•July 4, 2018•

By Jerry L. Ginther
NP Guest Columnist

The night breeze circulating through the freight house caused the screen door that led into the agent’s office to open slightly and close again and again. The movement of the hinges made an eerie squeak each time the door moved, and a slight thump could be heard when the door closed. Usually, the summer breeze during the quiet night shift was welcome, but on this particular night it was a bit unsettling.
This was a summer’s night in 1965. I was working the midnight shift in the railroad depot of the Illinois Central Railroad at Tolono, Ill. It was my first job on the extra board as a telegraph operator after completing my break-in time at that station. I was 19 years old. Another significant detail here is the fact that this was the first time I had worked alone, and it just happened to be at night. It gets better, or worse, depending on your perspective.
One of my first duties that night, after relieving the operator on the previous shift, was to unload the express car and certain contents from the baggage car of a passenger train arriving shortly after the start of my shift. During my training I had done this on several occasions, so I was familiar with the routine. I pulled two baggage carts with their big iron wheels from the freight house onto the cement platform, one for express and one for the baggage. I was ready for the approaching train.
When the train stopped, I moved one of the carts up to the express car door, hopped up on it and stacked the offloaded parcels neatly. Then I jumped down and pulled the cart away from the express car and moved the other empty cart up to the baggage car door. Before I climbed up on the cart, my eyes focused on what I saw sitting in the doorway of the car, and it gave me a shudder and a sense of dread. I had never seen a pine box like this before, but I knew exactly what was in it. It contained human remains. Read More

•July 4, 2018•

It’s that time of year when the temperature goes up and heat and humidity, which can be deadly, make being outdoors very uncomfortable.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), more than 600 people in the United States are killed by extreme heat every year. The American Red Cross has steps you can take to help stay safe when the temperatures soar.
“It’s important for everyone to realize that warm weather can be dangerous,” said Lyn Hruska, Chief Executive Officer, American Red Cross Central and Southern Illinois Region. “The Red Cross has steps you can follow to make sure you and your loved ones are protected when hot weather hits your area.”
Heat Safety Tips
Some people are more at risk of developing a heat-related illness, including adults age 65 and older, those with chronic medical conditions, people who work outside, infants and children and athletes. Here are steps which should be taken in hot weather:
• Hot cars can be deadly. Never leave children or pets in your vehicle. The inside temperature of the car can quickly reach 120 degrees.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol. Read More

•July 4, 2018•

Decatur Memorial Hospital has announced that Larry Hegland, M.D., will join the hospital on July 16 as its Chief Medical Officer.
Dr. Hegland last served in the capacity of Regional Chief Medical Officer, for SSM Health/Dean Health System in Madison, Wis. Prior to joining SSM Health, he was a chief medical officer and system medical director at Ministry Health Care as well as a number of other related assignments spanning a career which began in 1990 when he began his career as an anesthesiologist.
“We’re very excited to have Dr. Hegland join our hospital,“ said Timothy D. Stone Jr., President and CEO at Decatur Memorial. “His years of experience as a chief medical officer and his professionalism will be tremendous assets.”[/s2If]

•June 27, 2018•

Members of the Sullivan FFA chapter attended the 90th annual Illinois State FFA Convention June 12-14 along with more than 5,000 other FFA members, advisors, and guests.
During the convention, the following award was presented to the Sullivan FFA chapter: Building Communities National Chapter Award Section Winner: As part of the National Chapter Award program and the chapter’s program of activities, Building Communities is designed to encourage the local development of FFA partnerships with alumni affiliates and other organizations while taking a leadership role in making the community a better place to live and work. Read More