New State Law Bans ‘Dark Money’ in Judicial Races

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Bill also allows ‘non-binary’ gender ID on voter registration

•November 24, 2021•
By Peter Hancock
Capitol News Illinois
phancock @ capitolnewsillinois.com

A new law in Illinois aims to ban out-of-state contributions and so-called “dark money” in judicial campaigns by requiring all candidates to disclose the sources of their contributions.
Gov. JB Pritzker on Monday signed Senate Bill 536 into law, an omnibus elections bill that makes a number of other changes to the way elections are conducted.
Under the bill, no judicial campaign committee is allowed to accept contributions from any out-of-state source or any person or entity that does not disclose the identity of those making the contribution, except for contributions that are below the threshold for itemizing. Read More

Illinois Unemployment Falls to 6%: Employers Add 40,900 Jobs in October

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•November 24, 2021•
By Peter Hancock
Capitol News Illinois
phancock @ capitolnewsillinois.com

The Illinois unemployment rate fell two-tenths of a percentage point in October to 6 percent as employers added 40,900 jobs during the month, the Illinois Department of Employment Security and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics said Thursday.
According to the preliminary data, the industry sectors with the biggest job gains during the month were professional and business services, which added 17,700 jobs; leisure and hospitality, which added 8,400 jobs; and trade, transportation and utilities, which gained 7,700 jobs. Read More

Facts for Families: Ideas for Stress Reduction in Busy Families

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•November 24, 2021•
By Cheri Burcham
Family Life Educator

Fall can be a busy time of year, especially with school activities and the holidays approaching. Extension Educator Judy Schmidt wrote this great article to share ideas on how to reduce stress during these busy times. Judy says: I know as I enjoy the leaves changing colors and falling to the ground, I am also reminded of the busyness of this time of year. As with any busy time, it is common for people of all ages to experience stress. With all the factors that can lead to stress, it can sometimes be hard to pinpoint the exact cause of the stressor in our life or the lives of our family members. However, one thing is clear, it is important for all family members to have strategies to help cope with these stressors. Fortunately, a lot has been researched and written about positive ways to deal with stress. Here are a few that I think will be helpful for family members of all ages: Read More

CEFS Offers Paid Work Experience Opportunities to High School Students

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•November 24, 2021•
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) provides a Youth Training and Education Program that provides services such as paid work experience, tuition assistance for occupational training in an approved program, job search assistance, resume development, leadership skills, job readiness training and supportive services such as transportation, childcare, tools, uniforms and more.
The program’s objective is that each participant will achieve high school diploma attainment, increase basic reading and math skills, create a marketable resume and secure employment or attend post-secondary education/training while enrolled in the program. Read More

Isn’t It Ironic? I Don’t Think.

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•November 24, 2021•
By Jim Baumann
NP Guest Writer

It was a little over 26 years ago that Alanis Morissette’s groundbreaking “Jagged Little Pill” album was released. I imagine it’s been 25 years and 364 days that grammar nerds have been picking on her for the lyrics of “Ironic,” the album’s third or fourth single.
I vote that the mockery should end here. Show me a rock star who hasn’t abused the language to some degree, and I’ll eat my hat. Read More

Remember When? 11-24-2021

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25 Years Ago This Week

The Sullivan City Council rejected the idea of underwriting radio broadcasts of Sullivan High School basketball games. The council had previously tabled a request from Lake Land College for $150 to sponsor the broadcast of SHS basketball games on the college’s radio station.
Moultrie County United Way President Mickey Hrvol presented members of the Shemamo Girl Scout Council with a check. The Girl Scouts are one of 16 groups or agencies that receive funding from the Moultrie County United Way. The Lincoln Trail Boy Scouts also received a check. Read More

Application Packets for ARPA Funds

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•November 17, 2021•
Moultrie County, along with counties and municipalities all over the country, is a recipient of funds from the American Rescue Plan Act. Moultrie County to date has received $1.4 million from the US Treasury and anticipates an additional distribution to Moultrie County of another $1.4 million around May of 2022. The Moultrie County board assembled a bi-partisan ad hoc committee made up of members representing the villages and towns around the county. This five member committee recommended the Moultrie County Board focus the first waive of funds on mental health needs and economic recovery of non-profits in Moultrie County who serve the people of Moultrie County. The board is happy to announce the application packets are now available and ready for pickup in the County Treasurer’s office on the second floor of the courthouse in Sullivan. All applications must be picked up in person and may be returned the same or by mail. Applications for the first waive of funding are due back to the County Treasurer’s office by the end of business on December 10, 2021. The counties efforts are to focus on getting recovery funds to entities that support the county and have suffered losses without the ability to receive previously offered COVID funding.

Menu 11-17-2021

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

Nov. 22 - Settlers Beef and Beans, Brussels Sprouts, Seasoned Baby Carrots, Applesauce, Whole Grain Roll
Nov. 23 - Baked Ham, Candied Sweet Potatoes, Buttered Midori Vegetables, Pears, Whole Grain Wheat, Pudding
Nov. 24 - Chili w/Beans, Creamy Cole Slaw, Peaches, Corn Bread, Oyster Crackers
Nov. 25 - Closed for Thanksgiving Holiday
Nov. 26 - Closed for Thanksgiving Holiday

SHS Activity Member of the Month for October

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Photo furnished
SHS Activity Member of the Month for October
Hannah Chance who was named SHS Activity Member of the Month for October. The Activity Member of the Month is chosen based on virtues of leadership, work ethic, academic achievement, service, and treatment of other students. Winners receive $20 in Sullivan Chamber Bucks and a certificate. “Hannah has been an absolute joy for the last couple months in the band room. Not only has she worked extremely hard to be a member of the color guard, she is also just now learning to play the saxophone and be involved in the band! I am extremely proud of her willingness to learn as well as her positive attitude. Hannah is a prime example of exhibiting life-long learning while being a great person in the classroom.” Mr. Tripp said.

Capital Recap: Pritzker Pushes Illinois as EV Leader at UN Climate Change Conference

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•November 17, 2021•
By Capital News Illinois

As global leaders met in Glasgow, Scotland, over the past two weeks to discuss the effects of and potential policy solutions to climate change, Gov. JB Pritzker made the case in a pair of speaking events that Illinois is doing its part to counteract troubling climate trends.
It was the governor’s first international trip, which took him first to London to talk with business leaders, then to Glasgow to attend the annual United Nations Climate Change Conference, or COP26.
“I’m here to say that in America’s heartland lies a state that’s taking strides to match the urgency of this moment,” Pritzker said, calling a recently-passed energy regulatory overhaul a “nation-leading climate plan.”
That climate bill, among several other provisions, aims to phase out carbon emissions in the state’s energy sector by 2045 by increasing investments in renewables and the state’s nuclear industry. Another goal of the climate bill and a follow-up business incentives package aims to put 1 million electric vehicles on Illinois roads by 2030.
The international visit was also an effort by Pritzker, members of his staff and Democratic leaders of the General Assembly to tout the state as a fertile ground for electric vehicle manufacturers. Read More