•July 4, 2018•

By Gordon Hopkins,
Rural Health News Service

The electronic cigarette, or e-cigarette, has been touted – without proof – as a healthier alternative to traditional tobacco products and perhaps even a method of breaking the tobacco habit altogether. Now a new, related product with the brand name JUUL has entered the market and is especially appealing to teens.
An e-cigarette, which looks much like a traditional cigarette, heats a liquid to create an aerosol, called “vapor,” that can be inhaled.
It is true that many of the toxic chemicals found in tobacco smoke are not present in the “vapor.” However, most e-cigarettes still contain nicotine in addition to some chemicals not necessarily found in tobacco.
A Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health study published in Environmental Health Perspectives says some chemicals in e-cigarettes are linked to a severe respiratory disorder and that nicotine is still addictive even if it’s delivered in a vapor.
Furthermore, the Food and Drug Administration has not approved electronic cigarettes as a safe or effective method to quit smoking.
The bottom line is, no study has yet identified the long-term effects of “vaping,” and the belief that it is somehow safer than regular cigarettes may lead users to indulge more than they might otherwise. Read More

•July 4, 2018•

With the Fourth of July fast approaching and the summer months upon us, indulging in barbecues, holiday parties and swimming often top the list of activities to enjoy during the summer season. To help everyone do so safely, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is reminding people about potential summer fire and electrical hazards, and providing tips and recommendations to minimize them.
“By knowing where potential fire and electrical hazards exist during the summer months and taking the needed steps to prevent them, people can enjoy activities such as grilling, swimming and celebrating the Fourth of July while keeping their families, guests and homes safe,” said Lorraine Carli, vice president of NFPA’s Outreach and Advocacy Division.
Following are NFPA’s summer-related safety statistics and tips:
Fireworks: NFPA recommends that revelers refrain from using consumer fireworks and attend public fireworks displays put on by trained professionals. Read More

Senior Peace Meal

For additional information or for reservations, please call 1-800-543-1770

Monday, July 9 - Country fried steak, mashed potatoes w/gravy, corn and lima beans, texas toast, apricots
Tuesday, July 10 - Sub sandwich w/lettuce and tomato, broccoli soup, kidney bean salad, bun, Hawaiian salad
Wednesday, July 11 - Baked spaghetti, tossed salad w/dressing packet, chunky applesauce, whole grain wheat, oatmeal raisin cookie
Thursday, July 12 - Chicken parmesan, zucchini bake, cucumber and onion salad, dinner roll, cake with fruit
Friday, July 13 - Meatloaf, mashed potatoes w/gravy, Italian green beans, whole grain wheat, peaches

•July 4, 2018•

The Illinois State Museum will present a major new exhibition in celebration of the state’s 200th birthday which will feature rare and rarely-seen artifacts from the Museum’s 13.5-million-object Illinois Legacy Collection to highlight the dynamic story of Illinois. The “Bicentennial and Beyond! The Illinois Legacy Collection” exhibition will open to the public with a special reception on Friday, June 29 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. The reception is free and open to the public, and will include complimentary soft drinks, light appetizers, a cash bar, and music provided by the Virgil Rhodes and his band “Footprints.” Those interested in attending should RSVP by emailing Leslie.Cline@illinois.gov or calling 217-782-0909.
“The exhibition is the most comprehensive of the Museum’s broad collection in the history of the institution,” said Illinois State Museum Director Robert Sill. “Visitors will see a significant portion of their shared story that is being preserved for future generations by the Illinois State Museum, and learn about the individuals who used these objects and the stories behind them.” Read More

25 Years Ago This Week

The Little Theatre on the square opens its second production of the summer season, Caberet. It’s a love story built on the political upheaval of 1930s Berlin. Sally Bowles and Michael Hawes will star in the show.
Bethany school district hired two new teachers. Geri Atherton will teach language arts and art. The kindergarten enrollment is high so the board hired Amy Blank as a second teacher.
The Rev. John E. Sohm is returning to St. Columcille Parish in Sullivan and will also pastor at St. Isidore in Bethany. Sohm succeeds Father Joseph Simburger who began serving the Archdiocese for Military Services as a Navy chaplain.
Nellie Best, mother of Robert E. Best, passed away in her daughter’s home in Poplar Bluff, Mo. at the age of 83. She was a lifelong resident of Farmington Mo. She married Ellis John Best Aug 23,1930. He preceded her in death in 1947. She had three children, Robert of Sullivan, Edward of Martinez, California and Ann of Poplar Bluff, Mo. Read More