“One Book, One Sullivan” holds community book discussion

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Local youth lead book discussions and showcase program’s value •April 2, 2025• by DM Williamee On Monday, March 24th, One Book, One Sullivan met at Sullivan’s First United Methodist Church for their reading of the book, “The Lost Year” by author Katherine Marsh. The event was very well attended, with nearly one hundred participants and an atmosphere alternating between lively and serious.  Rikki Ray and Rebecca Powell greeted the community while also moving from table to table as the discussions took place. Ms. Ray shared, “I loved the conversations between the adults and the students about listening to your grandparents’ … Read More

Arthur Public Library to host career workshop

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•April 2, 2025• On May 14, Jenna Slaughter with the East Central Illinois Worknet – Douglas County will be conducting a Career Development Workshop at the Arthur Public Library. The workshop will take place from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. and will benefit individuals who need assistance with career readiness. Some highlights to career readiness include creating a standout resume, effective job search strategies, mastering interview skills, building professional skills, navigating the job market, and personal branding for career success.  This is an opportunity for individuals to grow professionally and make a lasting impression in the workforce. All ages are welcome … Read More

Healthcare providers can help Social Security improve the disability process

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Reinvigoration of the “Health IT” initiative •April 2, 2025• The Social Security Administration (SSA) announced today a renewed emphasis on expanding opportunities for organizations to join the agency’s Health Information Technology (Health IT) program. Health IT allows SSA to use electronic data exchanges to obtain medical records directly from the provider, resulting in faster disability determinations for people applying for benefits. Faster allowances means putting much needed benefits in the hands of people in critical need. Additionally, expanding Health IT helps save taxpayer money, as each year SSA receives over 3 million new applications for disability benefits and spends over … Read More

CC’s Crossing Safety plan outlines rail infrastructure improvements

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•April 2, 2025• The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) approved its annual five-year Crossing Safety Improvement Program (FY 2026-2030) to implement life-saving safety upgrades at highway-rail crossings across Illinois. Over $400 million from the Grade Crossing Protection Fund (GCPF) and Rebuild Illinois (RBI) will help local communities pay for much-needed improvements at over 900 crossing locations.  “Illinois’ rail system is made up of more than 10,000 public crossings. The ICC’s Crossing Safety Improvement Plan is an essential tool for improving our state’s rail infrastructure and reducing the risk of collisions,” said ICC Commissioner Michael T. Carrigan.  … Read More

April is safe digging month in Illinois

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•April 2, 2025• In observance of safe digging month, the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) is reminding citizens they can reduce utility outages by calling 811. The state’s annual proclamation is a reminder to professional excavators and DIY homeowners alike to call 811 to safely mark utility lines before starting a digging project. “The warmer weather can inspire us get started on home improvement projects, but underground utility lines can be unintentionally damaged during a digging project. Remember to call 811 before you dig for projects of any size,” said ICC Chairman Doug Scott.  … Read More

SHS Scholastic Bowl Team shines

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•April 2, 2025• Combining brain power and teamwork, the Sullivan High School Scholastic Bowl Team’s competitive season comes to a successful end. Scholastic Bowl is a fast-paced, quiz-based competition where teams of five students from different schools compete by answering trivia questions on a variety of academic subjects. The team that correctly answers a toss-up gets control of the bonus set. There are 24 toss-ups in each match, and each bonus set has three questions. All correct answers are worth 10 points.  In conference matches, the Varsity’s record was 11-1, and the JV’s record was 7-3. The Varsity team placed … Read More

Senior Center April Peace Meal

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•April 2, 2025• Peace Meal helps boost the nutritional health of older adults by providing healthy pre-cooked meals, conducting nutrition assessments and education, and sharing food safety instructions. March 31: Sloppy Joe’s and buns, German potato salad, corn, fruit. April 3: Orange chicken over rice, broccoli, Midori vegetables, pineapple. April 4: Salmon burger and bun, macaroni salad w/vegetables, baked beans, cherry crisp. … Read More

Sports card and memorabilia sho

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•April 2, 2025• Sports card and memorabilia dealers and collectors will be at the Decatur Civic Center, 1 Gary Anderson Plaza, Decatur.  on April 12 from 9am-3pm for the second annual “Play ball!  Sports card and memorabilia show.”  History of the Heartland is sponsoring the event. Admission is free. … Read More

The benefits of Tai chi for older adults

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by Cheri BurchamExtension EducatorU of I Extension                     Several of our family life educators including Emily Harmon have become certified in teaching Tai chi and have been offering classes. Emily has written this article to explain the benefits. She says: “Tai chi is the practice of slow, gentle movements while having a meditative state of mind and mindful breathing. This form of exercise has been found to be a safe exercise because of the slow, gentle movements. Tai chi was originally founded in China, but you can see it being done … Read More