Passenger Rail Station in Downtown Pontiac Opens

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•June 7, 2017• Latest station in Chicago-St. Louis rail improvements will provide convenient travel option Illinois Transportation Secretary Randy Blankenhorn was joined by city officials and Amtrak to announce the completion of the new station in historic downtown Pontiac, the latest of several station improvements overseen by the Illinois Department of Transportation along the Chicago-St. Louis passenger rail corridor. The new station opened to Amtrak service Tuesday, June 6. … Read More

Family Preparedness Plans Must Include Pets

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•June 7, 2017• Pets are cherished family members in many Illinois homes, so it’s important for pet owners to have plans to keep their pets safe during and after emergencies. Throughout National Pet Preparedness Month in June, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) and local emergency management agencies will provide tips and information on pet emergency preparedness. “More than half of the homes in Illinois have at least one pet,” said IEMA Director James K. Joseph. “Emergency situations can be very stressful, particularly for pets who don’t understand what is happening. If your family includes a dog, cat, hamster or … Read More

Canvas Camp Art Day for Kids

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•June 7, 2017• Canvas Camp Art Day for Kids is coming to the Masonic Temple in Sullivan 9-11:30 a.m. July 10-13. Local artist and teacher Molly Reeder Faust will show kids from first through sixth grades how to create paintings, drawings, collages and sculptures. … Read More

Mural Artists Selected Includes Sullivan Talent

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•June 7, 2017• After much deliberation and discussion, the Decatur Area Arts Council Public Art Committee announced the final decisions for the 2017 Decatur Mural Project. Three artists were selected to move forward with their designs at various locations including Nick Beery of Sullivan, 200 block W. Main St. sponsored by Lockhart’s Barber Shop; Eric Weatherford of Decatur, 100 block of S. Oakland St. sponsored by Michael and Susan Vitale and Ron English of Beacon, N.Y., 730 E Cerro Gordo St. sponsored by Tate & Lyle. … Read More

All Conference Honors for OV and ALAH Players

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•June 7, 2017• By Jason Brown NP Sports The Little Okaw Valley Conference NW announced all-LOVC honors last week. Several Timberwolves and Knights earned honors. For Okaw Valley, junior Austin Harshman earned first team as a pitcher. “Austin was a God-send to our roster this year,” said OV coach Andrew Hagerman. “He played exceptionally well in the outfield and hit pretty well for his first varsity season of hitting. Pitching-wise, without him our season would have not gone as well.” OV had a key injury to the staff, and Harshman ended up leading the team in innings pitched, wins and … Read More

Decatur Memorial Hospital Cancer Care Institute Receives Funds

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•June 7, 2017• A check for more than $22,000.00 was presented to Decatur Memorial Foundation and DMH Cancer Care Institute  from E.ON North America, a developer, builder, and operator of more than 3,000 MW of renewable wind, solar and energy storage generation across the U.S. The check was presented to the Foundation through an employee giving memorial campaign in memory of former E.ON employee Michael Radford.  … Read More

At Social Security: Every Day Is Internet Security Day

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•June 7, 2017• By Gerald Tilley Social Security District Manager Being safe online is important every day. There may be days devoted to internet security awareness, but you need to be careful every time you go online. Do you know what it takes to be safe online? You probably connect daily to get information, shop, socialize, or work. Every time you go online, you need to avoid the risk of theft or fraud. Here are some tips to use while visiting the Social Security website and the other websites you use. • Use Strong Passwords–Strong passwords have at least eight … Read More

Obituaries 6-7-2017: Marna Morris

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Marna Morris Marna Jane Queen Morris, 82, of Jackson, Tenn. passed away Thursday evening May 25, 2017 in Jackson Madison County General Hospital. Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. May 30 in Oak Grove Cemetery in Henderson, Tenn. with Pastor Terry Hunley officiating. She was born Nov. 8, 1934 in Bethany, a daughter of the late A. Kenneth and Gladys M. Queen. She graduated from Bethany High School and attended Bethel College in McKenzie, Tenn. and married Jimmy Talley Morris in 1957. … Read More

Supreme Court Justices To Attend Unveiling Of Historical Marker For Scott Bibb In Alton

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•June 7, 2017• A State Historical Marker will be unveiled in Alton on Monday, June 19th to honor Scott Bibb, an African American who successfully fought in the Illinois Supreme Court for the desegregation of schools in what became known as the Alton School Cases in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Supreme Court Justices Anne M. Burke and Rita B. Garman will be attending the dedication ceremony. Also attending are John Lupton, Executive Director, Illinois Supreme Court Historic Preservation Commission, and members of the Historic Preservation Commission Advisory Committee; Justice Joy V. Cunningham, Hon. Neil Cohen, and Scott Szala, … Read More

Great Pumpkin Patch Hosts Back Forty

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•June 7, 2017• The Great Pumpkin Patch will host the second Back Forty Market Friday and Saturday, June 9-10. Back Forty Market is a pop-up style market of more than 60 vendors created by The Great Pumpkin Patch and Hobnob Market. The market is a celebration of vintage and handcrafted goods, artisan foods, live music, local wine and more. Friday night’s “Pickin’ At The Patch” party will be from 4-9 pm. This is an opportunity to enjoy twilight on the farm and get first dibs on all the best finds plus live music, and great giveaways. Saturday, the market will … Read More