4-H Multi-County Public Speaking Contest

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Jenavieve Welsh presents her topic. 4-H members from Coles, Cumberland, Douglas, and Moultrie counties competed in public speaking on Saturday, March 29, at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center’s Lumpkin Center. Members could compete in formal, illustrated, or oral interpretation speech presentations. The members presented in front of judges from the University of Illinois, who scored them on physical presence, clarity of purpose, relatability to the audience, originality, use of visual aids, use of voice, and use of gestures and space. … Read More

Helping teens build self-esteem: Tools and tips to make a difference

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•April 9, 2025• by Cheri BurchamExtension EducatorUniversity of Illinois Extension One of the best ways to lead a happy, healthy, and successful life is to have good self-esteem. As youth are developing socially, emotionally, and physically, it’s important to develop good self-esteem building habits early on. According to the Child Development Institute, youth with high self-esteem tend to be more confident, try new things, handle their emotions better, and treat others with more kindness. Youth with low self-esteem often lack confidence, avoid new things, struggle with their emotions, and struggle in their relationships with others. Help teens build self-esteem by … Read More

Cherry-almond ice cream is a scoop above the rest

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Ice cream is a beloved dessert. The extraordinary number of flavor combinations that can be achieved simply by mixing together a few ingredients undoubtedly contributes to the popularity of ice cream.  For those partial to cherries and almonds, there’s nothing better than combining those flavors in this recipe for “No-Churn Cherry Bakewell Ice Cream” from “Jane’s Patisserie” (Sourcebooks) by Jane Dunn. No-Churn Cherry  Bakewell Ice Cream Serves 10 … Read More

April “Dine with a Doc” at MISS a hit

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IL Attorney General’s PSA resonates •April 9, 2025• Last week’s monthly “Dine with a Doc” at Mid Illinois Senior Services was a presentation, timely for April Fool’s Day, by Heather Calcara of the Illinois Attorney General’s Office on how to avoid becoming a victim of frauds and scams. The presentation was very well-received, with a healthy Q&A after her presentation and many nods and affirmations throughout.    The monthly lunch and learn was opened with a heartfelt statement of gratitude to all Veterans, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, and a fine lunch served to all in attendance. Patty Hood from … Read More

Mobile DMV at Elizabeth Titus

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•April 9, 2025• On Thursday, April 17th, the Illinois Secretary of State’s Mobile DMV will be at the Elizabeth Titus Memorial Library, 2 W. Water Street, Sullivan, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Services available include driver’s licenses and state ID cards, (both standard and ‘Real ID’), vehicle registration, and license plate stickers. For a full list of acceptable documents, go to ilos.gov (re-quired for first-time, renewals, and corrected). Written and road tests are not available at Mobile ID events. Pre-registration is required by stopping in at the library and signing up by April 15th, or call (217) 728-7221. Payment … Read More

Healthcare Academy provides healthcare career exposure

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•April 9, 2025• Sophomores, juniors or seniors interested in a career in healthcare can apply now at https://bit.ly/4jdGvzU (search academy) for the Sarah Bush Lincoln Healthcare Academy. The Academy aims to equip high school students with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience necessary for success in the healthcare field. The program runs from 8:30 am – noon, June 16 – 20 at SBL in the Lumpkin Education Center. Participants will be exposed to a broad range of healthcare careers and connect with Sarah Bush Lincoln staff and local colleges to learn about education and career pathways. Participants will learn more … Read More

Illinois State Fair to host 100 Days Out Celebration

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•April 9, 2025• The Illinois State Fair is marking 100 days until the opening of the 2025 Fair with a special “100 Days Out” Celebration on Tuesday, April 29, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Reisch Pavilion on the Illinois State Fairgrounds.  State Fair favorites such as Taft’s Mr. Ribeye, Food Baby, 17th Street Barbecue, Vose’s Korndogs and Hae’s Bakery & Coffee Shoppe will be selling food and drinks as a preview to the Illinois State Fair, which will run August 7th-17th. Have lunch with us and get the chance to win the ultimate Illinois State Fair prize package-two track tickets … Read More

Windsor HS March Students of the Month

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Mattie Kacey •April 9, 2025• Windsor Junior/Senior High School has announced their “Students of the Month” for March: Mattie Kasey is the daughter of Blake and Amy Kasey. She is currently an 8th-grade student and is involved in dance, cheer, track, and volleyball. In her spare time, she enjoys playing club volleyball. Mattie plans to one day be a Physical Therapist. Aubrey Carter Aubrey Carter is a senior, the granddaughter of Rick and Sheila Fritts. She is the Senior Class president, a member of the yearbook staff, and is involved in FFA. In her free time, she works and enjoys … Read More

IDNR issues reminder to avoid handling wild animals/birds: Human intervention: more harm than help

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•April 9, 2025• As spring sets in and more people head outside, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is reminding everyone to leave baby birds and young animals alone when they encounter them in the wild.  Well-intentioned people may believe they’re helping nature by taking possession of young rabbits, fawn deer, baby birds and other animals that appear to be orphaned or abandoned. However, in nearly all cases, human intervention does more to hurt animals than to help. Young birds and animals are still being fed and cared for by their parents, who usually stay away from nests and … Read More

IDOR : April 15 filing deadline is quickly approaching

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Eligible Illinois taxpayers can use IRS’s Direct File program this year •April 9, 2025• The Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) is reminding taxpayers that the Tuesday, April 15th deadline is quickly approaching for filing 2024 state individual income tax returns. The agency began accepting and processing individual income tax returns on January 27, the same date the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) began accepting federal returns. “We encourage taxpayers to file electronically and choose direct deposit in order to ensure the fastest processing and issuance of any refunds,” IDOR Director David Harris said.  Illinois is participating in the free IRS Direct File program … Read More