•April 12, 2023•
Governor JB Pritzker has issued a proclamation announcing April as Illinois Safe Digging Month. The proclamation serves as a reminder to professional excavators and homeowners to call 8-1-1 before starting any outdoor digging project. Read More
McClure Takes Part in New Defensive Training with DCFS Employees
•April 12, 2023•
Frontline Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) employees are now able to take training to safely and effectively use pepper spray in emergency situations, with the goal of being better able to protect themselves in the field. The training also includes instruction on situational awareness. The new program was created by legislation filed by State Senator Steve McClure (R-Springfield).
“Frontline DCFS employees need to be able to stay safe while they work to protect vulnerable children and families,” said Senator McClure. “I hope this program gives them vital tools and information that they can use to help protect themselves.” Read More
University of Illinois Extension Program Held
Photo furnished
Caitlin Mellendorf of the University of Illinois Extension presented a program on dehydrating, freezing and fermenting foods for safe storage at Arthur Public Library on Saturday, April 1.
•April 12, 2023•
On April 1 Caitlin Mellendorf provided a packed room with techniques for dehydrating, freezing and fermenting foods for safe storage.
“Drying or dehydrating food involves removing its water content to a point where the food is preserved for a longer time than if left fresh. Dehydrated foods can be done by drying in an oven at 140 degree F. Higher than that they will cook. Dried fruits should reach 20% moisture and be pliable, but not sticky. Dried Vegetables will be brittle or crisp, with a moisture level of 10%. You may use an electric food dehydrator, oven, sun, solar or air drying method. Air drying works for peppers and herbs. If the dehydration takes place outside you do need to put it in the oven afterwards for pasteurization to destroy insects or eggs that might be present.” Read More
Sullivan High School Students Conduct Research at Booth Library
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Sullivan High School Students Conduct Research at Booth Library
Students from Sullivan High School visited Booth Library on the campus of Eastern Illinois University on April 3.
Students in the AP English Class were given a tour of the library, followed by research instruction. Librarian Kirstin Duffin gave the tour and helped them research their individual topics.
For more information on Both Library, visit the website, www.library.eiu.edu; call 581-6072; or find the library on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
Pictured from left to right are Lane Richardson, Liz Owens, Madalyn Booker, Cassidy Short, Paul Bates, Will Dawkins, Ethan Schmohe, Kenzie Pedigo, Sydni Waidelich, Kaylee Ogle, Aubrey Tate and Natalee Hunter.
What to do When Parents are Poor Sports
•April 12, 2023•
Heated debates with referees and trash-talking players is something one may expect when watching professional sports. But such behavior is not expected of parents on the sidelines of youth sporting events. However, unruly parents are on display with increasing frequency at various youth sporting events.
According to a 2017 survey by the National Association of Sports Officials, adult behavior is the reason more than 75 percent of all high school referees quit. About 80 percent of new officials stop after two years on the job. This has led to a shortage of officials across the youth sports landscape. Read More
The Various Educational Paths to Follow in Pursuit of Various Careers in Nursing
•April 12, 2023•
The field of nursing is vast. While providing medical assistance and support to patients is at the heart of any nursing career, the road to becoming a nurse varies.
There are many pathways to becoming a nurse, and each requires a specific amount of education, training and testing. Here’s a deep dive into the various professional degrees associated with nursing, courtesy of NurseJournal.org and Nurse.org.
Certified Nursing Assistant: A certified nursing assistant is how many people first enter the field of nursing. CNAs are not nurses, but they help nurses provide medical care. Becoming a CNA requires completion of a program that can last 12 weeks, a CNA certification exam and state (provincial) licensing. Read More
Report Suggests State Spending Will Soon Begin Outpacing Revenues Once Again
•April 12, 2023•
By Jerry Nowicki
Capitol News Illinois
jnowicki @ capitolnewsillinois.com
While Illinois has recently experienced a prolonged stretch of good financial news, a new state fiscal forecast notes that if spending continues to grow at its recent pace it could lead to future budget deficits. Read More
Bill Aims to Limit Excessive School District Cash Reserves
Some districts could operate for years on money they’ve stashed away
By Peter Hancock
Capitol News Illinois
phancock @ capitolnewsillinois.com
The overall financial health of Illinois school districts has been improving in recent years, according to a recent state report, but a bill moving through the General Assembly seeks to rein in the amount of money some districts are saving.
Senate Bill 1994, which passed unanimously out of the Senate last week and now awaits action in the House, would put a cap on how much money school districts could hold in reserves. Districts that exceed it would be required to file a report with the state.
“They’re kind of like a nonprofit where, you know, money comes in and resources come in, and then it needs to be spent,” the bill’s sponsor Sen. Meg Loughran Cappel, D-Shorewood, said during an interview. “Like, yes, you need to have savings. Yes, those are good practices. But you can’t just be sitting on all this cash and then not doing anything with it.” Read More
Remember When? 4-12-2023
25 Years Ago This Week
The Moultrie County Board entered into an agreement with the state for the installation of railroad Caution and Do Not Stop on Tracks Signs in four Moultrie County townships. 13 signs were installed on roads crossing the Illinois Central Railroad tracks in Dora, Marrowbone, Sullivan and Nelson townships.
The Sullivan boys track team ran away with first place at the Arthur Invitational, finishing 32 points ahead of their closest competition. The team racked up 110 points to take the title easily outdistancing Villa Grove, which was second with 78 points, while Arthur took third with 63. Read More
Lovington Egg Hunt 2023
Photo furnished
Lovington Egg Hunt
An egg hunt was held at Tom Conn Park in Lovington on Sunday, April 2. During the event Sparrows had their Easter bike giveaway. Winners were ages 2-4 Harper McDaniel and Hendrix McDaniel, kindergarten Kaitlyn Hieronymus and Tate Petri, first and second grade Violet Crow and Brantly Hall, third and fourth grade Sophie Rambo and Dawson Crum and fifth and sixth grade Kiley Jordan and Owen Crum.