News Progress

Senior Peace Meal

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

Monday, May 4 - Swiss Beef Pattie, Ranch Potatoes, Midori Blend Veggies, Whole Grain Wheat, Mandarin Oranges
Tuesday, May 5 - Creamed Chicken w/Green Onion & Pimento, Italian Green Beans, Biscuits, Sliced Pineapple
Wednesday, May 6 - Ham Loaf, Frosted Sweet Potatoes, Seasoned Peas, Gelatin w/Fruit, Rye Bread, Oatmeal Cookie w/Raisins
Thursday, May 7 - Mostacioli w/Meat Sauce, Romaine Salad w/Dressing Pkt. , Mixed Vegetables, Dinner Roll, Fruit Juice
Friday May 8 - Swedish Meatballs, Mashed Potatoes, Spinach, Whole Grain Wheat, Fruit Pie

•April 29, 2020•
Older Illinoisans are among those most at risk for health complications related to COVID-19. The state’s posture to increase safety, both of our residents and our first responders, has visually changed the landscape of our state. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), along with partners from Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA), Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM), Illinois State Police (ISP) and the Illinois Sheriffs’ Association want to remind residents of the following safety measure put in place in light of COVID-19.
Police, fire and EMS personnel conducting requested wellness checks on seniors, the disabled or any other resident will be dressed in proper personal protective equipment that has been deemed appropriate by their local jurisdiction. This change in appearance is a safety precaution. The personal protective equipment is designed to protect the resident and our first responders. It’s also important to keep in mind that all first responders should be able to present proper identification.
“Seniors should not feel anxious about answering the door as proper precautions are being taken by first responders to ensure the safety of residents and themselves. If someone still feels unsafe opening the door, they can communicate through a glass door or window to let the responders know they are well. Rest assured, the person may be unrecognizable under all the protective gear, but is still the same dedicated individual in uniform that is always in their community protecting citizens,” said State Fire Marshal Matt Perez. Read More

Photo furnished
Necessity is the mother of invention and one Agri-Fab employee invented the safe door opener. Agri-Fab is offering the opener to employees and first responders.

•April 29, 2020•
As an essential business under the Illinois Shelter-in-Place Order, Agri-Fab is able to remain open and provide employment during this unprecedented situation.
We are thankful to be in this position and have been working overtime to ensure the continued safety of our employees, families and communities.
Agri-Fab’s position as an industry leader has never applied solely to its lawn-care products. That same proactive thinking has allowed us to continue moving forward during this pandemic.
Over the past seven weeks, our leadership has been responding daily to the challenges posed by this virus. We are offering telework options where feasible, and have implemented enhanced safety measures throughout our manufacturing facilities based on the CDC’s ever-evolving recommendations. Read More

•April 29, 2020•
By Jim Nowlan
NP Guest Columnist

The coronavirus crisis has exposed critical fault lines in our nation’s bedrock, which must be addressed. I identify three below, but there are others, such as fiscal sufficiency for Social Security and Medicare, both programs taking a hit from the virus and our spending to combat it.
First, we obviously need an American technology/industrial policy. In many areas, China is surpassing our once vaunted technological prowess. The rapid rollout of 5G technology around the world by Chinese behemoth Huawei, while American companies struggle to catch up, should be a wake-up call.
And since we have exported much of our manufacturing to Asia, we find our nation without either the supply or the ready capacity to produce the health care goods we need to help staunch the viral spread.
Business, government and research labs at our universities and elsewhere must collaborate on strategies and funding streams for basic and applied research, as well as for capacity building for the production of goods and services that we need internally and for sale worldwide. Read More

25 Years Ago This Week

The vocal and piano students of Deborah Seelhoefer will present a spring concert at the First Christian Church in Sullivan.
Performing are Julie Bolin, Robby Randall, Mindy Griffith, Michelle Grohmann, Daniel Helmuth, Micah Ray, Brittany Cobb and Scott Light. Selections vary from classical to jazz including a medley from Guys and Dolls.
Tom Highland’s Industrial Arts classroom at Sullivan High School is fiber optically connected to cable and multimedia students are preparing to launch their own cable channel.Chad Ashinhurst is cameraman while Kurtis Tull takes on editing chores in the class control room.
The Fish Wrap concept came about in 1995. Editor Dan Hagen reported on an unusual reaction from students at the University of South Carolina to the original Fish Wrapper story. Read More