•May 7, 2025• On May 5th, the exhibit titled “Illinois Archeology: The Deep Roots of the Prairie State” was installed by Dan Bartlett and volunteers at the Moultrie County Historical Society and is on loan from the Illinois State Archeological Survey. The purpose of the exhibit is to give context to how and where people lived in this region from the ice age moving forward. Both stone tools as well as replicas are on display. … Read More
On April 30th, Gage Simmons signed his letter of intent to continue his powerlifting career and education at Greenville University this Fall. Said Simmons, “I am really looking forward to working with others on the same powerlifting path. I’m the only Illinois state deadlift record holder as of this past April.” Simmons is currently in the 205-pound weight class, but his goal is the 232-pound weight class. Simmons will be studying Business. Pictured L-R seated, Father Jon Simmons, Gage Simmons, and Mother Carrie Simmons. Standing is head powerlifting coach Scott Voyles of Greenville University. … Read More
•May 7, 2025• How one Sullivan family revolutionized senior safety Submitted In the quiet town of Sullivan, Illinois, an idea was born that would eventually change the lives of hundreds of thousands of seniors worldwide. Ralph Kirk, a former English literature student, never imagined he would become a pioneer in medical alert technology. But his career and calling took a meaningful turn when he discovered how the developing field of computers could improve lives. After college, Kirk accepted a position as Manager of Electronic Data Processing (computers) at Chicago Wesley Memorial Hospital in Chicago. Computers were new then, and he … Read More
•May 7, 2025• The wisdom of elders is timeless by DM Williamee As many face economic uncertainties, looking to the past for inspiration can be helpful. The Great Depression, marked by extreme financial hardships, forced families to adapt and innovate in ways that still work today. Gone is the ‘spend, spend, spend’ economy of the 1980s, where plastic was king and treating yourself was top priority. During the Great Depression, families learned to prioritize needs over wants. Following a budget was critical, and adopting this same practice today can help families and individuals meet their needs more easily. … Read More
•May 7, 2025• by Cheri BurchamFamily Life Educator Gardening season is almost here. It is a great family activity and beneficial to get children interested when they are young. Have you wondered if gardening outdoors with preschoolers would be too challenging? The Illinois Early Learning Project (IELP) has a tip sheet about teaching children to garden using planters/containers that I would like to share with you. According to IELP, growing plants in containers of clean topsoil can be safer and easier for children than gardening in “plain dirt” on the ground. Here are some tips for gardening with children in … Read More
•May 7, 2025• These are the moments when lives are changed and set on a course toward future success, all because another person paid it forward. That was evidenced by a full room of generous people investing in the Class of 2025 at Sullivan High School, CUSD #300. … Read More
•May 7, 2025• Fiction: “2 Sisters Murder Investigations” (2 Sisters Detective Agency series #2) by James Patterson & Candice Fox; “25 Alive” (Women’s Murder Club #25) by James Patterson & Maxine Paetro; “Blood Moon” by Sandra Brown; “Bridal Shower Murder” (Lucy Stone series #31) by Leslie Meier; “Bury Her Twice” (Carolina McKay series #7) by Tony Urban and Drew Strickland; “Caught in a Trap” (Mysteries of Cobble Hill Farm series #12) by Beth Adams; “The Chow Maniac” (Noodle Shop series #11) by Vivien Chien; “Dead Broke, Colorado” by William W. Johnstone & J.A. Johnstone; “A Dragon of Black Glass” (Moon … Read More
•May 7, 2025• SHS Girls Track finished in 14th place with 14 points at the 20 team Monticello Invitational last Friday against several 2A schools. Riane Bear had a tremendous night winning the high jump at 1.62 meters in a field of 23 athletes. Julia Moody finished 7th place in the 3200 meter run in 13:46, while Avery Renfro finished 7th in the 400 meter in 1:03. The 4 x 200 relay of Dyer, Bear, Crothers, and Hodge also finished 7th in 1:53. … Read More
Nelson Ford •May 7, 2025• by Janet Roney Murphy’s Law was alive and well in our family in 1988. I had several items on my “Oh, no!” list that year. At the top of the list were some family members’ illnesses and my little brother’s death. Then, there was the Drought of 1988. City folks don’t like water rationing, high temperatures, and brown lawns during droughts. For farmers like us, who can only stand idly by while their crops shrivel in 90 to 100+ degree temperatures and weeks of no rain, droughts are catastrophes. The Drought of 1988 was a … Read More
•May 7, 2025• by DM Williamee The Eta Aquarids meteor shower, known for its speed and bright, glowing trails, is an annual event, and the meteor shower is caused by debris from Halley’s Comet. It is visible each year from approximately April 19th through May 28th. The peak activity typically occurs on or around May 5th through 8th, with the shower offering good visibility, especially in the predawn hours. While the most vivid viewing will be in the Southern Hemisphere, it can be viewed globally. Unlike most major annual meteor showers, there is no sharp “peak” for this shower, but … Read More