•July 6, 2022•
Birth to Five Illinois, a new statewide regional and community system comprised of state and local staff and Councils, hired eight new Regional Council Managers charged with operationalizing equity, particularly racial equity, in early childhood. According to the Illinois Commission on Early Childhood Education and Care Funding report primer, “ Illinois can lead the nation in programs serving children from birth through age five by embracing principles of community ownership, racial equity, and parent voice.” These eight new Regional Council Managers will joined us on June 13, 2022, following the May 2022 onboarding of 17 Regional Council Managers: Region 1-B-B Tiffany Draine, West Cook County; Region 1-B-C Ashonti Jackson, South Cook County; Region 11 Tammy Helm, Clark, Coles, Cumberland, Douglas, Edgar, Moultrie, Shelby; Region 24 Sharkisha Jones, Grundy & Kendall Counties; Region 33 Roy Van Meter, Henderson, Knox, Mercer & Warren Counties; Region 35 Becky Eager Marshall, LaSalle & Putnam Counties; Region 40 Keppen Clanton, Calhoun, Greene, Jersey & Macoupin Counties; Region 54 Tammy Pollitt, Vermilion County. Read More
Illinois DCFS Increases Monthly Financial Support for Foster
•July 6, 2022•
The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is increasing the financial support provided to foster parents, caregivers and older youth in care to help offset the recent increases in cost of living expenses experienced by families throughout the state.
DCFS had already planned on providing these families and youth a 3 percent cost of living adjustment in the new fiscal year. The new, additional support of $14.6 million is supported by a decrease in youth coming into DCFS care and reuniting youth with their biological families.
“Foster parents and foster youth deserve our state’s investment,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “As living costs continue to increase throughout the nation, Illinois is working to provide needed resources to these vulnerable children. By increasing financial support to foster parents, caregivers, and young adults in care, we are standing up for our most vulnerable youth, and we will continue to do so.” Read More
LLC to Host Introductory Court Reporting Class
•July 6, 2022•
Lake Land College will host a court reporting First Steps class on July 19 from 6-9 p.m. in Webb Hall, room 081. The class is a free three-hour introductory course and is open to anyone interested in learning about the court reporting profession.
Attendees will learn about the career opportunities available to court reporters, as well as have the opportunity to gain experience on the industry-standard steno machine.
The class will also allow attendees to ask questions and explore the possibility of pursuing a career in court reporting.
“One-third of our court reporters are already eligible for retirement, which means we will likely have to replace more than 400 employees in the next 10-15 years,” Tammy Bumgarner, the director of court reporting services in Springfield, said.
Those interested in attending the First Steps class are asked to register at ilcrs.com/firststeps/register. Read More
LLC to Host Introductory Court Reporting Class
•July 6, 2022•
Lake Land College will host a court reporting First Steps class on July 19 from 6-9 p.m. in Webb Hall, room 081. The class is a free three-hour introductory course and is open to anyone interested in learning about the court reporting profession.
Attendees will learn about the career opportunities available to court reporters, as well as have the opportunity to gain experience on the industry-standard steno machine.
The class will also allow attendees to ask questions and explore the possibility of pursuing a career in court reporting.
“One-third of our court reporters are already eligible for retirement, which means we will likely have to replace more than 400 employees in the next 10-15 years,” Tammy Bumgarner, the director of court reporting services in Springfield, said.
Those interested in attending the First Steps class are asked to register at ilcrs.com/firststeps/register. Read More
Facts for Families: Eight tips for a successful summer
•July 6, 2022•
By Cheri Burcham
Family Life Educator
With the lazy days of summer upon us, Extension Educator Karla Belzer has a great article about how to make it more successful and enjoyable with our kids. Karla says: around my house, summer is a cherished time of year. Routines are more relaxed, the pace is slower, and the “rules” are bent a little. Even though everyone in my is enjoying a little more freedom from the frantic school year, we’re equally ready for a little more “normal.”
What does having a successful summer mean to you? Fulfilled kids, relaxing days, a break from the norm? Have you ever thought about what a successful summer looks like? While each family may have its definition of a successful summer, I think it’s safe to say that most parents want their children and family to enjoy all that summer brings.
Before long, the chorus of “I’m bored” rings through my house. To prevent that, I thought it would be helpful to share a few tips on how to have a successful summer with kids. Read More
Gov. Pritzker Signs Legislation Re-enforcing Value of Illinois High School Diploma
•July 6, 2022•
Governor JB Pritzker signed SB3792 into law, amending the code of multiple acts and agencies to replace references to high school equivalency certificates to State of Illinois High School Diplomas. This change recognizes the equal value of a State of Illinois High School Diploma and will aid Illinois graduates in establishing reciprocity with educational requirements in other states.
“Graduates of Illinois schools should never have to start their post-secondary career or schooling at a disadvantage,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “This legislation reflects the high standards to which we hold our high school students and protects graduates from unfair misconceptions, both in our state and in others.” Read More
State Fair and 4-H County Fair Poultry Shows Offer Virtual Opportunities
•July 6, 2022•
The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) announced both junior and open live shows at the Illinois State Fair will be cancelled for 2022 to protect from highly pathogenic avian influenza.
Illinois State Fair junior poultry exhibitors will continue to have an opportunity to receive recognition and premiums through a virtual poster competition. Rules and entry requirements will be available at www.illinoisstatefair.info. To allow time for junior poultry exhibitors to adapt to the new format the Illinois State Fair will extend the entry deadline to July 15, 2022. Read More
Wrong place, wrong time to use ‘allegedly’
•July 6, 2022•
By Jim Baumann
NP Guest Writer
Unless you are someone who feels the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut a decade ago was an elaborate hoax, you’ll probably accept what I’m about to tell you.
Reader Sue Budak wrote to tell me that “only” isn’t the only modifier that gets misplaced in sentences.
“Allegedly” gives it a run for its money.
She referred to a story about Golden State Warriors coach and dynastic Bull Steve Kerr’s reaction to the May 24 school shooting in Uvalde, Texas.
A passage reads: “State officials said at least 19 Robb Elementary School students and a teacher allegedly were killed by an 18-year-old gunman.”
“Unfortunately, there is nothing alleged about the death of these victims,” Budak wrote. “What is alleged is who committed the crime.”
Very astute, Sue.
Those 19 students and (now two) teachers indeed were killed. Read More
Remember When? 7-6-2022
25 Years Ago This Week
U.S. News and World Report recognized Lake Shelbyville as one of the most popular places in Illinois. Lake Shelbyville was named to its list of 12 places to visit in Illinois.
The Lovington Village Board discussed hiring a secretary/bookkeeper to be available to the public during business hours at the village hall.
50 Years Ago This Week
The old water tower behind the Metallizing Co. plant on South Hamilton Street, a longtime landmark in Sullivan, was pulled down. It had not been in use for a number of years. Cables were attached to two legs of the tower about two-thirds of the way up and a winch truck supplied power to buckle the legs and bring the tower crashing to the ground.
Gayle Garmon was crowned as Miss Sullivan. First runner-up was Chris Foreman and Miss Congeniality was Mary Ann Webb.
July 4th Tradition in Sullivan Illinois
•June 29, 2022•
by Jerry L. Ginther
NP Guest Writer
As far back as I can remember, Sullivan has always celebrated the Fourth of July with a carnival and fireworks. The week of the carnival always brought some excitement to the community. For a few days it provided some afternoon entertainment and colorful nightlife for our little town. The swirling, multi-colored lights on the rides created a festive atmosphere and the laughter and excited shrieks from the riders could be heard for many blocks. Read More