•November 16, 2016•
Eleven members of the Windsor FFA Chapter attended the Leadership Training School (LTS) hosted by the Maroa-Forsyth FFA Chapter September 26.
The members learned about responsibility, teamwork, and developed their decision making skills. Read More
•November 16, 2016•
Millikin University will host “The Empty Chili Bowl,” a fundraiser for the Good Samaritan Inn of Decatur 5-7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18 in Lower Richards Treat University Center on Millikin’s campus. The fundraiser is free and open to the public. Read More
•November 16, 2016•
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Illinois Department of Natural Resources will hold the 27th Annual Lake Shelbyville Deer Hunt for People with Disabilities during the first firearm deer season November 18 - 20. The hunt will be conducted in portions of recreation areas at Lake Shelbyville that are closed for the season. As a safety precaution, Lone Point and Lithia Springs Campgrounds and all of Sullivan Beach, Wilborn Creek, Coon Creek, and Opossum Creek recreation areas will be closed to all automobile and pedestrian traffic from 2 p.m. Thursday, November 17 to 7 p.m. Sunday, November 20. Read More
•November 16, 2016•
Governor Bruce Rauner’s Cabinet on Children and Youth recently announced a statewide, cross-agency initiative to reduce children’s exposure to lead. Lead poisoning is one of the most prevalent, preventable, environmental health hazards and is known to contribute to learning disabilities, developmental delays, and violent behavior.
“There is no safe level of lead in the body. Children exposed to high lead levels tend to suffer from life-long complications that affect their ability to think, learn, or behave,” said Illinois Department of Public Health Director Nirav D. Shah, M.D., J.D. “Reducing blood lead levels among all Illinois children six years of age or younger would reduce crime and increase on-time high school graduation rates later in life.”
Compared to other states, Illinois remains among the highest for percentage of children with elevated blood lead levels. Out of approximately 270,000 Illinois children tested in 2014, more than 18,000 had blood lead levels at the federal public health intervention level. Read More
•November 9, 2016•
Fall is here and the time of year when motorists need to be especially vigilant watching for deer on roads throughout the state, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). The reason: autumn coincides with the mating season and increased deer movement, especially at dusk and dawn.
“Deer have other things on their minds at this time of year. They aren’t looking out for motorists so motorists need to be looking out for them,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Randy Blankenhorn. “If you are in areas where you know deer to be active, please pay special attention to avoid putting yourself and other drivers at risk.” Read More
Photo furnished
Sheriff Chris Sims (left) and members of the sheriff’s dept. were among guests at the UMW Thanksgiving luncheon in Sullivan.
•November 9, 2016•
In the spirit of Thanksgiving, the United Methodist Women of the Sullivan First United Methodist Church hosted a luncheon for members of the Sullivan Police Department and the Moultrie County Sheriff’s Dept. Nov. 1.
The meal was a simple but sincere way to say “Thank You” to the employees of those departments who serve the community and the county in a tireless, professional manner.
More than 20 men and women were special guests who dined on a home-cooked meal, which was accompanied by a note of gratitude and a copy of “The Law Enforcer’s Prayer”. Read More
Photo furnished
Pictured are Rob and Angie Springman.
•November 9, 2016•
Angie Springman has been a lifelong resident of central Illinois. She grew up in Atwood, then moved to Mt. Zion, where she met her soulmate Rob Springman. They later married and had two children, Ryan and Jessica and moved their young family to Lovington where they spent many years. While maintaining her role as mom and military wife, Angie remained very active in her community as a selfless volunteer. She also worked for the Lovington School District, First Christian Church, US Post Office and many other businesses.
Later, she chose to further her education and went back to school to become a radiological technician, to continue her lifelong passion of serving others. Angie started her new career by working at an orthopedic surgeon’s office in Decatur. She was diagnosed with lung cancer. She is no longer able to work full time and finances have become a struggle. Read More
•November 9, 2016•
Secretary of State Jesse White, in cooperation with Sullivan Library, is offering drivers a chance to renew their driver’s license or vehicle registration renewal sticker, obtain a duplicate or corrected license, or obtain an Illinois identification card. White’s mobile unit will be available at the Sullivan Library, located at 2 West Water in Sullivan 10 a.m-2 p.m. November 17. Read More
•November 9, 2016•
Millikin University presents the 14th annual Literary Festival and High School Writing Contest Nov. 11-12. The 2016 Literary Festival is open to high school and college students, and the general public.
The festival includes workshops, readings and sessions with featured writers. The event gives students the opportunity to work directly with professional writers and receive feedback.
The 2016 Literary Festival will begin on Friday, Nov. 11, at 7 p.m. in the President’s Dining Room in Richards Treat University Center, featuring a prose reading from guest writer Geoff Herbach.
The festival will continue on Saturday, Nov. 12, from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., with workshops and readings in Shilling Hall, Rooms 315 and 316, and the President’s Dining Room. Poetry and fiction workshops along with lectures on poetry craft will be held on Nov 12. Read More
•November 9, 2016•
With significant changes in the health care marketplace across the country consumers are encouraged to compare options before enrolling or re-enrolling in health coverage.
The Illinois Department of Insurance (DOI) today announced that Qualified Health Programs (QHPs) are now available to Illinois residents at Get Covered Illinois and Healthcare.gov. Due to the significant changes to the plans and prices from plan year 2016, DOI is encouraging all Illinois residents to take their time and compare plans.
“The Illinois Department of Insurance recognizes the challenges Illinois consumers will face as they try to decide on a health care plan for next year,” said Acting Director Anne Melissa Dowling. “We want Illinois residents to know we are here as a free resource to make sure everyone is able to get the best coverage possible for themselves and their families.”
Illinois residents can make an appointment for free, in-person assistance from a licensed and trained Navigator by going to GetCoveredIllinois.gov or calling 1-866-311-1119 for more information. Read More