudding
Wednesday, April 10 - Chicken pot pie, creamy cole slaw, whole grain biscuits, warm chunky applesauce
Thursday, April 11 - Ham and beans, copper carrots, cornbread, gelatin w/fruit
Friday, April 12 - Roasted pork loin, frosted sweet potatoes, seasoned green beans, dinner roll, grapes
Aspen Creek Memory Care Grows to Meet Demand
•April 3, 2019•
Due to an urgent incline in the need for dementia care, Aspen Creek Memory Care has started an expansion push by adding additional suites and amenities to its home in Sullivan. The Sullivan area has been very supportive of Aspen Creek throughout its journey, and they are eager to grow their presence in the community. Through the support of the community and the friends and family of Aspen Creek, they have been able to provide the most home-like experience possible to those who seek compassion, understanding, happiness, and familiarity in a world where it is quickly fleeting. Read More
Spring Book Sale Planned at Booth Library
•April 3, 2019•
Booth Library at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston will host its Spring Book Sale from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 10 outside the south entrance of the library. Read More