•January 10, 2024•
Birkey’s Farm Store recently announced the retirement of CEO Mike Hedge after nearly 32 years of service. Hedge first joined Birkey’s as the Chief Financial Officer in 1992 until 2013 when he stepped up as President and CEO, wielding leadership over business operations and strategic initiatives. Read More
•January 10, 2024•
John Gardner, President & CEO of Peoples Bank & Trust, headquartered in Pana, Ill. and Dale Boyer, President & CEO of Arcola First Bank, headquartered in Arcola, Ill., are pleased to announce an agreement to merge Arcola First Bank with Peoples Bank & Trust. The bank resulting from the merger will be Peoples Bank & Trust. The agreement is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to close in late spring or early summer.
“I’m excited to bring Peoples Bank & Trust to Arcola, Arthur, and Tuscola.” Dale Boyer said, “They have a true focus on delivering the best possible services, and are dedicated to providing excellent customer service to the communities they serve.” Read More
•January 10, 2024•
Soup is a staple anytime the weather is chilly or when a person feels like they are coming down with a cold. The warm, therapeutic effects of a delicious bowl of soup are hard to dismiss, and may sometimes work as well as the best medicines available.
While zucchini may be known as a summer vegetable, this popular squash is at home in a tasty soup any time of year. Top with giant, cheesy croutons for a filling and scrumptious crowd-pleaser. Read More
2014
Former Arcola and Mattoon head football coach Gerald Temples was hired as the next football coach by the Sullivan school board.
Millikin Professor Emeritus Dan Guillory presented about his book “House Poems: Structures and Their Inhabitants at Lovington Public Library. Read More
Give This Healthy Dinner a Mexican Twist
All kinds of resolutions are made at the start of a new year, and most of them involve some sort of healthy habit. Losing weight and eating better often top the list of health initiatives.
Individuals who want to revamp their diets may be on the lookout for healthy recipes. “Health food” may evoke images of lots of leafy greens and bland grains, but diners can rest assured there are plenty of tasty options… even beef. Read More
•January 3, 2024•
By Ileana Saveley
Social Security District Manager in Decatur, IL
Social Security programs touch the lives of more than 71 million people. We work hard to ensure critical benefits and other services are accessible to you. Consider the start of the new year as an opportunity for you to engage with Social Security online. This begins with creating your free and secure personal my Social Security account at www.ssa.gov/myaccount. Once you create an account, you can:
· Apply for retirement, spouses, or disability benefits. Read More
•January 3, 2024•
by Sarah Hudson Pierce
columnist
One of the best lectures I’ve heard was at the East Texas Christian Writer’s Conference in Marshall, Texas in 2014. The speaker emphasized that if a writer really wants to develop his talent the best place to start is newspaper writing.
I heartily agree, although I began writing poetry in 1981, while going through a nervous breakdown. At that time I didn’t realize that therapists highly recommend writing and journal keeping as a means of coping.
Even though I seldom write poetry anymore even though I’ve had three books of poetry published along with two volumes of inspirational pieces, I know the speaker was right. Read More
2014
Moultrie County received around eight inches of snow. Wind gusts caused drifting which severely hampered travel and closed some roadways. Area businesses were also affected. Area grocery stores quickly ran out of milk, eggs and other basic foods.
The Arthur Knights rolled past the Windsor Blue Devils 71-44.
Sullivan girls basketball team secured a victory over Argenta-Oreana 68-34. Read More
•December 27, 2023•
Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced several new laws initiated by his office that will take effect at the start of the new year. The initiatives were passed earlier this year by the Illinois General Assembly and signed into law. They include:
Combating Distracted Driving
Giannoulias drafted this legislation to increase road safety by making it illegal to Zoom, watch or stream videos, or access social media sites while driving.
In 2022, more than 24,000 drivers were issued citations for distracted driving in Illinois. Read More
•December 27, 2023•
By Cheri Burcham
Extension Educator
University of Illinois Extension
With holiday parties and dinners coming up, this is a great time to share another healthy eating article from Illinois Extension Educator Mary Liz Wright. Mary Liz says: Do you have your holiday menu planned? Does your guest list include those who are gluten-sensitive, vegetarian, paleo, vegan, or any number of specified diet restrictions? I have heard many conversations about how to accommodate so many preferences and restrictions. In the spirit of holiday care, I would like to make another suggestion, an accommodation for a large segment of our population who never get attention. Read More