•March 24, 2021•
Each year, more than 20 agricultural workers in the U.S. die in grain bin accidents, and the number of fatalities is increasing. Stand Up 4 Grain Safety Week https://standup4grainsafety.org/ is an annual event that promotes awareness, education, and training on grain bin safety.
This year, Stand Up 4 Grain Safety Week takes place online March 29 through April 2. Daily sessions from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. CDT include video presentations, supplementary materials, and other resources. Read More
Remember When? 3-24-2021
25 Years Ago This Week
Sullivan native Kathy Best, a Washington correspondent for the St. Louis Post Dispatch, was chosen as Alumna of the Year by Southern Illinois University’s School of Journalism in Carbondale.
Matt Kracht, a Sullivan High School social studies teacher was named the first Teacher of Excellence award winner. As the winner Kracht received a plaque and a check for $1,000 to be used for equipment for his classroom.Kracht also received an additional $582 as part of a mini-grant program sponsored by the Sullivan Community Education Foundation. Read More
Lake Land College To Host Graduation Parade
•March 24, 2021•
Lake Land College is adding a new feature to the graduation ceremonies this May. In addition to a virtual commencement ceremony, the college will host a parade for all graduates on campus on May 14. Read More
Smarter Driving for Foggy Weather
Photo furnished. Foggy conditions require drivers to use even more caution and attention to the roads.
•March 24, 2021•
Weather patterns can be fickle. One moment it may be chilly and sunny, while the next warm and wet. As a new season arrives, fog may roll in along with it.
Fog occurs during extremely humid conditions. For fog to be present, some type of dust or air pollution also needs to be present in the air so that microscopic water particles can surround it. According to the National Geographic Society, fog occurs when water vapor, or water in its gaseous form, condenses. During condensation, molecules of water vapor combine to make tiny liquid water droplets that hang in the air. You can see fog because of these tiny water droplets.
While fog can be a marvel to behold — completely obscuring landmarks or mountains in some instances — it can make driving challenging. Even seasoned drivers find fog is dangerous and difficult to drive in. The Federal Highway Administration says fog may contribute to more than 500 fatalities each year. Read More
Illinois Moving Closer to Higher Capacity Limits
•March 24, 2021•
With 64 percent of the state’s seniors having received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine as of Monday, March 22, Illinois is nearing the “bridge” phase of reopening that will allow for greater capacity limits at businesses and social gatherings.
That number must hit 70 percent to enter the bridge phase, which would trigger another 28-day monitoring period. If virus transmission and hospitalization metrics don’t worsen during the monitoring period, Phase 5 can begin, removing all capacity restrictions.
The vaccination rate for seniors age 65 and older is up from 58 percent on Thursday, when Gov. JB Pritzker first announced the bridge phase. Read More
Millikin University Plans Return To In-Person Instruction
•March 24, 2021•
Millikin University has announced plans to return to an in-person academic experience for the fall 2021 semester allowing students, faculty and staff to take full advantage of the university’s on-campus Performance Learning model. Additionally, residence halls will return to standard double-occupancy assignments and campus dining will continue to offer in-person dining and spaced seating.
During this transition, the continued safety and well-being of the campus community is Millikin University’s top priority. The university will continue to adhere to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as well as state and county COVID-19 health guidelines. Read More
Me Oh My, I Screwed Up Again On A Gerund Phrase
•March 24, 2021•
By Jim Baumann
NP Guest Writer
Shortly before Thanksgiving, reader Lloyd Thomas sent me a question:
“I am a bit confused in my 85-year-old brain about one short paragraph (in Grammar Moses) in Sunday’s paper: ‘Stan took a swipe at me for me having explained our policy ...’ The use of the second ‘me’ is a bit clumsy, I think, and/or awkward. In fact, the second ‘me’ could be left out of the sentence altogether. Would it be wrong to say that what is wrong is a failure to use a possessive with a gerund?“
Dearest Lloyd,
I apologize humbly for returning your email well past its expiration date. Read More
Menu 3-24-2021
Senior Peace Meal
For additional information or for reservations, please call 1-800-543-1770
March 29 - BBQ Pork Sandwich, Mini Potato Bakers, Mixed Vegetables, Bun, Fruit Juice
March 30 - Chicken Broccoli Rice, Bake, Corn, Whole Grain Wheat, Warm Fruit Combo
March 31 - CHEF’S CHOICE. REGIONAL FAVORITES WILL BE SERVED
April 1 - Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes w/Gravy, Midori Blend Veggies, Whole Grain Wheat, Sunshine Salad
April 2 - CLOSED FOR GOOD FRIDAY HOLIDAY
Master Gardeners to Host workshop in Charleston
•March 17, 2021•
Submitted by Jenny Lee
Master Gardener/Master Naturalist Coordinator, U of I Extension Coles County
Do you have limited space but would like to grow potatoes? Looking for an easier way to harvest potatoes? Growing potatoes in containers is a great option. Almost any vegetable can be grown successfully in a container, and potatoes are no exception. Read More
With Stimulus On The Way, Lawmakers Want A Say
•March 17, 2021•
By Capitol News Illinois
Lawmakers from both parties told officials from Gov. JB Pritzker’s administration on Thursday, March 11 that the General Assembly should have some say in how the state spends the $7.5 billion in federal funds that Illinois expects to receive from the newly-enacted American Rescue Plan.
Those comments came during a virtual hearing of the House Revenue and Finance Committee that took place just hours after President Joe Biden signed the $1.9 trillion pandemic relief bill into law.
“I think the legislature would like a say in appropriating money, given our role,” Rep. Michael Zalewski, D-Riverside, said to the director of the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget, Alexis Sturm. “So my hope is that you could convey that to the governor’s office and we can develop a framework to work together on that.” Read More