•August 22, 2018•

Better Government Association is hosting “Watchdog Training” at Eastern Illinois University in collaboration with EIU’s departments of journalism and political science.
Watchdog Training is from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Monday, Sept. 17 at EIUs Buzzard Hall Auditiorium on Lincoln Ave. in Charleston.
The Better Government Association (BGA) and attorney Josh Burday will host a Watchdog Training where participants will be equipped with the tools they need to hold government accountable, including learning some of the tactics our reporters use in their investigative work.
“The BGA works everyday for transparency, efficiency, and accountability in government,” BGA CEO David Greising said. “Thanks to the engaged residents and professionals who participate in our Watchdog Trainings, we don’t do it alone.” Read More

•August 22, 2018•

Drier weather this month has caused declining soil moisture, especially in central Illinois, according to Jennie Atkins, Water and Atmospheric Resources Monitoring (WARM) Program manager at the Illinois State Water Survey, University of Illinois.
Illinois has received 1.28 inches of rain so far in August, 0.63 inches below the long-term average. Lower than normal rainfall occurred in most of the state, causing drier soils. Overall soil moisture levels have decreased 11 percent at depths of 2 inches.
The largest declines were in the central region where moisture levels were down in mid-August by 30 percent in the east and 35 percent in the west from the beginning of the month. The north, however, saw a 17 percent increase of soil moisture. Read More

25 Years Ago This Week

Sullivan Alum Derik Eaton was hired to teach driver education and as head track coach. He succeeds Cliff Dobbs as driver ed teacher. Dobbs opted for early retirement.
Wes Bland of Virginia, MN caught a 16-pound catfish while fishing in the Little Okaw River with his grandfather, C.L. Bland of Bethany.
One of the Bethany summer league baseball teams came home champions after winning the Bronco Division of the 1993 Okaw Tournament. Members of the team include Joe Gaither, Ryan McCabe, Adam Rutherford, Lindsey Grebien, Shane Simmons, Brandon Stollard, Brandon Patrick, Dustin Bone, Dustin Haile, Randy Lancaster, Blake Manhart, Deriek Shride and K.R. Baker. The team was coached by Marion Haile and Kevin Grebien. Read More

•August 15, 2018•

The Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) will conduct routine inspections of all amusement rides and attractions at the 2018 Illinois State Fair.
There are more than 65 rides to enjoy on the Carnival Midway, Adventure Village, and Happy Hollows pavilions. IDOL’s Amusement Ride and Attraction Safety Division inspects and permits every ride and determines whether they are safe to operate. No ride is permitted to run if it does not pass inspection. Read More

•August 15, 2018•

Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation will provide a free day of dental care for Illinois children age five and younger Saturday, Sept. 8 in Mattoon.
The event is part of Foundation’s Dentist By 1 program which aims to educate caregivers about the benefits of taking children to the dentist by age one, as well as train dentists and oral health professionals to help expand access to care. Read More