News Progress

•April 20, 2022•
The U.S. Postal Service today launched USPS Connect — a set of four delivery solutions that leverage ongoing network improvements, new equipment, new pricing and enhanced operational precision to meet evolving business package delivery needs.
“USPS Connect provides businesses of all sizes what they have been asking for — an affordable way to meet consumer demand for fast delivery,” said Louis DeJoy, Postmaster General and CEO. “A pivotal point in our Delivering for America plan, it positions us to more fully leverage our network capacity to increase volume and revenue so we can continue to serve the American people with affordable, reliable mail and package delivery.” Read More

•April 20, 2022•
The Moultrie County Retired Teachers Association met recently at the Smith House in Tuscola. President Jane McKown welcomed members and guests before leading the Pledge of Allegiance. The Arthur Lovington Atwood Hammond retired teachers were the host committee.
Jane McKown introduced Dr. Kyle Thompson, Regional Superintendent of Schools as the speaker. Dr. Thompson has been employed by the ROE for nine years, the last three of which he has served as the Superintendent. He spoke about some of the services the ROE provides and the current shortage of teachers, substitutes, bus drivers and other support personnel. He also spoke about the new vocational center, Mattoon Life, which will open in the fall.
The business portion of the meeting began when President McKown introduced the current officers. The minutes of the last meeting, submitted by Carol Glazebrook, were approved with no corrections. Jim Luedke presented the Treasurer’s report and it was filed for audit. Read More

•April 20, 2022•
By Jim Baumann
NP Guest Writer

Now that it’s officially spring, it’s time for some spring cleaning of my bloated email box.
I’m going to sift through some that aren’t infested with black mold and, by way of apology, publish some reader questions I’ve never gotten around to.

Bulls is in the playoffs?
Dave DeVries had been wrestling with sports team names and whether they should get a singular or plural pronoun.
He teaches a PR/crisis communication class in Northwestern University’s sports management program, which is perhaps why he employed “wrestling” in his question.
“I often correct students’ assignments to indicate a team is ‘it,’ not ‘they,’” he wrote. “My belief is that a team is a single unit, and thus a singular pronoun must be used.” Read More

Photo furnished
The Lake Land College Foundation recently received its largest cash gift in the amount of $1.7 million, donated to benefit Shelby County students from the Cecil Paul and Marjorie Wilson Davis Estate. Pictured are Cecil Paul and Marjorie Wilson Davis.

•April 13, 2022•
The Lake Land College Foundation recently received its largest cash gift in the history of the organization. The $1.7 million gift was donated to benefit Shelby county students from the Cecil Paul and Marjorie Wilson Davis Estate.
“This transformative gift will positively impacts hundreds of students’ lives from Shelby County through traditional scholarships, dual credit and dual enrollment opportunities,” Executive Director for College Advancement Christi Donsbach said.
Cecil Paul and Marjorie Wilson Davis were very involved in their communities and professions and wanted to be able to give back by creating opportunities for Shelby County residents to pursue a college education. Read More