•October 5, 2016•
September was the sixth warmest on record with statewide records going back to 1895. The statewide average temperature was 70.7 degrees, 4.5 degrees above normal, according to State Climatologist Jim Angel, Illinois State Water Survey, University of Illinois.
This year, September was tied in sixth place with 2005. The warmest September on record was a tie between 1933 and 1925 with a statewide average temperature of 72.2 degrees. Read More
•October 5, 2016•
The Department of Central Management Services today announced a new feature added to the state’s online auction website iBid that will now showcase high end designer merchandise. Designer watches, bracelets and sunglasses, gold and silver jewelry, are just a few of the items to be featured in the coming weeks on ‘iBid Top Line’.
“This new ‘Top Line’ feature on the iBid website is perfect for bargain hunters while also helping the state get the best value for Illinois taxpayers,” said CMS Acting Director Michael M. Hoffman. “By creating this separate Top Line online storefront we are hoping to expand our audience and maximize our potential for profit.” Read More
•October 5, 2016•
October 11th- Family Flu Clinic-Moultrie County Health Dept. - 1- 6 p.m.
October 13th- Adult Flu Clinic- Bethany Library- 9-11 a.m.
October 14th- Walk-in Flu Clinic- Moultrie County Health Dept. - 9-11 a.m. Read More
Photo furnished
At the Fairview Park Walk in Decatur Team Eastview was part of the opening ceremony Oct. 1. From left to right: Shayna Key, Rayette Woolard, Deb Carr, Lacy Mossman, Breena Davis, Hope Shaffer, Sheri Szachnitowski, and Jimmie Picklesimer.
•October 5, 2016•
Eastview Terrace in Sullivan takes pride in caring for those afflicted with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease with no cure. People fighting this disease don’t only lose memories but also often lose motor skills and ultimately control over their body.
As a way to honor the residents they care for, Eastview Terrace got involved with the Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Decatur four years ago. They put together a small team and thought of ways to gather donations to the cause. EVT put together a small benefit at the VFW in Sullivan and put all the proceeds towards the teams’ donation to the Walk.
Eastview’s staff was inspired by the opening ceremony of the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. There is a sea of flowers representing those who care for, advocate, and are personally affected by the disease. Special speakers tell their stories about how the tragic disease has affected their lives. It is a truly powerful presentation. Read More
•October 5, 2016•
The Illinois Department of Transportation is in the process of hiring temporary help to assist with snow-and-ice removal throughout Illinois this winter. These seasonal employees will be hired on a full-time and an on-call basis. Read More
•October 5, 2016•
Mediacom Communications is offering $55,000 in scholarship support for high school seniors who plan to obtain further education. The scholarship program is in its 16th consecutive year and Mediacom’s investment will award $1,000 World Class Scholarships to 55 high school seniors.
Scholarship recipients are given the flexibility to use the financial award to support educational expenses for higher education or vocational training from any accredited post-secondary institution starting in the fall of 2017. Award selection is based on academic achievement and leadership. Read More
•October 5, 2016•
The Illinois Department on Aging today announced the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, through the Administration for Community Living, has awarded the State of Illinois a $1 million grant.
Through the grant, the Department will develop and pilot test person-centered supportive services that meet the needs of persons living with or those at risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia, and their caregivers. The program will be developed and run by the Illinois Department on Aging, Division of Older American Services. Read More
Photo furnished
Davis Four: (left to right) Brittany, Kim, Kaylee, Breanna.
•October 5, 2016•
Shelbyville native Kim Davis had her first mammogram at 39 years old. The last thing she expected was to hear that she needed a biopsy.
Because a biopsy indicated that it was ADH (Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia) a possible precancerous condition, the atypical cells were removed. Three years later, a mammogram revealed the same type of cells in the other breast. Kim lobbied her surgeon for a prophylactic mastectomy, but her surgeon dissuaded her from taking such a radical step, citing her young age, no known risk factors for breast cancer and the expense of the surgery, since insurance wouldn’t cover the cost. They continued to watch it closely.
The following year, a tumor (referred to as “ER/PR positive”) appeared in her right breast, so Kim’s doctors agreed to a radical mastectomy and prophylactic mastectomy of the left breast followed by breast reconstruction. They were all surprised to find two tumors of a different type in her left breast. Typed as “HER 2 Neu,” the tumors were considered stage 1 cancer, for which chemotherapy was required.
Thinking back on the moment when she learned she had cancer, Kim said, “‘You have cancer’ are hard words to hear, but (Sarah Bush Lincoln Oncologist) Dr. (Adbur) Shakir held my hand when he told me and made me feel like he was going to take care of me. I can’t imagine being told that awful news by anyone else. He was so thoughtful and compassionate. I looked into his eyes, and I knew I could trust him. He gave me hope.” Read More
•September 28, 2016•
Savannah Gray never gave up hope despite turning to hospice care when her cancer continued to spread.
Sadly, she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of ovarian cancer after visiting the gynecologist with severe pain. Gray thought the pain might be caused by a tubal pregnancy, but the diagnosis was far worse. She was transferred to Barnes Hospital in St. Louis when a biopsy revealed that her body was filled with cancer.
Unfortunately, doctors were unable to remove all the cancer during a six-hour surgery, her mother Sharon Hammack said. She underwent several rounds of chemotherapy treatment followed by a stem cell transplant, but it failed to keep her cancer at bay. While doctors told her there was nothing more they could do, she held out hope for more options. Read More
Photo furnished
Lovington Library Angry Bird participants left to right: Ross Young, Lucas Ayer, Connor Tipton, Jacob Collins, Hannah Collins, Willie Brohez, Rylan Young.
•September 28, 2016•
Registration for the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Program is underway. Book bags, logs, storytimes and more are available for pre-K kids who register. Loom
Learn the art of loom knitting and make a hat or scarf with Too Cute Crafts’ Jordan Durbin. Attendees will need to bring their own yarn. Those wanting to do the candy corn design should bring three colors. An example is may be seen in the library. Class is 11 a.m.-noon Saturday, October 1. Only eight seats are available so pre-registration is required.
A book club for fourth-eighth graders meets 3:45-4:45 p.m. on the first and third Tuesday of every month. The children in this club enjoy planning/assisting with library events and talking about their favorite books. This month the book club will get to help plan the November “Harry Potter Week.” Read More