Youth Organization Connects Students to Ag Careers

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•September 21, 2022•
By Kay Shipman
Farm Week

Agriculture education supporters learned a youth organization helps students learn about agricultural careers even if their school doesn’t offer ag classes.
Ebony Webber, CEO of National Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANRRS), discussed the organization and its youth chapters with the Illinois Leadership Council for Agricultural Education (ILCAE) in Chicago. The group toured Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences (CHSAS) and heard from faculty and administrators.
Increasing the number of urban students interested in agriculture-related careers is an ongoing goal for ILCAE and others involved with agriculture education. One of the challenges has been expanding the number of schools with agriculture programs, especially given the high demand for agriculture teachers.
Two of Junior MANRRS’ goals are to expose high school students to careers in food, agriculture and natural resources and to dispel myths about ag careers, Webber said. Read More

LLC Fall Semester Enrollment Trends Positive

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•September 21, 2022•
Fall 2022 enrollment is up at Lake Land College. With more than 3,700 students enrolled for fall, Lake Land is experiencing 4.6% increase in full time equivalency or FTE and a 2.7% increase in headcount.
According to the 10th day enrollment report, the college saw significant increases in students starting their education at Lake Land College, returning to finish a degree and those transferring from another institution.
New students, who enrolled in college for the first time following high school, are up 17%; readmit students are up 14%; and transfer new students are up 43%.
“Our summer and fall enrollments indicate students are choosing Lake Land College to start a bachelor’s degree or train for a life-sustaining career. As a community college, we offer students a personalized path to reach their goals, giving them a sense of accomplishment and greater control over their future,” Lake Land College President Josh Bullock said. Read More

Governor Pritzker Adjusts COVID-19 Requirements to Address Current Needs

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•September 21, 2022•
As part of his continuing plan to carefully unwind the state’s COVID-19 executive orders, Governor Pritzker last Thursday updated testing requirements for school and childcare personnel, rescinding the requirement that unvaccinated employees in these sectors test twice weekly. This change went into effect Friday and was made on the advice of medical experts, based on their careful consideration of the current conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic and is in line with Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidance.
“Vaccination continues to be the most effective tool we have against COVID-19, and I’m proud that millions of Illinoisans have taken advantage of these life-saving vaccines – they have given us the ability to adjust these requirements,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “I continue to urge everyone in the state to stay up to date on vaccines and boosters, including getting the recently released bivalent booster shot. Although the current state of the pandemic is very different than it was two years ago, we still need to protect the most vulnerable members of our community as we continue to be responsive to the changing challenges and evolutions of this virus.” Read More

Remember When? 9-21-2022

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25 Years Ago This Week

The all-purpose room at the old Powers School had found yet another purpose. It became a buffet restaurant, part of Old School Market antique and craft mall at 208 W. Jackson in Sullivan.
The Sullivan Fire District was preparing to celebrate 40 Years of Protection with an open house. Read More

Build an Emergency Kit

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•September 14, 2022•
“If you want to be fully prepared for a disaster, you need an emergency kit.” That’s the message this September for National Preparedness Month. Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) Director Alicia Tate-Nadeau wants everyone to review their family emergency plans, fill out a family communications plan, and build an emergency kit. Tate-Nadeau said, “It could be a matter of life or death because if you need to evacuate within minutes, you will need that kit packed and ready to go.”

While some items recomended for an emergency kit seem obvious, like water and non-perishable food, others might not be top of mind during an urgent evacuation order. “Some of the items that families find critical in a disaster are prescription and over-the-counter medicines, important documents like Social Security cards or insurance policies, cash, or personal care supplies like contact lenses and cleaners,” she said. Read More

Moultrie County Retired Teachers Association Meets

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Photo furnished
From left to right: Aubrey Tate, Becky Lawson, Natalee Hunter.

•September 14, 2022•
The Moultrie County Retired Teachers Association met recently at First Christian Church in Bethany. President Jane McKown welcomed members and guests and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
In the absence of the Scholarship and Grants Chairperson, Karen Edwards, Nancy Schaljo recognized the Sullivan teachers who each received a $100 grant from the MCRTA. Taylor Miller, a third grade teacher, will use the grant for STEM learning and activities. An example for STEM learning could be magnetic blocks for construction. Sarah Britton, the Sullivan High School business teacher and yearbook advisor, will use her grant to purchase supplies to give the senior yearbook members opportunities to participate more in the writing and production of the yearbook. Read More

Menu 9-14-2022

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Senior Peace Meal

For additional information or for reservations, please call 1-800-543-1770

Sept. 19 - Biscuits and Gravy, Baby Bakers, Tropical Fruit Compote, Juice
Sept. 20 - Fried Chicken, Twice Baked Potato Casserole, Cooked Spinach, Pears, Whole Grain Bread
Sept. 21 - Hamburger,Baked Beans, Corn, Potato Salad, Bun
Sept. 22 - Taco Salad w/Meat, Lettuce, Beans, Tomatoes and Salsa, Pears, Taco Chips, Surprise Dessert
Sept. 23 - Pulled Pork, Green Beans Italiano, Yellow Squash, Tangy Cole Slaw, Bun

SBL Fayette County Hospital Announces Next CEO

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•September 14, 2022•
Sarah Bush Lincoln President & CEO Kim Uphoff announced today that Karen Dyer has been named the next SBL Fayette County Hospital CEO, assuming the role later this year. SBLFCH President & CEO Greg Starnes announced his retirement plans in July.
Dyer, a Sullivan native, has been with Sarah Bush Lincoln for more than 20 years serving in hospital management operations. She has served as the director of Rehabilitation Services, which includes PT/OT, speech, audiology, massage therapy, the Center for Healthy Living fitness gym, medical weight management, and Healthy Communities that encompasses Healthy Kids education and the Dental Services. Read More