News Progress

•November 1, 2023•

Rural King Farm & Home Store recently announced the launch of its new scholarship program, designed to empower and support aspiring students in pursuit of higher education. This program is part of a larger education initiative which focuses on providing avenues for continued education, growth, and professional development for our associates and in this case, their dependents.

The Rural King Scholarship Program is comprised of scholarship opportunities with two exceptional partners, Eastern Illinois University, and Lake Land College. Both organizations will be offering in-person and online scholarships providing unique educational opportunities to our associates and their dependents who meet the eligibility criteria across all our 130+ locations companywide. Read More

•November 1, 2023•

With community support, the Illinois Deer Donation Program’s 2022 season yielded 8,414 pounds of ground venison donated to 37 food pantries. The program, delivered through University of Illinois Extension, connects hunters, meat processors, and food pantries to support food security in east-central Illinois.

The 2023 hunting season began October 1. The Illinois Deer Donation Program will continue its efforts in Clay, Coles, Cumberland, DeWitt, Douglas, Effingham, Fayette, Jasper, Macon, Moultrie, Piatt, and Shelby counties – and will expand to serve Champaign, Clark, Crawford, and Edgar counties. Read More

•November 1, 2023•

by Jenna Braasch

Media Communications Coordinator, Illinois Extension

Trees are a beautiful and vital part of our communities, providing many long-term benefits to the public. Routine maintenance and proper care techniques contribute to a longer, healthier life.

“Trees improve the local environment, economy, and overall quality of life,” says Sarah Vogel, University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator. “Whether in natural areas, parks, gardens, street boulevards, or private yards, keeping trees healthy depends on everyone.”

Many who care for trees are not certified arborists but carry out similar work as the profession. Community Tree Care is a hybrid series of training opportunities for individuals performing tree care work looking to build on their knowledge. Topics range from tree basics to tips for professionals. Read More

•November 1, 2023•

Share joy and give hope this November by supporting the Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Foundation’s Holiday Festival, November 10 to 13.

Starting with an online auction at 8 am on Friday, November 10, the Festival will include a variety of ways for the community to get involved and support SBL Behavioral Health Services. Proceeds will help provide emergent needs for uninsured patients, resources for providers to use in therapy, assistance with the substance abuse crisis in the communities SBL serves and fund school assemblies to address mental heath needs of area youth. Read More

•November 1, 2023•

Local restaurant Windsor’s Pub will be hosting a visit from America’s Best Restaurants (ABR) in early November 2023. 

America’s Best Restaurants, a national media and marketing company focusing on bringing attention to local, independently-owned restaurants, will bring its ABR Roadshow to the restaurant on November 10th.  Popular dishes will be highlighted, along with an extensive on-camera interview with owner Justin McWhorter about the restaurant’s special place in the community. The episode will be aired extensively on social media channels at a later date. Read More