•August 5, 2020•
The Elizabeth Titus Memorial Library Offers Tutoring services for all ages. Two librarians specialize in math. We can also help improve reading comprehension and speed. Reading is a skill that can be developed and will help improve all of your student’s grades.
Story time at the park or online takes place every Wednesday in August at 10 a.m.
The DMV will be at the library starting in September!
Tree Stand Permits Now Available
•August 5, 2020•
Lake Shelbyville - Lake Shelbyville’s Tree Stand Policy for this year will remain the same as it was last season. The policy allows hunters to leave one stand up for the season (“Seasonal Tree Stand”) and/or utilize a “Roving” stand that can be left up for a period not to exceed a break in use greater than 72 hours - the length of a three day weekend. Seasonal tree stands may be placed two weeks prior to archery season and must be removed within two weeks of archery season ending. Archery season runs from October 1, 2020 - January 17, 2021. Read More
McLaughlin Named to Dean’s List
•August 5, 2020•
Paige McLaughlin of Sullivan was named to the Dean’s List for the spring semester of the 2019-20 academic year at Illinois Wesleyan University. McLaughlin is a first-year majoring in English - Writing.
McLaughlin was among 831 students from 29 states and 16 countries named to the Spring 2020 Dean’s List. Read More
Letter to the Editor 8-5-2020
Dear Editor,
The pandemic has now claimed over 150,00 lives because people have not been taking it seriously. While the front page featured a photo of the Douglas County Health Department, with masks, stated that two people in Moultrie County tested positive for the virus, other articles were a mixed bag. The Letter to the Editor by Ms. Luela K. Hughes should have been printed in large letters below the photo. She stated the situation clearly in a responsible manner by a thinking adult. Read More
Get Me A Doctor. I’m Having Contractions.
•August 5, 2020•
Jim Baumann
Hi, my name is Jim, and I’m a prescriptivist.
There ought to be a self-help organization for those of us who cling desperately to the language that was beaten into us — in some cases — as children.
The way they tell it, chums who attended parochial schools had to endure withering glances and the threat of rapped knuckles, while I lived in fear only of B’s at my public schools.
For whatever reason, they and I still find it hard to let go of the conventions of our youth and allow English some breathing room. Many of us look with suspicion upon new words and syntax and tend to shun them.
Hey, change is hard.
Compared to Latin, English is a teenager. It grows and changes every day. Say you’re 70 and your grandson is 15. Should it be so strange that you speak a different language when he was taught an updated — note I didn’t write “upgraded” — version of English a half century after you? Read More
Remember When? 8-5-2020
25 Years Ago This Week
Marrowbone Library was to receive a $20,000 grant as part of $2 million in library grants from federal funds being awarded to 53 Illinois projects through Illinois Secretary of State George Ryan’s office. The local grant is to help Atwood-Hammond, Bethany, Lovington and Sullivan public libraries continue a cooperative collection project.
A group of Sullivan Living Center employees called Overtime took first place at the Bagelfest talent show. The group featured Susan Miller, Cindy Harminson, Tracy Craig, Sherry Wood, Lenda Johnson and Carol Hudson. Read More
Menu 7-29-2020
Senior Peace Meal
For additional information or for reservations, please call 1-800-543-1770
August 3 - Spaghetti w/Meat Sauce, Herbed Peas, Fruit Juice, Bread Stick, Brownie Bites
August 4 - Roasted Pork Loin, Zucchini Bake, Broccoli/Cauliflower, Whole Grain Wheat (1), Hawaiian Salad
August 5 - Chicken Enchiladas, Vegetable Rice Pilaf, Seasoned Green Beans, Whole Grain Wheat (1), Cantaloupe
August 6 - Hamloaf or Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes w/Gravy, Corn and Lima Beans, Dinner Roll, Dreamsicle Gelatin
August 7 - Steak Burger, Lettuce and Tomato Slices, Kidney Bean Salad, Bun, Peaches
Remember When? 7-29-2020
25 Years Ago This Week
Paul Shuman collected just under $85 in soy products to win the contest against State Rep. Julie Curry at Jerry’s IGA in Sullivan. The food was donated to the Food Pantry.
Moultrie-Douglas County Fair 4-Hers from Moultrie faired well. Lindsay Patrick of the Marrowbone Merry Makers 4-H club and Denise Albert of Dalton City were selected to represent the county fair at the state fair.
Jennifer Voltz of Sullivan and Allison Patrick of Bethany were chosen as alternate models.
Rebecca Havens of Sullivan is State Fair delegate for knitting.
Lynnae Robinson of Sullivan and Cassandra Jackson of Lovington were selected at the Moultrie-Douglas Fair Food Show to represent at the State Fair. Read More
Vegetable Garden Tips for After a Rain
•July 29, 2020•
Richard Hentschel
For the News Progress
When it finally rains after a dry spell, it is such a relief and gives gardeners a few days off before the watering patrol kicks in again. Our plants get the dust and dirt washed off, foliage perks up, and if the flowers were on the dry side, foliage colors return to normal.
More than just our flowers benefit. Every tree, shrub, evergreen, groundcover and the lawn are happier. The vegetable garden is going to be a big benefactor of that natural rain too. Once vegetables that produce a flower, then a fruit or pod, realize there is a good amount of soil moisture available, those fruits and pods become more uniform in size and develop quickly. Read More
This is Mike Madigan’s Last Hurrah
•July 29, 2020•
By Jim Nowlan
NP Guest Columnist
As one who scribbles largely about things Illinois, I feel almost obligated to observe on the bombshell (certainly for the small fraternity that follows Illinois politics) news that utility ComEd has agreed to pay a $200 million fine for bribery of Illinois officials. The announcement by the U.S. attorney’s office in Chicago identifies Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan as the ultimate object of the bribery.
Some background: Madigan has been speaker of the House for most of the past four decades. During that time, he has accrued almost dictatorial powers. He can block any legislation —any bill whatever — with the wave of his pinkie finger. By the way, during those four decades, Illinois has built up so much debt, obligations and unpaid bills that we have the worst credit rating of any state in the nation, and another tax increase is on the ballot this fall. Read More