•June 21, 2023•
The Illinois Amish Heritage Center in partnership with the University of Illinois Extension presents “Let’s Learn about Bees” to be held on Saturday, July 8. The hours for the event are from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. This event is part of a new “enhanced Saturday” program that will be held periodically throughout the summer.
The purpose of the event is to educate on the importance of bees in our food system and show how you can create a bee friendly habitat. Many Amish have hives on their farms and have created bee gardens that attract pollinator insects. Honey is harvested from the hive and used in various recipes. Excess honey and related by-products are often sold. Read More
Irony Tastes Sweet for This Bears Fan
•June 21, 2023•
By Jim Baumann
NP Guest Writer
Irony is my jam.
If I could spread it nice and thick on a slice of toast, I would.
I stick my neck out every week in an effort to evoke a smile and impart a dash of wisdom. If I whiff on either score, I feel defeated.
I do my best to turn bullying opportunities into good-natured learning experiences. That goes double for when a reader or I find fault with something our hardworking staff has done. I don’t name names, I don’t mock.
The world is better that way.
The fetid sea of social media belongs to the bullies, so it’s nice to occasionally watch them get their comeuppance.
Especially when people correct grammar incorrectly. Read More
Remember When? 6-21-2023
25 Years Ago This Week
Moultrie County’s annual Relay for Life exceeded it’s goal for the second year by raising $32,126.98 for the Moultrie County Chapter of the American Cancer Society. Pope’s Pavement Pounders with co-captains Tom and Sue Pope collected $1,702 to win the top team fundraising trophy. In all 27 teams participated in the 12 hour walk. Luminary sales (655) accounted for $3,276 of the total raised. Read More
Menu 6-21-2023
Senior Peace Meal
For additional information or for reservations, please call 1-800-543-1770
June 26 - Ham and Beans, Copper Carrots, Sliced Pears, Cornbread
June 27 - Sloppy Joe, Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Broccoli, Fruit, Bun
June 28 - Taco Salad, Sliced Peaches, Taco Chips, Dessert
June 29 - Chicken Mac & Cheese, Black Beans & Corn, Herbed Peas, Watermelon
June 30 - COOK’S CHOICE: REGIONAL FAVORITES WILL BE SERVED
Dine With A Doc Held at Senior Center

Photo by Crystal Reed
Dine With A Doc Held at Senior Center
This month’s Dine with a Doc was held on Tuesday, June 6 at the Mid Illinois Senior Services and Community Center in Sullivan. This month’s guest speaker was Denise Bloemer, a registered dietician with Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center in Mattoon. She spoke on the ChooseMyPlate diagram that is now used to show portion sizes and servings that people should be getting in their diet on a daily basis. She also talked about special diet considerations for older adults including food to boost memory, foods for eye health and foods to incorporate in your diet to reduce inflammation. The next Dine with a Doc will be held in October.
Arthur Seeks July 1 Parade Entries
•June 14, 2023•
The 2023 Freedom Celebration Parade will take place this year in Arthur on Saturday, July 1 starting at 2:00 p.m.
“A Star-Spangled Hometown Salute” is the theme for the 29th annual parade.
Individuals, organizations, churches, and businesses interested in participating in the parade should call Stephanie Wierman at 217-620-7460 to request a form or stop by the Welcome Center at 106 E. Progress to pick up a form. Read More
Menu 6-14-2023
Senior Peace Meal
For additional information or for reservations, please call 1-800-543-1770
June 19 - Chili, Cheese Salad, Mandarin Oranges, Tomato Salad, Bread & Crackers
June 20 - Fried Chicken, Mashed Potatoes & Gravy, Green Bean Casserole, Coleslaw, Roll
June 21 - Turkey Pot Roast, Baby Bakers, Peas & Pearl Onions, Bread, Dessert
June 22 - Goulash, Mixed Greens, Corn Fruit
June 23 - Peppered Beef over Brown Rice, Glazed Carrots, Buttered Hominy , Fruit
Remember When? 6-14-2023
25 Years Ago This Week
Lovington Hall of Fame and Citizen of the Year award winners, the late Eva Buxton and the Rev. Kevin Ray, were announced following a talent show at Lovington’s June Fest. Buxton was inducted into the Lovington Hall of Fame. Ray was announced as Citizen of the Year. Alicia Strode and Marissa Bolsen were named Little Miss Lovington and Miss Lovington during the event. Read More
Gov. Pritzker Signs Bill Making Illinois First State in the Nation to Outlaw Book Bans
•June 14, 2023•
Governor JB Pritzker was joined by Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, advocates, and lawmakers today at the Harold Washington Library to sign legislation outlawing book bans in Illinois. This nation-leading legislation comes in the wake of a nationwide rise in extremists targeting literature, libraries, and books in an effort to censor the material students need to thrive in the classroom. Targeted books cover a wide range of categories and predominantly consists of stories by and about People of Color and the LGBTQ+ community. Read More
Senior Heifer Calf Champion

Photo by Next Level Images
Senior Heifer Calf Champion
Kramers Nellie 1253 won senior heifer calf champion at the 2023 Atlantic National Super Point Roll of Victory (ROV) Angus Show, May 28 in Timonium, Md. Quentin Day, Lovington, owns the winning heifer.
