Sullivan Dance Studio’s Competition Team Hosts Preview Showcase
Department on Aging Seeks Nominations for Senior Illinoisan Hall of Fame
•February 1, 2023• The Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA) is now accepting nominations for the Senior Illinoisan Hall of Fame, open to adults aged 65 and older who excel in the categories of community service, education, performance and/or graphic arts, and the labor force. “When I think about the people of Illinois, a couple of words come to mind: kindness, generosity, ingenuity, and perseverance. Each year, my administration is proud to honor four older adults who embody these values through service, education, arts, and labor by inducting them into the Senior Illinoisan Hall of Fame,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Whether … Read More
Illinois Human Services Seeks to Educate SNAP Households to Prepare for USDA’s Return of SNAP Benefits to Pre-Pandemic Levels
•February 1, 2023• The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) has announced that per the federal USDA Food and Nutrition Service, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will return to pre-pandemic levels beginning in March 2023. These federal changes impact one million families and two million people in Illinois. Nearly half of the states across the country have already ended their SNAP emergency allotments ahead of the federal change, while Illinois will sustain benefits through February when the federal increases expire. … Read More
What Seniors Can do to Safeguard Their Mental Health
•February 1, 2023• No one is immune to issues that can adversely affect their mental health, including men and women nearing retirement age and those who are already retired. Though the term “golden years” suggests life in retirement is one sunny day after another, many individuals 60 and older are dealing with mental health issues. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 15 percent of the world’s adults aged 60 and over suffer from a mental disorder. What makes that statistic even more troubling is that the WHO acknowledges it likely doesn’t paint the most accurate picture of seniors and … Read More
Facts for Families: Managing the Winter Blues
•February 1, 2023• By Cheri Burcham Family Life Educator Winter is upon us, and those longer hours of darkness coupled with the colder temperatures can make many people experience those “winter blues. I have become much more aware of the signs of mental health issues since facilitating Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) and Trauma-Informed Care trainings, and also co-facilitating a youth mental health awareness program called Your Thoughts Matter. I would highly recommend anyone to complete MHFA as the purpose is to help you recognize when someone is having difficulties and be able to respond in a helpful way. And … Read More
Staying Warm and Safe this Winter Starts with Heating Equipment and Carbon Monoxide Safety
•February 1, 2023• Illinoisans will be turning up their thermostats to stay warm for the rest of the winter season, which brings an increased risk for home fires and carbon monoxide incidents. Unlike smoke, carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas only detectable by special devices and CO alarms. The Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) encourages residents to have their furnaces checked, change furnace filters, and make sure carbon monoxide (CO) and smoke detectors are functioning properly. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), heating is the second leading cause of home fires and home fire … Read More
State Finds Budget Breathing Room
Billions in budget surpluses have led to repayment of old, new debt •February 1, 2023• By Jerry Nowicki Capitol News Illinois jnowicki @ capitolnewsillinois.com Sustained higher-than-predicted state tax revenues have in recent months given lawmakers a level of budgeting flexibility that is, at least in modern times, without precedent in a state with a reputation for perilous finances. For the current fiscal year and the one before it, that’s led to another uncommon Capitol occurrence: budget surpluses in the billions of dollars. Over those two budget years, lawmakers have increased pension contributions by $500 million beyond required levels, paid off … Read More
Irrevocable Scholarship Program
•February 1, 2023• Applications are now available for the 2023 Irrevocable Scholarship program. This program offers one $1,500 (four year, annually renewable) scholarship. … Read More
February Quarter Auction
•February 1, 2023• Moultrie County Monthly Quarter Madness will hold their February Quarter Auction on Wednesday, February 8, 2023. The event will be held at the Sullivan American Legion. Courtyard Estates Activity Department is the charity of the month (find them on Facebook at “Courtyard Estates of Sullivan”). These funds will be used for various activities for their residents. Bring an item for a bingo prize for a free $1 bidding number (one number per person). … Read More