News Progress

•August 12, 2020•
By Jim Nowlan

The recent admission by behemoth electric utility Commonwealth Edison that it repeatedly bribed minions of Illinois House speaker Mike Madigan for years (of course, Madigan knew nothing about all this; sure, right) was breath-taking for its brazenness.
The bribery is a classic example of otherwise upright citizens fueling the culture of corruption that has tainted our state since at least the late 19th Century.
This is known as “the Illinois Way” of doing political business, that is, paying off the political gatekeepers to get your way with legislation and other needed favors. In this case, ComEd agreed to pay $200 million of company money to the federal government, presumably to keep the prosecutors from going after the individual company executives who perpetrated the bribery. Ironically, this is yet another payoff, to my mind.
A quick look at my archives (jimnowlan.com) shows that I have written about our culture of corruption a dozen times since 2010. What do I mean by that? Not that all of us are corrupt, but that too many of us would take advantage of government if given the opportunity, say, to get a DUI fixed or grease the skids to win a state contract. And we might expect our big campaign contribution would take us to the front of the line when we need something from government. Read More

Photo furnished
Ethan Tice, 9, of the Moultrie County Shining Stars received the award for Grand Champion heifer.

•August 5, 2020•
The Moultrie Douglas 4-H program held their virtual show recently and several members from our area received recognition for their projects. According to Angela Welker, 4-H/Youth Program Coordinator for the University of Illinois Extension Unit 19, the virtual show had a submission deadline of June 27 and participants had from June 1-27 to submit their projects.
Livestock project submission were done by sending videos to judges while General Show submissions involved taking photos of the project and writing a project report. Welker said that the virtual aspect of this years show affected the amount of submissions in that there were less submissions this year.
“We hope to be able to be face to face for next year’s fair,” she said.
Awards include: Anyssa Coffer, age 11, Moultrie County Shining Stars, General Projects, Visual Arts, “Grand Champion, Class Champion, State Fair Del”, Blue; Gareth Coffer, age 12, Moultrie County Shining Stars, Goats, Dairy Goat, Class champion, Blue, “Grand Champion, Class champion”, Reserve Grand Champion; Keegan Gibbons, age 11, Sunny Side Flea Flickers, Horse and Pony, Horse Showmanship, Reserve Grand Champion, Blue; Jace Green, age 15, Atwood Hammond Prairie Dogs, Swine, Swine, Red; Read More

•August 5, 2020•
The dawn of a new school year is a time marked by change and fresh opportunities. For many children, school marks the first time they are away from their parents for an extended period of time. It also may be the first time they ride in a vehicle other than their parents’ cars.
Each school day, 25 million children ride a bus to school in the United States. A school bus is among the safest modes of transport and one of the most regulated vehicles on the road, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Riding a school bus can be a novel experience no matter a student’s age or grade. Kindergarteners may be introduced to the school bus on their first day of school, while older students are no doubt familiar with life inside a school bus. But all students and families can benefit from a refresher course on school bus procedures to ensure this school year begins on safe footing. Read More

•August 5, 2020•
Corrington Livestock, Bethany, is a new member of the American Angus Association®, reports Mark McCully, CEO of the national breed organization headquartered in Saint Joseph, Missouri.
The American Angus Association, with more than 25,000 active adult and junior members, is the largest beef breed association in the world. Its computerized records include detailed information on over 19 million registered Angus. Read More

Senior Peace Meal

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

Aug. 10 - Pulled Chicken Sandwich, Macaroni and Cheese w/Peas, Broccoli, Bun, Tropical Fruit
Aug. 11 - Breakfast Casserole, Baby Baker Potatoes, Fruit Juice, Cinnamon Roll, Fresh Fruit
Aug. 12 - Chili Mac w/Beans, Spinach Romaine Salad w/Dressing Pkt., Dinner Roll, Chunky Applesauce
Aug. 13 - Roast Beef in Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, Pea/Cauliflower Salad, Dinner Roll, Warm Fruit Crisp
Aug. 14 - Sub Sandwich w/Tomato Slice, Lettuce, and Mayo Pkt., Summer Salad, Bun , Pears, Graham Crackers