Illinois Master Naturalist Program Accepting Applications for August Training

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•July 12, 2023• University of Illinois Extension, serving Coles-Cumberland-Douglas-Moultrie-Shelby Counties will be offering Illinois Master Naturalist training from August 8-October 10 with the majority of classes every Tuesday from 5:30 PM-8:30 PM held at Douglas-Hart Nature Center in Mattoon. There will also be classes onsite at Warbler Ridge Woods and Shelbyville Visitor’s Center. The mission of the University of Illinois Extension Master Naturalist Program is to provide science-based educational opportunities that connect people with nature and help them become engaged environmental stewards. “The Master Naturalist training is a great way to learn more about our local natural areas, get together … Read More

Lake Land College Economics Instructor Receives Award for Innovative Teaching

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•July 12, 2023• For the last 24 years, Lake Land College Economics Instructor Brian Lynch has sought to improve his students’ learning with the help of innovative teaching strategies. For instance, he has found that karaoke, ice cream and paper airplanes are excellent tools to help students grasp complex concepts such as supply, pricing and modeling. Recently, the Illinois Community College Faculty Association (ICCFA) recognized Lynch’s inventive efforts by awarding him the 2023 Dr. Joseph Cipfl Faculty Research/Workshop Grant. … Read More

Obituaries 7-13-2023: Jaretta Nichols

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Jaretta Nichols My dear mother Jaretta Margaret Nichols passed away Saturday July 8, 2023, at the age of 89. She was a wonderful mother who was always there when we needed her. She also had many friends and was a well-loved member of the community in Bethany. She also loved her flower gardens, fishing and camping with Dad. She will be deeply missed. … Read More

Obituaries 7-13-2023:

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Peggy Mulvany Peggy Mulvany, 78, of Bethany, passed away peacefully in her home July 6, 2023, two weeks prior to her 60th wedding anniversary. Visitation will be held 5-7 p.m., Friday, July 14, at McMullin-Young Funeral Homes in Bethany. A memorial service will be held 7 p.m. Friday at McMullin-Young Funeral Home in Bethany. Memorials may be made to American Cancer Society; P.O. Box 6704 Hagerstown, MD 21741 … Read More

Obituaries 7-13-2023: Judy Hampton

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Judy Hampton Judy Ann Hampton, 79, of Lovington, passed away at 12:19 a.m., Saturday, July 8, 2023, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Decatur. A visitation will be held 5-7 p.m. Thursday, July 13, at McMullin-Young Funeral Home in Lovington. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741. … Read More

Sullivan Dance Studio’s Competition Team Attends Nationals

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•July 12, 2023• Sullivan Dance Studio’s 2022-2023 Competition Team ended their year by attending “Positive Vibes” Nationals in Collinsville, Illinois. The team had earlier attended a “Positives Vibes” Dance Regional Competition held in Bloomington, Illinois. At this nationals competition 17 routines from the SDS Competition Team participated. This was the team’s first ever Nationals experience and they came home with five 1st Place/Champion trophies. These championship trophies were awarded to: Sarina Voegel, Senior Soloist; Mia Lovett and Knox Weakly Duet, 5 & Under Duets & Trios; “Disco Divas” for the 5 & Under Small Group Category; and Mini Large Group … Read More

And You Can Quote Me On That!

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•July 12, 2023• By Jim Baumann NP Guest Writer With apologies to any of you our reporters have interviewed, not everything you say is interesting. Not everything I say is interesting either, but that’s the joy of writing a first-person column and being the editor of the paper. Nanny nanny foo foo. We will interview someone at length for a profile story and, from that, use a smattering of quotes and weave in details from other things the subject has told us as “color.” Too often, though, reporters — reporters from a great many newspapers I’ve read — lean too … Read More