•June 14, 2023•
Cataracts effect more than 24 million people over the age of 40 in the United States according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital is addressing the growing need for improved eye care by establishing advanced ophthalmological surgical services here in Decatur.
St. Mary’s Hospital is the first in the region to use the LenSx® Laser featuring ASCEND Technology to perform cataract surgeries. This system uses advanced laser technology for enhanced precision and increased efficiency.
“A cataract is something we can take care of surgically as soon as it starts to bother you in your daily life,” said Dr. Kenneth Farr, ophthalmological surgeon. “Once we complete the surgery, your cataracts are gone for good.” Read More
Facts for Families: Spring into food savings
•June 14, 2023•
By Cheri Burcham, Family Life Educator
I’m sure you have all noticed that prices seem to be up on everything - including food! Extension educator Jamie Mahlandt recently wrote this article for her blog that addresses how we might be able to at least save a little on food. Jamie says: as food is necessary for everyone, it is an important expense in your regular budget. Some ways to minimize your food expenses may be to keep a list of necessary groceries and stick to the list when shopping. With the option of online grocery ordering that includes pick-up services, you may be able to avoid the temptation of spending on extras that were not part of your plan.
Home Gardening Read More
Dairy Farmers Donate Nearly 10,000 Pounds of Milk to Illinois Food Banks
•June 14, 2023•
Illinois dairy farmers are committed to building up communities experiencing food insecurity. Recognizing the hardships many families are facing, the Illinois Milk Producers Association (IMPA) donated nearly 10,000 pounds of milk, including lactose-free, between two local food banks.
“We know that many families are struggling with food insecurity amid rising prices at the grocery store,” said Don Mackinson, IMPA president. “Everyone deserves access to fresh, nutritious food, which is why Illinois dairy farmers wanted to find a new way to support our communities.” Read More
Multi-County 4-H Horse Show
•June 14, 2023•
On Saturday, June 17 at 9am the Multi-County 4-H Horse Show will be taking place at the Cumberland County Extension Education Building Association Livestock Facility. This new facility is located at 205 S New York St, Toledo. 4-H members showing horses from Coles, Cumberland, and Moultrie-Douglas will be coming together to learn, compete, and have fun during this event. If you will need an accommodation in order to participate, please contact the Coles County Extension Office at 217-345-7034. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs.
HSHS Good Shepherd Hospital Foundation Establishes Inaugural Golf Outing
•June 14, 2023•
The HSHS Good Shepherd Foundation will host a golf outing at Eagle Creek Golf Course in Findlay on Friday, June 23. All proceeds from the outing will be used to assist Good Shepherd Hospital in the purchase of 3D mammography equipment. Read More
Letters to the Editor 6-14-2023
Dear Editor,
Where were the flags? The City of Sullivan should be ashamed, how disgraceful! Where is your pride to show our honor and remembrance of the soldiers who keep this country free. Thank you to all veterans and those presently serving.
Luella K Hughes Read More
Pet Preparedness Month
•June 14, 2023•
June is Pet Preparedness Month and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security reminds you that a backpack with a few pet preparedness items could make all the difference with safety and comfort in a disaster for your favorite family pets.
“During Pet Preparedness Month, I challenge families to gather pet preparedness items,” said Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS) Director Alicia Tate-Nadeau. “Preparing now will greatly benefit your pets especially during a flood, tornado, or other severe weather.” Read More
Don’t Shine a Light On Me
•June 14, 2023•
By Jim Baumann
NP Guest Writer
Careless metaphors can be just as harmful as careless whispers.
Just ask George Michael.
Take this news release from the National Headache Foundation, which does important research and advocacy into the often debilitating world of chronic headaches and migraines.
“National Headache Foundation Shines a Spotlight on Migraine and Headache in June, Migraine and Headache Awareness Month” screamed the headline, including all of those capital letters. Read More
Father’s Day Gift Ideas
•June 14, 2023•
Each year in the middle of June, families honor the special men who help make the familial engine run. Father’s Day is celebrated on the third Sunday in June in the United States and Canada, and families across both nations make the day all about dads.
Many families have their own unique Father’s Day traditions, but it’s not uncommon for those rituals to cross familial lines. For example, gift-giving is one popular Father’s Day tradition many families share. With that in mind, anyone looking for the right gift for Dad this Father’s Day can consider these ideas. Read More
Moultrie County Ag in the Classroom Bookmark Contest
•June 7, 2023•
Moultrie County Agriculture in the Classroom hosted its second annual bookmark contest in May. Elementary students were invited to design a bookmark matching this year’s theme, “What Farming Means to Me.” This year’s winners were K-1st grade: Harper Coy, 2nd-3rd grade: Evie Ames, 4th-5th grade (tie) Scarlett Diener and Hank Monroe. There were over 140 participants this year. Participants included elementary students from Sullivan, Okaw Valley, Lovington and Arthur Christian. Winners were chosen based on creativity and originality. Bookmarks are available at local libraries.
Photos furnished.

