•August 10, 2022•
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) announced today the Department has issued a letter to all federal student loan servicers encouraging them to immediately implement best practices to help alert and educate eligible student loan holders about the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. As the primary contact for many student loan borrowers, servicers are in the best position to increase awareness about PSLF and help borrowers take advantage of the program. Read More
Wittkowski Announces Democratic Candidacy for Moultrie County Treasurer
•August 10, 2022•
Submitted by Pam Wittkowski
I am Pam Wittkowski and I care about Moultrie County!
The people of Moultrie County deserve a full-time County Treasurer who actually cares enough about her job to show up every day. I will be that person. That is why I am announcing my Democratic candidacy for Moultrie County Treasurer.
As Chief Deputy County Clerk for more than 17 years, I have enjoyed serving the people of Moultrie County. With over 25 years of bookkeeping and accounting experience in the private sector and applying those same skills working in the County Clerk’s office, has given me a solid background to serve as your County Treasurer. I’m not afraid to reach out to others if there are questions, no matter what offices, because together we all serve the community. Read More
Facts for Families: Program to Provide Ways to Improve Happiness
•August 10, 2022•
By Cheri Burcham
Family Life Educator
Our lives are bombarded with negativity, stress, and countless threats to our emotional well-being, work, and closest relationships. In the past, it was suggested that if we focused more and worked harder, we would be more successful, and then experience more happiness. But new research shows that when we experience happiness and positivity first, it turns on all the learning centers in the brain and fuels positive outcomes in all aspects of our lives. In fact, research shows that more happiness and positivity cause us to be three times more creative, 23% less fatigued and 31% more productive. (Wharton, 2014) Read More
Hopper Receives Nurses Scholarship
•August 10, 2022•
Maddison Hopper, a 2022 SHS graduate, recently received the Past Presidents Parley Nurses Scholarship from the American Legion Auxiliary Department of Illinois.
This $1000 scholarship is awarded to students pursuing a degree in nursing. Read More
Be The First to Use New Drainage Tools at Workshop
•August 10, 2022•
by Judy Mae Bingman
University of Illinois Extension Marketing and Communications Manager
Managing land resources is a competing balance of environmental, economic, social, and life-sustaining issues in an ever-changing and ever-growing world. Land improvement practices play a key role in sustainable land management.
University of Illinois Extension and the Illinois Land Improvement Contractors Association are offering a three-day workshop Aug. 16 to 18 at Richland Community College in Decatur. This hands-on, comprehensive training will provide contractors all the tools necessary to design and implement subsurface drainage practices. Read More
Menu 8-10-2022
Senior Peace Meal
For additional information or for reservations, please call 1-800-543-1770
Aug. 15 - Turkey Burger w/Condiment, Pinto Beans w/Bacon, Hot Beets, Pineapple, Bun
Aug. 16 - Beef Tips, Mashed Potatoes, Honey Glazed Carrots, Pears, Whole Grain Roll
Aug. 17 - Marinated Pork Loin, Mac & cheese w/Peas, Broccoli, Tomato Salad
Aug. 18 - Chicken Salad, Vegetable Soup, Cucumber & Onion Salad, Apricots, Whole Grain Bread, Crackers
Aug. 19 - Lasagna, Italian Vegetables, Romaine Salad w/Dressing, Rosy Applesauce, Whole Grain Roll
Aug. 22 - Biscuits and Gravy, Baby Bakers, Tropical Fruit Compote, Juice
Aug. 23 - Fried Chicken, Twice Baked Potato Casserole, Cooked Spinach, Pears, Whole Grain Bread
Aug. 24 - Hamburger, Baked Beans, Corn , Potato Salad, Bun
Aug. 25 - Taco Salad with Meat, Lettuce, Beans, Tomatoes and Salsa, Pears, Taco Chips, Surprise Dessert
Aug. 26 - Pulled Pork, Green Beans Italiano, Yellow Squash, Tangy Cole Slaw, Bun
Harlan’s Leadership Expands to 48 Counties
•August 10, 2022•
by Judy Mae Bingman
Illinois Extension Marketing and Communication Manager
Doug Harlan’s leadership has guided University of Illinois Extension staff in central Illinois for more than 20 years. Now, Harlan will oversee Extension programs in the state’s lower 48 central and southern counties, serving as Extension assistant director for the 100+-year organization.
Extension has a local presence in every Illinois county, allowing it to seamlessly link communities, businesses, and the public to the innovative research of the university and its partners. A regional network provides support for the organization’s 650 staff members.
Doug Harlan Read More
Substance Abuse, Treatment and Recovery Program
•August 10, 2022•
HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital’s substance abuse, treatment and recovery program, provided in conjunction with Gateway Foundation, is a resource available to patients in the emergency department as well as throughout the hospital. Gateway Foundation is the largest nonprofit provider of substance use disorder treatment in the U.S. with its largest footprint in Illinois and has been providing life-saving treatment for over 50 years. In addition, Gateway has been engaged in a statewide program with hospitals and health systems over the last few years. Read More
Letter to the Editor 8-10-2022
To the Editor:
I’ve never been much of a fan of clichéd words and hackneyed phrases. They are usually unimaginative, lazy and platitudinous tropes that quickly wear out their welcome. That said, occasionally one of these terms finds itself as the perfect descriptor for a situation for which no other word or phrase can suffice nearly as well. Read More
Just One More Day With You
•August 10, 2022•
by Sarah Hudson Pierce
NP Guest Columnist
Having lost a very dear friend, a year ago I am led to tell you a story about a widower who was looking through his old family trunk a few years ago and how he discovered a poem penned in his wife’s own hand. It was dated just days before she died, after a long illness, over thirty years ago.
The piece was titled Just One More Day.
It went something like this: “Give me just one more day with you!”
Those poignant words were overwhelming to him and are enough to get our attention because life is so uncertain. Our rugs can be jerked out from under our feet so quickly, with no warning. Read More