Lowercase ‘iPhone’? A Capital Idea

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•December 20, 2023•

Riddle me this, grammarians: What do Amazon, Hulu, Citibank, Facebook, Macy’s, Lenovo, EBay and Android have in common?

Each of their corporate identities actually begins with a lowercase letter.

Yes, capital-challenged poet e.e. cummings must have had a hand in the creation of each corporation, despite his having died in 1962. I get it, having designed a couple of logos in my day: Not leading off with a capital letter can provide some visual balance.

But we in the news business capitalize all of them, whether they are at the beginning of a sentence or not. Why? I wasn’t sure an hour ago. But at least we’re consistent. Read More

Farm Income to Drop from 2022 Record

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•December 20, 2023•

by Tammie Sloup

FarmWeek

Farm income is forecast to shrink in 2023 after climbing to record highs in 2022.

USDA’s Economic Research Service released its Farm Sector Income Forecast Nov. 30, which estimated net farm income to fall by $31.8 billion (17.4%) to $151.1 billion in 2023.

Net farm income — a broad measure of profits — reached $182 billion in 2022, increasing 30% from 2021.

In September, USDA estimated net farm income at $141.3 billion. (Net farm income reflects income after expenses from production in the current year and is calculated by subtracting farm expenses from gross farm income).

The net farm income reflects overall lower crop and livestock cash receipts, increased input costs, higher interest rates and declining government payments. Read More

LLC Accepting Nominations for Alumni Awards

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•December 20, 2023•

Lake Land College is accepting nominations for the Distinguished Service Award, Pacesetter Award, Retiree Wall of Fame, Distinguished Alumnus Award/Alumnus Achievement Award and Distinguished Alumni Society. All nominations for these listed awards are being accepted until February 1, 2024. 

Nomination forms for all awards are available on the college’s website at https://www.lakelandcollege.edu/alumni/award-nominations/. Physical copies of each form are available by calling the Foundation at 217-234-5376. Read More

Prevent Falls This Winter

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•December 20, 2023•

Cheri Burcham

Extension Educator

University of Illinois Extension

With winter weather on the horizon, so is the higher risk of falling. Extension Educator Diane Reinhold wrote this very helpful article last year that I would like to share and hopefully prevent falls not just this winter, but anytime. Diane says: Winter signals the changing of yet another season. As the temperatures drop and snow blankets the landscape, snow and cold weather lovers embrace all that winter has to offer. Whether you love winter or find yourself longing for the warm summer sun, one thing is for certain, we must all pay close attention to our health and the needs of our bodies, especially as we head outdoors. Read More

New Year’s Resolutions for Your Social Life

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•December 20, 2023•

New Year’s resolutions tend to focus heavily on healthy aspirations. Each January, people from all walks of life express a desire to lose weight, exercise more, quit smoking, or get more sleep. However, that doesn’t mean that resolutions cannot involve fun with friends.

Resolutions that focus on improving social connections might be something to consider this year. Expanding your social life can prove beneficial, as strong social connections are important to maintaining cognitive health and emotional well-being. The following are some socially-minded resolutions.

• Volunteer. One of the best ways to meet new people is to engage in activities that attract like-minded individuals. Volunteer activities are one avenue to explore. Volunteerism can start in schools, community centers, houses of worship, and elsewhere through the community. Read More

A Look Back…

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2013 

The Lovington Housewalk, an event that had not been held in more than five years was held. The walk which formerly benefitted Lovington High School had its proceeds going to support the Relay for Life, a fundraising event for the American Cancer Society that year. The event had a steady stream of visitors to the six homes included in the walk. The one day event raised $800.

The First Christian Church of Sullivan quilters Sunday School class made small quilts that were given to the Sullivan Police Department, who provided them to children who had been uprooted from his or her familiar surroundings and taken to the police department until child services could take over. The quilts were given to the children and they were theirs to keep.  Read More

Former Prairie Farms Dairy CEO Awarded Honor

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•December 13, 2023•

In recognition of his lifetime of exemplary leadership and service in the agriculture industry, Illinois Farm Bureau (IFB) honored Ed Mullins, former CEO of Prairie Farms Dairy, with the 2023 Charles B. Shuman Distinguished Service Award during the organization’s annual meeting in Chicago, Dec. 2-4. The award is the highest given by IFB.

Mullins began his career in the food industry in 1968 with Schulze & Burch Biscuit Company. During his 10 years with the company, Mullins was drafted into the U.S. Army and served 15 months in Southeast Asia and served as a military police officer.

After returning from the army, Mullins worked as general manager of PepsiCo in Marion for two years before joining Prairie Farms Dairy in 1980. There, he began a 42-year career, working up through the ranks and serving in many leadership positions before taking on the role of CEO in 2006. He was the company’s 4th CEO since its inception in 1938. Read More

LLC to host St. Louis Cardinals Caravan

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•December 13, 2023•

Lake Land College will host the St. Louis Cardinals Caravan at noon on Sunday, Jan. 14, 2024 in the Lake Land College Field House.

This event gives fans the opportunity to interact with members of the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team, including current and former players, broadcast talents and other familiar faces. Children 15-years-old and younger will also receive one autograph from each current and former player in attendance at the event. Read More

Windsor November Students of the Month

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Photos Submitted
Windsor November Students of the Month
Windsor Jr./Sr. High School recently announced their November Students of the Month, Timmy Graber and Olivia Rogers.
Timmy Graber is a 7th grader and is the son of Mariko and Mark Graber. He is involved in basketball and enjoys drawing in his spare time.
Olivia Rogers is currently a sophomore and the granddaughter of Cindy and Jay Rogers. She enjoys drawing and gaming. She would like to one day become an EMT.

Nativity Scene Relocated Due to Work on Courthouse

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photo furnished
Nativity Scene Relocated Due to Work on Courthouse
For over four decades, the Sullivan Area Ministerial Association (SAMA) has been spreading the joy and wonder of the holiday season in Moultrie County. A group of dedicated pastors within SAMA has made a cherished tradition of setting up a life-sized nativity on the courthouse lawn every year since around 1980. This breathtaking display not only captures the essence of the Christmas story but also serves as a symbol of unity and community spirit. The nativity scene, meticulously arranged by these pastors, has become a beloved fixture during the holiday season, bringing a sense of peace and reflection to all who pass by. Through their enduring commitment, SAMA continues to weave the magic of Christmas into the fabric of our community, fostering a shared appreciation for the true meaning of the season. This year, the Nativity has a new home on the square due to ongoing work on the courthouse building. Be sure to include a visit in your Christmas traditions this year.