•January 19, 2022•
Beginning Thursday, January 13, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) became responsible for contacting ALL newly diagnosed Covid-19 cases in Illinois.
If you have recently tested for Covid-19 at a testing site and you receive a text message from IDPH, please review the message and follow the guidance. These text messages are sent to individuals who have tested POSITIVE for Covid-19.
It is important that you follow the guidance provided in the message. In order to increase your ability to receive this message, please turn off any spam blockers you may have on your cell phone. Read More
Letters to the Editor: 1-19-2022
Dear Editor,
The notion that Sullivan electric utilities are comparable to surrounding communities has been dispelled. Beginning in March of 2021, Sullivan City Council (the Council) has been presented with indisputable evidence that Sullivan residents and businesses pay twice the rate of Lovington, Arthur, and Findlay. It is estimated that electric rates in Sullivan and Bethany are the highest in five (5) surrounding counties.
Although Ameren has received permission to increase rates beginning in January 2022, the Citizen’s Utility Board (CUB) has estimated that the rate increase will be less than $2.75 to Ameren customers’ monthly bill. Which means that even with Ameren’s rate increase, Sullivan is “still” not competitive. Read More
Does Entomology Bug You, Too?
•January 19, 2022•
By Jim Baumann
NP Guest Writer
How is it that two nearly identical words can describe something I love so much that I write about it almost every week and something that makes me recoil in terror?
No, I’m not talking about “dessert” and “desert,” but there probably is something to that.
I’m talking, of course, about “entomology” and “etymology.”
“Etymology” is the study of the origin of words and how they’ve changed throughout history.
“Entomology” is the study of insects. Cut to the scene in “The Silence of the Lambs” in which Agent Starling consults the two concupiscent bug freaks who identify the death’s head moth, complete with scalpel and oozing pupa juice. Yech. Read More
Remember When? 1-19-2022
25 Years Ago This Week
The downtown location was the same but that was all at Bethany’s new and one-and-only restaurant the Brass Lantern. Owner Mike Moody, a veteran restauranteur had gutted the old Korner Korrall, which had closed earlier in the fall, to create a shiny-new dining establishment. The Brass Lantern offered an extensive, reasonably priced menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as a daily salad bar, daily specials, a banquet room and catering.
Rick Hector, formerly of Sullivan, was promoted to the rank of sergeant. He served in the Illinois State Police Division of Operations.
The Lovington Panthers visited LOVC rival Arcola and won 55-36 over the Purple Riders. Read More
Changes in Extension Wits Fitness Class Schedules
•January 12, 2022•
By Cheri Burcham
Family Life Educator
Due to ongoing changes with the pandemic, there have been a few changes made to the Wits Fitness: Brain Exercise Classes schedule and locations. At this time, classes will be (changes are underlined):
· Every first Monday of the month at the U of I Extension office in Mattoon at 10:00 AM (except for January – there will be no class held.)
· Every first Monday of the month at the Shelby County Senior Center at 1:00 PM (except January 3 will be January 10 due to holiday.) Read More
Interesting Facts about Winter
•January 12, 2022•
The winter solstice marks the first day of winter. For people residing in the Northern Hemisphere, Tuesday, December 21, 2021, heralds the official arrival of winter (the Southern Hemisphere’s winter solstice is on Sunday, June 20).
Though it’s common to think of the winter solstice as an event that spans an entire day, it actually occurs for just a moment - specifically when a hemisphere is tilted as far away from the sun as it can be.
Winter is widely known as the coldest time of the year in most locales, but that’s not the only thing that makes the season unique. Explore these other cold, hard facts about wintertime. Read More
How to Care for Winter Birds that Visit your Yard
•January 12, 2022•
The pristine, white backdrop of a snowy winter day can be a wonder to behold. While fresh snow on the ground can make for awe-inspiring landscapes, the absence of greenery amid the starkness of winter poses challenges for animals that do not ride out winter in a state of hibernation.
Several bird species stay in colder climates over the winter. Red-winged crossbills, snow buntings, bohemian waxwings, evening grosbeaks, and cardinals are just some of the birds one may find while gazing outside on a chilly winter’s day. Birding in the winter can be a rewarding hobby because, despite the chilly conditions, birds tend to be easy to find in bare trees. Furthermore, the colder temperatures may keep many people inside, meaning neighborhoods, trails and parks can be very quiet, making it easier for those who brave the cold to see birds. Read More
Navigate Around these Four Winter Hazards
•January 12, 2022•
Fresh snowfall can bring a hush over any landscape and, temporarily at least, create a perfect picture scene. As idyllic as such landscapes can be, snow-covered sledding hills can pose various threats to outdoor lovers’ health and safety.
Frostbite
Frostbite occurs when the soft tissues of the body start to freeze. It most commonly affects the fingers, toes and nose. The Cleveland Clinic says single-digit Fahrenheit temperatures are cold enough to cause frostbite. Frostbite affects skin cells and tissues and can cause severe damage. Frostbitten skin turns black as cells die from freezing. Numbness and a painful feeling of “pins and needles” occurs in areas that are exposed to the cold or cold water for too long. Dressing appropriately for weather, limiting time spent outdoors in very cold temperatures and maintaining strong blood flow can reduce risk for frostbite. Read More
Efforts Add 64,000 Pounds of Fresh Produce to Central Illinois Tables
•January 12, 2022•
The goal was 1,000 pounds of produce; instead, the first year of Extension’s Partners in Produce project tipped the scales at over 25,000 pounds. With the enthusiastic support of the growers and buyers at the Arthur Produce Auction, University of Illinois Extension has provided more than 116,000 pounds of fresh produce to central Illinois food pantries in three years.
In early 2019, MaryBeth Massey, Illinois Extension program coordinator for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education, wanted to address food insecurity in her community. She was familiar with the Arthur Produce Auction and curious if a partnership, now called Partners in Produce, could start between Extension and the auction to provide excess produce to families in need. The auction is operated by the local Amish community and managed by Sheldon Raber. Read More
Menu 1-12-2022
Senior Peace Meal
For additional information or for reservations, please call 1-800-543-1770
Jan. 10 - Baked Spaghetti
Broccoli, Corn, Tossed Salad w/Dressing Pkt., Bread or Roll
Jan. 11 - Roast Beef with Brown Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, Seasoned Greens, Clementine, Whole Grain Roll
Jan. 12 - Mushroom Crusted Chicken, Au Gratin Potatoes, Capri Vegetables, Pineapple, Whole Grain Bread
Jan. 13 - Cheeseburger Soup, Pickled Beets, Broccoli Salad, Peaches, Roll
Jan. 14 - Salmon Burger w/condiment, Baked Beans, Brussels Sprouts, Apricots, Bun