Does the Cures Act Reflect Big Pharma Wants?

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Newly Passed 21st Century Cures Act Is No Panacea •December 21, 2016• By Trudy Lieberman, Rural Health News Service Will patients benefit from the passage of the 21st Century Cures Act? After listening to politicians and reading the headlines, most people might think it’s the best thing ever to come along for patients. “A new day for medical research is on the horizon,” proclaimed Rep. Fred Upton, the outgoing chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee which had just won a major victory last week. “The House and the Senate have passed this bipartisan legislation which will ensure our … Read More

Remember When? 12-21-2016

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Compiled by Bekki Ferguson-Stevens 25 Years Ago This Week Ronnie Elder of Bethany won the cellular phone, the grand prize given during P.E.C.’s grand opening in Sullivan. A barbecue grill was won by Jeannie Belton of Bement, and a smoker grill was won by Bernice Obrecht of Sullivan. Numerous other gifts were awarded during the hourly drawings including clock radios, jackets, coolers, mugs, hats and key chains. Melvin Newlin of Lovington will retire December 31 from A.B. Seals, Inc. in Sullivan. Since 1968, Newlin has worked primarily as supervisor of the shipping and receiving department for the manufacturer of sealants for … Read More

County Board Finalizes Supervisor Appointment

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•December 21, 2016• The reorganized Moultrie County Board met Dec. 15 appointing Lori Barringer supervisor of assessments. On a motion by new personnel committee chairman Bill Voyles, Barringer was appointed to a term from December 16, 2016 to December 16, 2020 increasing her salary to $50,000. County board member Gary Smith questioned the second salary increase since October since it was different than the originally approved motion. Barringer, who was appointed interim supervisor of assessments Oct. 5 following Cindy Kidwell’s death, was originally slated to fulfill Kidwell’s unexpired term through Feb 28, 2017. Board chairman Dave McCabe explained the interim … Read More

Early Christmas for Two Sullivan Families

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•December 21, 2016• Christmas came early for two Sullivan families thanks to Moultrie County Habitat for Humanity. On December 14 members of the Habitat board surprised Abbie O’Connell with a balloon congratulatory arrangement at her Eastside Terrace workplace. She and husband Keegan were selected for the Habitat rehab project which could be ready in February. From there Habitat’s band of Christmas elves went to the Moultrie County Courthouse. There the group hid in the back room until Paige Schoonover was brought up from the basement for the surprise announcement. “I knew last Friday and was afraid I couldn’t keep the … Read More

Jesse White Announces Winners for Emerging Writers Competition

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•December 21, 2016• Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White announced that poets from St. Joseph, Harrisburg and Des Plaines are this year’s winners of the Gwendolyn Brooks Poetry Award in the twelfth annual Illinois Emerging Writers Competition. Jeanne Genis of St. Joseph was awarded first place for her poem “Finch (For Brigit in Illinois).” Whittney Jones of Harrisburg received second place for her poem “The Price of Coal.” Rochelle Zappia of Des Plaines is the third place winner for her poem “Don’t Ever Let Them Sing.” The winners read their poems and received their awards during a ceremony … Read More

Obituaries 12-21-2016: Virgil Booker

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Virgil Booker Virgil E. “Bud” Booker, 83, of New Port Richey, Fla., formerly of Sullivan, passed away at 7:57 a.m. Saturday, December 17, 2016. By his side were his loving wife of 65 years, Carlin Jo (Manship) and son Mike. Services to honor and remember Bud’s life will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, December 28 in McMullin-Young Funeral Home in Sullivan with Pastor Brandon Zoll officiating. Visitation will be held an hour before the service. Graveside services will follow in Greenhill Cemetery in Sullivan. Family requests casual attire. … Read More

American Red Cross to Offer Zero to Hero Training

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•December 21, 2016• The American Red Cross Central and Southern Illinois Region will offer a special Zero to Hero disaster volunteer training in Charleston, IL on January 13-15, 2017. Zero to Hero is a unique opportunity for people to fast track the required training to become a Red Cross disaster volunteer. In just one weekend, Zero to Hero participants will go through a concentrated training session to complete all the initial training to become a Red Cross disaster volunteer. The Red Cross encourages anyone who has considered becoming a Red Cross disaster volunteer to attend the Zero to Hero event. … Read More

Obituaries 12-21-2016: Garrett Burtcheard

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Garrett Burtcheard Garrett L. Burtcheard, 96, of Sullivan passed away at 7:30 p.m. Monday, December 19, 2016 in Decatur Memorial Hospital. Celebration of Life services will be at 10 a.m. Friday in Reed Funeral Home in Sullivan with Pastor Al Rennert and Pastor Eddie Miller officiating. Visitation will be 9-10 a.m. Friday. Burial will be in French Cemetery in Allenville.  … Read More

Lovington Public Library Has Bingo Tuesdays

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Youth Bingo and other games are at the library 2-4 p.m. Tuesday, January 3 •December 21, 2016• Reading Redbirds Youth Book Club for fourth-eighth graders will meet at 3:45-4:45 p.m. Jan. 3 and 17. Children in this club enjoy planning and assisting with library events and talking about their favorite books. “Wee Readers Story Time” is held on Thursday mornings from 10:45-11:15 a.m. Preschoolers 2 yrs & older enjoy a story, song & dance, learning games and more! Themes are: Jan: 5: “Gingerbread”; Jan. 12: “Mittens” ; Jan. 19: “Snowmen”; Jan. 26: “Bird Feeders”. Learn to program with Disney’s newest … Read More