•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

•June 27, 2018•

The warmer weather has led to higher than normal soil temperatures for the first two weeks of June, according to Jennie Atkins, Water and Atmospheric Resources Monitoring (WARM) Program manager at the Illinois State Water Survey, University of Illinois.
Soil temperatures at depths of 4 inches under sod averaged 75.5 degrees in Illinois during the first half of June, 2 degrees higher than last year and 5 degrees higher than the long-term average. Highs reached into the mid-90s with lows in the 60s. Southern Illinois had the warmest soils with an average of 77.3 degrees for the period, and the north had the lowest with 71.9 degrees. Read More