News Progress

•April 24, 2024•

By Cheri Burcham

Extension Educator, 

University of Illinois Extension  

Here is a great article I would like to share written by Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist Saima Hasnin. Saima says: Ever wonder why colorful vegetables are so important? Not only are they bursting with flavor, but they are also the most beneficial ones for keeping our bodies healthy and strong. They are rich in carotenoids and antioxidants, important for preventing different types of cancer. But let’s face it, getting young children to eat vegetables can be challenging. We are here to guide early childcare educators and parents of young children with some tried-and-true tips that are as fun as they are effective.   Read More

•April 24, 2024•

Slow-cooked foods seem tailor-made when the mercury is low. Stews, soups and casseroles can simmer and gain great flavor through slow-cooking methods. But slow cooker appliances don’t need to be stored away when spring flowers start to bud. In fact, this method of cooking can bridge the gap between cold weather cuisine and the grilled and chilled fare of summer days to come. Read More

•April 24, 2024•

The Shelby County Senior Center, Shelby County University of Illinois Extension, and SAIL, Soyland Access to Independent Living, are hosting the Shelby County Health Fair. The health fair will take place on Thursday, May 2nd from 9:00 – 11:30 a.m. at the Shelby Christian Church located at 200 North Hickory Street in Shelbyville. This event is free & open to the public.

There are over 40 organizations participating in the health fair this year awarding door prizes and distributing lots of information about programs and services available in our community. Mark your calendars for May 2nd and plan to attend.

For more information, contact Betty Watkins, SAIL Rural Outreach Coordinator at (217) 774-4322.

•April 24, 2024•

Pre-school Story Hour for 2-5 year olds Fridays at 11am

Coffee Hour: Thursdays at 1 pm

Lego Night: Last Thursdays at 6-7pm

Summer Reading Program: Plant a Seed - Read! June 6 - July 6.

New to the library:  Read More

•April 24, 2024•

By Rhiannon Branch

FarmWeek

Illinois will experience a rare phenomenon of nature this year as two broods of periodical cicadas are scheduled to emerge at the same time.

And this once-in-a-lifetime occurrence won’t happen again until 2245.

Kacie Athey, a specialty crop entomologist at the University of Illinois, said the Northern Illinois Brood that emerges every 17 years and the Great Southern Brood, which emerges every 13 years, will come out simultaneously for the first time since 1803. Stragglers from the Mississippi Valley Brood might also appear in 2024.

While the two broods will emerge at the same time, there will likely be only a few places in central Illinois, around Springfield, where they will emerge in the same area, according to the University of Illinois Extension. Read More