News Progress

•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

•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

•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

•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

25 Years Ago This Week

The Old School Market received a low-interest loan to develop a restaurant. The $250,000 loan, at 4 percent interest, covered almost half of the $580,000 estimated cost of the project. Market owner Larry Yoder planned a 140-seat restaurant with private banquet facilities in the gym area of the old Powers Elementary School, which at that time housed Yoder’s extensive set of antique and craft shops. Read More