•June 24, 2020•
Byron Cruitt left Bethany for the Air Force and although the Class of 68 BHS graduate spent most of his life in the serving in Augusta, Ga his heart remained at home and his book Drops of Sweetness Volume 1 let him return.
Last week Cruitt donated two copies of Drops of Sweetness Volume 1 to the Marrowbone Library, leaving his thoughts for local readers to enjoy.
Cruitt’s collection of stories and poems reflect on his days growing up on the family farm outside Dalton City.
Wrestling with a desire to share his feelings about the area after serving 22 years in the service Cruitt experienced three dreams that put him on the path to Drops of Sweetness. Read More
Superintendent-Y Stuff: A Walk with Mr. Walk
•June 24, 2020•
By Ted Walk,
Supt. Sullivan CUSD #300
Sullivan Schools have received approval for in-person learning and limited summer extra-curricular activities, which are currently underway with a number of precautions in place.
The Illinois State Board of Education has indicated that specific reopening guidelines will be forthcoming soon, which we are eagerly awaiting. Read More
USDA Invests in Rural Electric Infrastructure
•June 24, 2020•
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Illinois State Director Douglas A. Wilson today announced that USDA is investing $10 million in a joint project to build or improve rural electric infrastructure in Wisconsin’s Scenic River Co-op.
“Rural Development has a history of bringing areas together, whether with electricity, telecommunication, or broadband. Wilson said. This venture will expand services in two states. Another example of Rural Development bridging the gap to improve rural America.”
USDA is providing loans and loan guarantees to rural electric cooperatives and utilities through the Electric Loan Program throughout the United States. The recipients will use the funds to build and improve electric transmission and distribution lines, benefiting rural residents and businesses. The loans include funds for investments in smart grid technology, which uses digital communications to detect and react to local electricity usage changes. Read More
Letters to the Editor 6-24-2020
The Great Daylight Comet Answers Photo Mystery
Thank you for publishing the 1910 comet photograph in the May 20 issue. The publication of a photograph of such a notable event, from a time when photography was still relatively new, was not only fascinating, but also it launched me and my family into some illuminating historical research that makes a great story.
My family loves both history and outer space, so I was excited to show the photograph to my husband and our children over breakfast one morning. I asked them to guess what it was. Their first guess was the sun, since the object was so bright. After a few farther-fetched ideas were suggested, my son finally guessed that it was a comet and, from there, the famous Halley’s Comet. I read the tag line to let them know that it was, indeed, a photograph of Halley’s Comet from May 19, 1910. Read More
Okaw Valley’s Wesley Wise Receives Award
•June 24, 2020•
Lake Land College will present Wesley Wise, Bethany, with the 2020 Alumnus Achievement Award. Wise is also nominated to receive the 2020 ICCTA Distinguished Alumnus Award. Wise was recognized at the college’s Virtual Commencement Ceremony on June 18.
The Lake Land College Board of Trustees annually presents an Alumnus Achievement Award to an individual who has achieved outstanding success in his or her field of endeavor, has gained favorable statewide or national recognition or has performed services proven beneficial to society.
This year’s recipient, Wesley Wise, received the National Partnership Award from the United States Army Corps of Engineers in 2016 and the Emerging Buildings in Education Award from the Illinois Association of School Boards in 2019. Read More
Menu 6-17-2020
Senior Peace Meal
For additional information or for reservations, please call 1-800-543-1770
Monday, June 22 - Chicken and Noodles, Mashed Potatoes, Green and Wax Beans w/Bacon & Onion, Whole Grain Wheat, Fresh Grapes
Tuesday, June 23 - Saucy Cabbage Rolls, Corn, Dinner Roll, Hawaiian Salad
Wednesday, June 24 - Shepherd’s Pie , Harvard Beets, Dinner Roll, Pears
Thursday, June 25 - Beef Pattie w/Mushroom Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, Carrots, Dinner Roll, Cinnamon Chunky Applesauce
Friday, June 26 - CHEF’S CHOICE. REGIONAL FAVORITES WILL BE SERVED
Illinois, Du Quoin State Fairs Cancelled due to COVID-19
•June 17, 2020•
Junior Livestock Expo to be held in September, 4-H General Project Show will proceed virtually
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Pritzker will issue an Executive Order cancelling the Illinois and Du Quoin State Fairs this year. The announcement of the cancellations has prompted the Department of Agriculture to offer a safe, creative way to ensure youth exhibitors still get a chance to showcase their hard work. The annual State Fairs, which attracted over 600,000 visitors combined in 2019, will return in August 2021. Read More
Sex Based Discrimination Prohibition Backed by Court
•June 17, 2020•
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII), which prohibits sex-based discrimination in the workplace, protects employees from discrimination on the basis of their sexual orientation and gender identity.
Though the Illinois Human Rights Act (“IHRA”) has provided workplace non-discrimination protections for LGBTQ Illinoisans since 2006, today’s ruling is a major victory for all LGBTQ people across the country.
Illinois Department of Human Rights (“IDHR”) Director Jim Bennett said the following: Read More
Remember When? 6-17-2020
25 Years Ago This Week
Bethany High School spring awards were handed out.
In baseball the Mustangs had two players winning two awards apiece; Kevin Bowser was best pitcher and best offense award winner.
Scott Seeley was most improved and sportsmanship award winner. Adam Gurchiek was best defense and Shane Martin recognized for hustle.
In softball Amy Bagley was Most Valuable Player and highest batting average with .609.
Sam Ozier won best defense; Rebekah Steimel, most improved; Wendy Munch, best sportsman; and Jesi Brumleve the hustle award.
Track - Katie Phillips and Justin Lutz MVPs while Darla Gill won the sportsmanship award.
The Sullivan Country Club Ladies Golf Assn. held its annual meeting and awarded Jan Daily two brandy snifters from Slazenger Co. for her hole in one from last season. Her winning shot was on the fourth hole.
Behind the badge has two, now familiar, Moultrie County deputies joining the sheriff’s office. Gary Carroll of Bethany and Chris Sims of Sullivan. Read More
Lovington Plans on Summer Park Recreation Program
•June 10, 2020•
Lovington village board met May 11 with President Roger Walker; trustees Dennis Garmon and Al Rennert attending in person along with clerk Alma Fair.
Trustees Gary Clem, Brenda Wood, Pam Anklam and April Daily were participating on conference call.
For the annual clean day the village board discussed having roll offs from IV container placed at the old grocery store parking lot from 6:00 a.m. to noon Saturday, but no action was taken.
During the park and special projects report given by Brenda Wood she noted the summer park recreation program is set for 9:30 a.m. until noon August 3-7. Read More