•April 4, 2018•

A new study published in the journal Health Affairs has attached a hefty price tag to the issue of inactivity in American children.

According to the study, only about 40% of children get 25 minutes of high-calorie-burning physical activity three times a week, which could result in $1.1 trillion in direct medical costs over the course of their lifetimes.

This is something Erin Kennedy, OSF HealthCare Center for Healthy Lifestyles Manager, says could be changed with a little early intervention.

“Exercise should be fun, and when you start at a young age it will not become a chore, but it will be something that people look forward to,” she said. “That’s what our communities need. We need to want to be physically active, and want to be outside of that house.” Read More

•April 4, 2018•

The statewide average precipitation for February-March was 8.69 inches, which made it the fourth wettest February-March on record, according to Illinois State Climatologist Jim Angel of the Illinois State Water Survey at the University of Illinois.

The wettest February-March was in 1898 with 8.96 inches. Read More

•April 4, 2018•

Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White announced today that entry forms are available for the 14th annual Illinois Emerging Writers Competition. Winners will receive the Gwendolyn Brooks Poetry Award.

“We created the Illinois Emerging Writers Competition to promote creative writing and provide an outlet for talented writers,” White said. “Great poems have the ability to enrich and enhance our lives, and I am looking forward to celebrating talented poets with this year’s competition.” Read More

•April 4, 2018•

Auditions for the LTOTS high school all star ensemble will be held from 5-8 p.m. Sunday, April 8.

This new initiative gives high school age students from across the area the chance to perform on the stage of The Little Theatre On The Square in Sullivan and be directed by professionals.

Designed to give young actors both experience and exposure, auditions are open to all students entering high school in the fall as a freshman through those who will graduate this spring. The All Star cast will appear in six performances of “Aladdin, Jr.” from June 8-16 at The Little Theatre On The Square. Read More