•October 11, 2017•

Decatur Memorial Hospital and SIU Medicine are hosting Breast Reconstruction Awareness (BRA) Day Decatur on Wednesday, October 18 in the Classroom Complex at the Hospital at 5:30 p.m. This event focuses on breast reconstruction and life after breast cancer.

This free program will feature the following speakers and topics:

Breast Cancer Treatment- George Liu, M.D., General, Breast Surgeon, DMH Medical Group Read More

Unknown Sullivan Couple Commits Act of Kindness

In a world that is full of anger I was recently blown away by the kindness of a couple from Sullivan I met last Sunday.

I was standing in line at a Stephen King book signing at Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Mo. on Sunday, October 1 when I met the couple. We had a good time speaking while in line, and once inside they were in the row behind me. Read More

•October 11, 2017•

Cook County’s penny-per-ounce tax on sweetened beverages, often called the “soda tax,” would be repealed under legislation (SB 2238) filed by State Sen. Chapin Rose (R-Mahomet).

“Many people just ‘roll their eyes’ at Cook County’s new soda tax as more of the same from the ‘nanny state’ that is Chicago,” Rose said. “But, people need to realize that Chicago’s actions will have a direct negative impact here in Central Illinois as one of the primary ingredients in any sweetened beverage is corn. So, agriculture will take a hit under this tax that is aimed at lowering consumption. Moreover, downstate companies and industries like ADM and Tate & Lyle and the shipping sector are directly engaged in the manufacturing of these ingredients. So make no mistake, Cook County’s actions will negatively impact us.  Read More

Photo furnished
Food Pantry Soap Makers from left: Margi Gaither, George Auten, and Karen Edwards.

•October 11, 2017•

For many years, George Auten, longtime Sullivan resident and business owner, has been making laundry detergent soap for the CEFS office which oversees the local food pantry. Auten has dedicated his time and resources to provide for those in need in our county.

Auten, who has made a countless number of bottles of soap over the years, has recently retired from soap making which has left a void for the Sullivan Food Pantry.

The group Persistent Voices has stepped up to fill this void. The goals of the Persistent Voices are to help community members and address concerns about health care, education, jobs, environment and community awareness.  Read More

•October 4, 2017•

Alexander M. Hagen has been named a partner of West & Company, LLC.

Hagen is a native of Mattoon and a graduate of Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville.  He resides in Mattoon with his spouse, Meghan and their children.

Hagen joined the firm on May 19, 2008.  His duties include the provision of accounting and tax services to closely-held corporations, partnerships and individuals.  He has extensive experience with a variety of industries including the agricultural industry, the trucking industry, the retail industry and the wholesale industry.  Read More