News Progress

•October 27, 2021•
This Halloween, HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital is recommending parents take precautions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Although trick-or-treating is mostly an outdoor activity, there is still a chance for close contact with neighbors,” said Dr. Ryan Jennings, St. Mary’s chief medical officer. “So, it is important to remember that we are still dealing with a pandemic and we need to continue to wear a facemask, wash our hands and maintain social distance.”
The Illinois Department of Health (IDPH) recommends that if you are trick-or-treating it should be outdoors and in small groups. Parents around the world have had to make adjustments for their children as the pandemic continues, but there are some fun alternatives to consider this Halloween.
A few trick-or-treating alternatives include: Read More

•October 20, 2021•
Every city council or school board has issues large and small that impact the lives of the people it serves.
Should residents be allowed to have chickens within city limits?
Should the city-owned hospital be sold?
What programs should the school district cut to have a balanced budget?
How should students be allowed to dress in school?
Even matters that may seem trivial are important to someone. It is the duty of public officials on public bodies to give every matter serious consideration. And it is the duty of citizens to whom those matters are important to provide input. Read More

•October 20, 2021•
By Jim Baumann
NP Guest Writer

Today please enjoy a mailbag column from readers who have observed some pretty weird linguistic anomalies in recent weeks.
But first, I have a question for White Sox manager Tony La Russa, who was hot with a capital H after the Pale Hose were unceremoniously shown the door in Game 4 of the ALDS.
“The stuff there in the eighth inning leaves just a bitter taste in your mouth and in my gut,” he told reporters after the game. And seconds later: “You don’t want to come back because you got a contract. I would just leave if they don’t want you back.”
Who are you talking about, Tony? You, us, someone else?
What do you mean by “in my mouth and your gut”?
And “I would leave ... if they don’t want you back.”
Is this some sort of shared declaration of misery? Read More

•October 20, 2021•
As we continue through Fall and head into the holiday season, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is issuing updated guidance to help people celebrate more safely as we continue to battle COVID-19.
“Although we’re still in the pandemic, this Halloween and Fall festivities season will look a little different than last year thanks to the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines that are readily available,” said IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike. “However, we must still take precautions as not everyone is vaccinated and a vaccine for children younger than 12 year is not yet available. Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself, your friends and family, and your community, but it’s also important to use a layered approach by wearing a mask indoors and limiting/avoiding settings where physical distancing is not possible to help stop the spread of the virus.” Read More

•October 20, 2021•
The Moweaqua Muddy Water Rendezvous will be October 16 and 17. Saturday hours are 10 am to dark and Sunday hours are 10 am to 2 pm. Take a step back in time and re-live the past with the Prairieland Frontiersmen Club at their annual fall rendezvous. This year’s events include: tomahawk throwing, long bow shooting, black powder gun demonstration, blacksmithing, wood working, rug weaving, new working sawmill, candy canon. Saturday’s meal will be ham and bean dinner or vegetable soup with cornbread. Sunday’s meal will be chili. Hot dogs and sloppy joes will be provided both days. All prepared over an open fire. There will also be water. Directions: Proceed west at the four way stop sign in downtown Moweaqua. Follow the signs to the Moweaqua Golf Course then continue 1 1/2 miles west. There will be a sign on the right side of the road, turn in and follow drive back to parking. Muddy Waters Rendezvous is part of the Prairieland Frontiersmen Club located in Sullivan. For more information contact Tom Addison at 217-827-3124 or Bill Adams at 217-820-7869.