Category Archives: News Briefs

Social Security is a Source of Independence for Millions

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•July 4, 2018•

By Gerald Tilley
Social Security District Manager

On July 4, people in communities everywhere celebrate our nation’s independence with neighbors, family, and friends. A strong community promotes independence by helping each other lead full and productive lives.
Social Security has been helping people maintain a higher quality of life and a level of independence for over 80 years. Over those decades, we’ve made it even easier for you to access the programs and benefits you might need. Now, applying online is the fastest way to get those crucial benefits.
Here are some the types of benefits you can apply for:
• Retirement or Spouse’s Benefits – You must be at least 61 years and 9 months old and want your benefits to start no more than four months in the future. Apply at www.socialsecurity.gov/retireonline. Read More

DMH Announces New Chief Medical Officer

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•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]

Sullivan FFA Honored At State Convention

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•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

MCRTA Awards Scholarship

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Photo furnished
MCRTA Awards Scholarship
Moultrie County Retired Teachers met recently at Yoder’s in Arthur for brunch and a business meeting. They awarded Maddie Dickens of Sullivan their 2018 MCRTA Scholarship. This is given to a high school senior residing in Moultrie County who is going into teacher education. Pictured are Dennis Hutchings, member of the Scholarship Committee, and Dickens.

Most of Illinois has Warmer than Normal Soils

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•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

Remember When? 6-27-2018

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25 Years Ago This Week

Governor Jim Edgar awarded members of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program the Governor’s Home Town award for their operation of the Thrift Shop. Those volunteers who attended the ceremony in Springfield were Lois LeCrone, Mary Lou Kidwell, Carol Meadows, Helen Pound, Ada Mae Thomsen, Bea Nolen and Edna Seitz.
Dorothy Graven was honored by members of the Modern Woodsmen for her 22 years of volunteer service for the local Appalachian project. Graven sorted and packed clothing for the needy people in the Appalachia Mountains in Kentucky.
Shari Shackles, a 1989 graduate of Sullivan High School, recently graduated with her bachelor’s degree in political science from Sangamon State University. As part of her study requirements her senior year, she was a legislative assistant to State Rep. Duane Noland in Springfield. Read More

Secretary of State Unit Comes To Sullivan Library

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•June 27, 2018•

Secretary of State Jesse White, in cooperation with Elizabeth Titus Memorial Library in Sullivan, is offering drivers a chance to renew their driver’s license or vehicle registration renewal sticker, obtain a duplicate or corrected license, or obtain an Illinois identification card 10 a.m-2 p.m. July 19 at the library. Read More

Cowden Free Methodist Offers Week Long Camp

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•June 27, 2018•

Cowden Free Methodist Camp begins July 13-21, 2018, Dr. Bob and Jennifer Wilkerson will be the Evangelist this year. Services are daily at 10:30 am and each evening at 7:30 pm Sunday evening beginning at 6:00 pm. Cowden Free Methodist Camp is located on 19.5 acres of ground across from the City Park in Cowden. The address is 174 N East Rd, Beecher City, IL.

Parking for Lake Shelbyville 4th of July Fireworks

News Progress Posted on by

•June 27, 2018•

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have announced that the 4th of July fireworks at Lake Shelbyville will be launched at dusk from Ramp Point, located in Dam West Recreation Area.
Lake Shelbyville has compiled a list of locations best suited for viewing the fireworks which include Dam West Recreation Area, Dam East Recreation Area & Visitor Center, on top of the Lake Shelbyville Dam, and Dam West Overlook. Read More