C.E.F.S. Economic Opportunity Corporation recently held their 2013 annual meeting and several individuals were recognized who volunteered this year to help the agency achieve its mission. According to C.E.F.S. Chief Executive Officer Paul White, “The agency recognized outstanding acts of volunteerism and active civic involvement to help transform lives and to build stronger communities.” Read More
House Fire Investigation Concluded
According to Lovington Fire Chief Gary Smith, the investigation into a house fire that occurred at a residence near the Okaw Valley Orchard Sunday, December 1 has been concluded as an electrical fire originating in the bathroom. Whether due to wiring or a space heater, Smith says it was inconclusive, but that there was “no reasonable cause pointing to arson.”
The home’s owners Jay and Selina Clark said that the fire was largely contained immediately by Mike Mitchell and Jim Bailey who used a garden hose to extinguish the fire.
Give and Receive this Holiday Season: Charitable Donations Reap Tax Rewards
Donations to not-for-profit organizations are usually ramped up during the holiday season, and if you plan to spread charity and generosity, remember that your good deed may be rewarded when you get the benefit of your contribution as a deduction on your tax return.
The Illinois CPA Society recommends following these steps to be sure you maximize your generosity while complying with IRS requirements: Read More
This Holiday Season, Give The Gift Of Forgiveness
by Cara Allen
U of I Extension Family Life Educator
You may think of forgiveness as a gift that costs you more than you’re willing to give. But it’s also a gift that uniquely blesses the giver and receiver. Although forgiveness is a non-traditional holiday gift, one that you can’t wrap up and put under a tree, it may be appreciated more than any other gift you’ve ever offered. Read More
New Youth Basketball League in Sullivan
The inaugural SHS Future Redskins Basketball League will begin this coming January and is open to Sullivan 4th, 5th, and 6th grade boys and girls. Read More
Jacksons Hosting Community Event Saturday
The Jackson Family of Dealerships in Sullivan, will host a community event Saturday from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.There Santa Claus himself will be available for pictures. Pictures with Santa may be taken on a personal camera or cellular device at no cost. Read More
November 2013 in Illinois – Cold and Dry
November 2013 will always be remembered for the tornado outbreak November 17 that produced 25 tornadoes across Illinois based on the latest reports. While not as dramatic, weather conditions for the month of November were colder and drier than average, according to Illinois State Climatologist Jim Angel at the Illinois State Water Survey, Prairie Research Institute, University of Illinois. Read More
Lake Land College Broadcasting Club Donates 1100 Pounds of Food
The Broadcasting Club at Lake Land College recently collected 1100 pounds of food and donated it to the Mattoon Community Food Bank.
According to Greg Powers, broadcasting instructor, the canned food drive is sponsored by the Broadcasting Club each year, and every year the campus community comes together to work for a good cause. Read More
OV FFA Gets Out to Strong Start
by Aspen Cassidy
The Okaw Valley FFA Chapter started this year with 60 members, a marked increase from last year. Members elected Tanner Coleman as president; Natalie Jeffers, vice president; Paige Robinson, secretary; Ethan Macklin, treasurer; Austin Hill, TJ Williams and Grace Harlin, historians; Hannah Landreth, reporter and Kam Roley, sentinel. Read More
Christmas in Bethany Dec. 7
Santa will leave the Firehouse and arrive at the depot to be greeted by members of the Okaw Valley band to hear children’s Christmas wishes from 10-12 this Saturday. Read More