•July 5, 2017•

More than a dozen rabid bats found in Illinois so far this year

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) wants people to beware of rabid animals, including bats, as they become more active this time of year. To date, more than a dozen rabid bats have been reported in Illinois this year.

“Most cases of rabies in Illinois are almost always found in bats,” said IDPH Director Nirav D. Shah, M.D., J.D. “You can’t tell just by looking at a bat if it has rabies so it’s important to avoid handling bats and to make sure your home has no openings where bats can come in.”

Rabies is a virus that affects the nervous system. People can get rabies after being bitten by an infected animal. Rabies can also be contracted when saliva from a rabid animal gets directly into a person’s eyes, nose, mouth, or a wound. People usually know when they have been bitten by a bat, but bats have very small teeth and the bite mark may not be easy to see. If you find yourself in close proximity to a bat and are not sure if you were exposed, for example – you wake up and find a bat in your room, do not kill or release the bat before calling your doctor or local health department to help determine if you could have been exposed to rabies and need preventive treatment. If the bat is available for testing and test results are negative, preventive treatment is not needed.  Read More

•July 5, 2017•

The CIL-Con/Spook Show Con Committee will hold the first annual Spook Show Con at the Cross County Mall, 700 Broadway Avenue East, in Mattoon July 14 and 15. The event will run from 3-9 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday. General admission to the event is free. There is a VIP Pass available for $20 that allows you access to exclusive areas, discounts on workshops and events, and additional perks. “We have had great support from the community with our annual CIL-Con event. We want to continue bringing new and different events to the Coles County area.

Spook Show Con is a great opportunity for fans of horror and paranormal to get to meet other like-minded people as well as meet some of their favorite celebrities. Bishop James Long of the U.S. Old Catholic Church will hold a two hour lecture on his experiences with Demonology. Other guests include Santiago Cirilo (Walking Dead, Nashville), Keith Age (Spooked TV, SyFy), and many more. A large selection of authors and artists feature their work and make custom pieces. Other vendors include home décor, candles, jewelry, cosplay, and many more. Read More

25 Years Ago This Week

World War II medal of valor recipient Oliver Walker was Grand Marshall of the Sullivan Fourth of July parade. A two car accident just before the annual parade knocked out the month-old patrol car when it was struck at Water and Van Buren streets.

In B.B.’s column Bob Best recognized Wayne Smith of Bethany for having the first ripe tomato of the season. He paid tribute to next door neighbor Zac Horn and his landscaping assistant Clyde Thompson for taking care of all things lawn related on the Best property. “If the horticulture department at the U of I is scouting for talent, here are a couple of hot prospects,” B.B. noted.

Mary Oathout of Bethany took third place honors in the crib/juvenile division in the 17th Annual Quilt Show held at Rockome Gardens near Arcola.

Chad Borden is the Mad Hatter and Jenn McClaughen is Alice in the Little Theatre on the Square production of Alice in Wonderland. Read More

Sullivan Pre-School Breakfast

Monday, July 10 - Cereal bars, grape juice, milk
Tuesday, July 11 - Toast and sausage links, grape juice, milk
Wednesday, July 12 - Waffles, grape juice, milk
Thursday, July 13 - Strawberries and bananas, grape juice, milk
Friday, July 14 - Granola bars, grape juice, milk

Sullivan Pre-School Lunch

Monday, July 10 - Hot dog on bun, tater tots, mandarin oranges, milk
Tuesday, July 11 - Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes, peaches, dinner roll, milk
Wednesday, July 12 - BBQ pork sandwiches, french fries, pears, milk
Thursday, July 13 - Pork fritters, green beans, pineapple, bread & butter, milk
Friday, July 14 - Ham and cheese sandwiches, carrots and celery sticks, banana, milk

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

Monday, July 10 - Ham and beans, copper carrots, cornbread, applesauce
Tuesday, July 11 - Chicken and noodles, mashed potatoes, brussel sprouts, whole grain wheat, pineapple cheese salad
Wednesday, July 12 - Roasted pork, zucchini bake, winter mix vegetables, whole grain wheat, peaches and bananas
Thursday, July 13 - Chili mac w/beans, spinach/romaine salad w/mandarin oranges, dressing packet, pears, dinner roll, pudding
Friday, July 14 - Hamburger w/mustard or ketchup, hot German potato salad, mexi-corn, bun, fresh fruit