•May 10, 2023•
Diabetes is on the rise but can be a very manageable illness. If you or someone you care for has diabetes or is pre-diabetic, why not learn how to more effectively “take charge” and live an active and fulfilling life? Take Charge of Your Diabetes is designed to teach those with diabetes tools and techniques to help them become better health managers! Classes will be offered Wednesday afternoons starting June 7 – July 19 (skip June 14) from 2:00 – 4:30 PM. Classes will be held at the Shelby County Senior Center at 325 East North Ninth, Shelbyville, IL. Prospective participants will need to register by Monday, June 2 by calling Community Care Systems at 217-774-7885 or the University of Illinois Extension office at 217-774-9546. Read More
Facts for Families: Severe Weather
•May 10, 2023•
By Cheri Burcham
Family Life Educator
My colleague Extension Educator Tessa Hobbs-Curley wrote this great article about being prepared for severe weather. Tessa says: Spring is the time of year that we pay more attention to the weather. Whether we are watching the television, listening to the radio, checking our weather App, or getting alerts from the radio, severe weather can impact our lives. Planning as a family is an excellent way of not getting caught off guard. The National Weather Service gives a few tips on preparing. Read More
Honoring our nurses during National Nurses Week
•May 10, 2023•
As we celebrate nurses across the country for National Nurses Week (May 6-12), I am deeply appreciative of our nursing colleagues who provide exceptional care to those served by Hospital Sisters Health System’s (HSHS) 15 hospitals throughout Illinois and Wisconsin. One week hardly seems like enough time to thank them for their extraordinary accomplishments, especially as the last couple years have brought so many challenges in healthcare. I am so proud of how our nursing colleagues have demonstrated their resiliency, commitment and passion for their profession.
According to the American Nurses Association (ANA), National Nurses Week was permanently designated May 6-12 in 1993, so this is the 30th anniversary of National Nurses Week. While celebrations and accolades are shared during this week annually, we know that the work of nurses is a vital contribution to the health of our communities, day in and day out. Read More
Why Doesn’t An Ambassador Work In An Ambassy?
•May 10, 2023•
By Jim Baumann
NP Guest Writer
In light of the nearly endless column I — with great help from you — wrote a few weeks back comparing my column writing skills to that of ChatGPT, I decided to treat you to some bite-size nuggets today.
Gobble them up at your own peril; many of them are months old.
I’m ambarrassed to say
My wife and I were giving Netflix’s “The Diplomat” a spin the other evening, and something beyond the farfetchedness of the plot occurred to me: Why doesn’t an ambassador work in an “ambassy?”
I consulted the ever-handy Online Etymology Dictionary for an answer. Read More
Remember When? 5-10-2023
25 Years Ago This Week
The Bethany Mustangs had a once in a lifetime experience when they faced Fisher at Busch Stadium in St. Louis. Unfortunately the Mustangs came away on the losing end as the Bunnies handed Bethany a 7-4 defeat. Read More
Master Gardeners Announce Annual Plant Sale
•May 3, 2023•
Master Gardeners are excited to announce their annual spring plant sale is back at Garden Fest. They will be selling a variety of plants at Lytle Park, Mattoon on Saturday, May 13, 2023, from 9 am-12 pm. Our knowledgeable Master Gardeners will be available throughout the morning to address your yard and garden questions and give you suggestions for planting, pruning, and landscaping.
This year we will feature a limited amount of fun hostas to add to your shaded landscapes including Blue Mouse Ears, Island Breeze, and Shadowland Whee just to name a few. Limited quantities of beautiful 10” and 14” hanging baskets will include assortments of petunias, impatiens, and geraniums. These baskets would make wonderful Mother’s Day gifts. We recommend arriving early for the best color selection – these will sell out. Read More
Leonardo Music Entertains Students

Photo by Crystal Reed
Leonardo Music Entertains Students
Leonardo Music out of Chicago entertained children at the Sullivan United Methodist Church. The concert was made possible by Moultrie County Baby Talk.
Okaw Valley Prom Court 2023

Photo by Jeni Yantis
Okaw Valley Prom Court
Front: Grace Moeller, Lexi Bartimus, Reagan Reedy and Karson Park. Back: Brett Lybarger, Evan Waldrop, Trey Hall and Jace Rickey.
Moultrie Douglas Association for Home and Community Education Holds Annual Meeting
•May 3, 2023•
The Moultrie-Douglas Association for Home and Community Education (PAHCE) held the Annual Meeting on April 20th at the Arthur United Methodist Church. A delicious Potluck lunch was enjoyed by about 30 members and guests. Therese Kincade the Artistic Director at the Little Theater in Sullivan, gave a very interesting talk about the history of the Little Theater and her responsibilities, including acting in several productions. Sandra Cameron presented the Memorial Service to honor the members that had passed away in the last year. Read More
Matheson to Receive MBA
•May 3, 2023•
Moranda A. Matheson will receive a Master of Business Administration degree from Olivet Nazarene University, Bourbonnais, Illinois in the school’s 110th annual commencement, Saturday, May 6 at 2:30 p.m in the Betty and Kenneth Hawkins Centennial Chapel. Read More
