•May 23, 2018•

The Regional Office of Education #11 has partnered with The Rotary Foundation to receive a global grant that would bring Jamaican educators to the region to work with local educators at the Regional Office of Education #11 in Charleston.

Educators from Jamaica will spend five days, June 4-8, working with about 40 area educators in an intensive train-the-trainer experience in social and emotional lessons that build individual protective factors in children to help them succeed. Teachers, counselors, and principals representing over 20 different ROE #11 school districts are currently signed up for the week-long training that addresses methods of managing school conflict. “It says a lot about the committment of our educators to sacrifice a portion of their summer break for their own professional learning,” said Dr. Kyle Thompson, assistant regional superintendent. “There was enough interest generated to have a participant wait list,” Thompson said. Read More

•May 23, 2018•

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Lake Shelbyville is hosting a free fishing tournament for children under 13 on Saturday, June 2 at Opossum Pond. The pond is located near the entrance to the Opossum Creek Recreation Area. Participants are encouraged to pre-register by calling 217-774-3951 ext. 2, though it is not mandatory.

Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. for the age six and under category, and participants will fish from 9 to 9:45 a.m. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. for the age 7-9 and 10-12 category, and participants will fish from 10-11 a.m. Prizes will be awarded for biggest fish, smallest fish, and most fish in each age division. All children will receive a certificate for participating.  Read More

•May 23, 2018•

Sarah Bush Lincoln recently recognized more than 300 employees upon reaching milestone years of service to the Health System at the annual Bravo! Dedication Banquet.

SBL Regional Cancer Center nurses Bing Bennett, RN, and Gail Cook, RN, were awarded Sarah Bush Lincoln’s annual Bravo! President’s Award for going above and beyond to help people struggling with personal expenses while they are fighting cancer. The President’s Award is the highest honor an employee can receive and is part of an employee recognition program, which underscores the standards of excellence in the Health System. Nominees should demonstrate exceptional customer service, or contribute above normal job expectations, that reflect Sarah Bush Lincoln’s mission and values.

The annual recipient is selected from one of four quarterly winners chosen throughout the year and is announced at the annual Bravo! Dedication Banquet. Other quarterly President’s Award nominees included: Peg Blair, Eleni Key, RN, Natasha Deters, RN, Kelsey Wilson, RN, Blake Ferry, RN, Tami Gorman, RN, Jessica Lee, RN, Jennie Rabe, CP, Lyndsy Hunt, CP, and Mariah Ousley.

Also honored at the banquet were the following retiree’s for their years of service to Sarah Bush Lincoln: Kathy Allen, Nirmala Amin, Sheryl Artmann, Terry Bartels, Judy Brown, Jan Carpenter, Erna Doty, Donna Easterday, Richard Easton, Connie Elder, Charles Fuesting, Don Gilmore, Susan Goldstein, Charla Grafton, Trudie Hahn, Patrick Hartman, Connie Heath, Sheila Holsapple, Jeannie Hungler, Robert Jaco, Ruth Lawrence, Sally Leitch, Jennifer Markwell, Richard McDade, Gary Mikel, Sandra Miller, Deborah Newell, Sue Osborn, Marilyn Taylor and Sandy Upton. Read More

•May 16, 2018•

State Representative Brad Halbrook (R-Shelbyville) announced that a large number of libraries in the 102nd District are receiving grants through the Illinois Secretary of State ‘Per Capita’ Grant program totaling $99,627.50. Per Capita Grant funding may be used for a variety of expenses such as materials, personnel, equipment, electronic access, telecommunications and technology. Read More

•May 16, 2018•

By Gerald Tilley
Social Security District Manager

On Memorial Day, we honor service members who have given their lives for our nation. Social Security acknowledges the heroism and courage of our military service members, and we remember those who have given their lives to protect our country. Part of how we honor these heroes is the way we provide Social Security benefits.

The loss of a family member is difficult for anyone. Social Security helps by providing benefits to protect service members’ dependents. Widows, widowers, and their dependent children may be eligible for Social Security survivors benefits. You can learn more about Social Security survivors benefits at www.socialsecurity.gov/survivors. Read More