•October 12, 2022•
The Decatur Audubon Society invites members and other interested persons to a general meeting and program at the auditorium at Rock Springs Nature Center at 3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur at 2:00 p.m. on October 16. A bird study video will be followed by brief announcements. Then speaker, Duane Friend, State Master Naturalist and Climate Change Specialist with the University of Illinois Extension, will present an illustrated program “Weather and Climate.” Since 1993 Duane has had many roles for which he has provided information and education on soil quality, weather and climate, energy conservation, and disaster preparedness. Light refreshments will be served following the program.
Shelby/Moultrie County ROSC Community Kickoff
•October 12, 2022•
Recovery Oriented Systems of Care (ROSC) is holding a Community Kickoff Meeting on October 27th at 5 p.m. This meeting will take place at the Lake Project Office and Visitors Center in Shelbyville. ROSC is a new program in Moultrie and Shelby County that works to increase recovery resources in the community and address the needs specific to substance use in the county.The purpose of the Community Kickoff Meeting is to bring community members to the table to discuss what ROSC is, how ROSC can support their voices on substance use in their county, and determine what steps to take to make Moultrie and Shelby County an environment that supports recovery. Read More
After Debate, More Clarity Needed
•October 12, 2022•
Pritzker, Bailey refuse to get specific in some important areas
By Jerry Nowicki
Capitol News Illinois
jnowicki @ capitolnewsillinois.com
Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker and Republican state Sen. Darren Bailey generally stuck to their talking points Thursday at their first debate on the same stage.
The questions and answers were similar to those posed during a forum organized by the Illinois Associated Press Media Editors, on which I served as a questioner and we covered in-depth last week.
During Thursday night’s debate, organized by Nexstar Media Group and AARP and hosted at Illinois State University in Normal, I found some of the most interesting answers were the ones where specifics were lacking.
For the governor, that was when he wouldn’t say what changes he’d make to the Pretrial Fairness Act provision of the SAFE-T Act criminal justice reform that will end cash bail on Jan. 1. Read More
Sullivan AMBUCS Provide Amtrykes for TRY-ATHLON
Photo furnished
Sullivan AMBUCS Provide Amtrykes for TRY-ATHLON
Sullivan AMBUCS provided the Amtrykes and support for a Youth Adaptive TRY-ATHLON. Swim, Bike (trike) and Run. Volunteers Bill Carter, Scott Bales, Dave Hudspath, Derick Eaton, and Tony Feeler fitted each rider to an awaiting Amtryke and helmet of their size, then off they went to the finish line. This event was the HSHS St Anthonys Physical Rehabilition & Wellness TRY-ATHLON at the Richard E. Workman Sports and Wellness Complex in Effingham on September 24th.
Moultrie Co. Democrats Chicken Dinner
Photo by Crystal Reed
Moultrie Co. Democrats Chicken Dinner
The Moultrie County Democrats held a chicken dinner on Friday, October 7 at the Sullivan American Legion. Candidates for office spoke during the dinner. Pictured is Moultrie County Board candidate Gary Smith speaking.
Safety First
•October 12, 2022•
Haunted House season has returned to Illinois and with that comes screams, creaking doors, ghosts and goblins. Safety is a top priority of the Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) and the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM) when it comes to these amusements.
“We want to remind local jurisdictions and the owners/operators of ’Haunted Houses’ that these occupancies can present special hazards that make them particularly vulnerable to fire and fire injuries if applicable codes are not followed. Keeping the public’s and workers’ safety in mind should be top priority for operators of these amusements,” said Acting Illinois State Fire Marshal Dale Simpson.
Two tragic fires in the 1970s and 1980s at haunted houses led to closer scrutiny of haunted house safety. Most haunted houses in Illinois today are required to have smoke detectors and be protected by automatic sprinkler systems. The rules of the State Fire Marshal’s office serve as the minimum requirements that must be met, with local fire and building departments possibly imposing more stringent requirements. Read More
Moultrie Co. Republicans Meet and Greet
Photo by Crystal Reed
Moultrie Co. Republicans Meet and Greet
Moultrie County Board candidate Aaron Wilhelm speaks during the meet and greet breakfast held at the Sullivan American Legion on Monday, October 10.
Lake Land College offers Laker+ Financial Aid Program for Students who Qualify via FAFSA
•October 12, 2022•
Lake Land College students can now complete a FAFSA to find out if they qualify for the Laker+ financial aid program. With the Laker+ program, students who qualify for financial assistance often receive more than enough to cover tuition and fees, so the remaining money is refunded to the student.
The Lake Land College Laker+ program maximizes qualifying students’ financial aid opportunities to cover tuition and fees plus provides support for living expenses. This program is effective now and will be available to those applying for the following semesters.
Students can complete the 22-23 FAFSA, using 2020 tax information, for the Fall 2022, Spring 2023 and Summer 2023 semesters.
Students can complete the 23-24 FAFSA, using 2021 tax information, for the Fall 2023, Spring 2024 and Summer 2024 semesters.
Because Lake Land College is such a great value and can offer numerous financial assistance options, students often receive refunds of their assistance that can be used to cover housing, gas, food and other college expenses. Read More
My Latest Column, the Likes of Which You’ll Never Read
•October 12, 2022•
By Jim Baumann
NP Guest Writer
Sometimes, I can answer a reader’s letter with a simple “yes” or “no.” But what fun would that be?
“Mr. Baumann, can anything be done to stop writers from using the phrase ‘the likes of’?” wrote David Smith.
The simple answer is “no.”
But I can make anyone who reads this column think about it, at least.
“Everyone seems to be using it now in constructions such as ‘The Golden Age of Hollywood boasted stars the likes of Errol Flynn and Bette Davis,’” David added. “It’s almost always used incorrectly, because it means ‘similar to.’ It is a comparative, isn’t it? ‘The Golden Age of Hollywood boasted stars similar to Errol Flynn and Bette Davis.’ Wrong. So wrong.” Read More
Remember When? 10-12-2022
25 Years Ago This Week
Moultrie County’s 777 businesses generated $923,693 in sales tax revenue for city and county governments during the fiscal year.
The Bethany varsity eco-team came in fourth in a field of more than 20 schools in a recent Lake Shelbyville eco-meet. Members of the team were science teacher Arlone Doan, J.C. Fitzgerald, Darla Gill, Melissa Ashley and Rachel Polley. The Bethany junior varsity eco-team came in eighth in a field of more than 20 schools in a recent Lake Shelbyville eco-meet. Team members were Ben Cohan, TJ Wingard, Lucas Karcher, Wes Brewer and Coach Chris Gregory. Read More