News Progress

•March 24, 2021•
Submitted by Jenny Lee, Master Gardener/Master
Naturalist Coordinator, University of Illinois Extension Coles County

Local Master Naturalists want to inspire you to get outside and appreciate Illinois’ natural beauty. Join us for our Field Day of Learning on Saturday, April 10, 8:30 am to 3:30 pm. Come learn about the many species of butterflies found in Coles County, the seventeen varieties of turtles in Illinois, and the many beautiful spring wildflowers that grow in Illinois. Read More

Photo furnished

•March 24, 2021•
Weather plays a role in driver safety regardless of what time of year it may be. From wind and rain to snow and ice, travelers routinely navigate roads when conditions are far from ideal.
Wet roadways are a common occurrence. The automotive resource AAA advises that wet pavement contributes to nearly 1.2 million traffic accidents each year. Many crashes occur when drivers do not recognize the need to change their driving habits in wet conditions. Mastering driving techniques on slick, water-logged roads can help motorists avoid accidents and injuries.

See and be seen
Before they even get behind the wheel, drivers should inspect all headlights and taillights to ensure they are in working order. Replace any bulbs that have burned out, and clean cloudy lens covers. Read More

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

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

•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