Gov. Pritzker Signs Legislation to Expand Access to Higher Education

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•June 8, 2022• Governor JB Pritzker has signed legislation designed to increase access to Illinois’ higher education system, close equity gaps, and improve student protections and operational effectiveness. The bills expand resources available to students and build on the administration’s efforts to expand equitable access to public universities and community colleges. House Bill 4201 helps students at state universities and community colleges access benefits through “benefits navigators.” Each institution is tasked with assigning a benefits navigator for the purpose of guiding students to seek and apply for any federal, state, or local program that provides assistance or benefits for which … Read More

IDPH and Discovery Partners Institute Announce Extension of COVID-19 Monitoring in Wastewater

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•June 8, 2022• The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the Discovery Partners Institute (DPI) today announced their comprehensive effort to monitor the coronavirus and its variants in wastewater will extend into mid-2023 with $8.2 million in additional funding. The federally funded effort will help public health officials track the prevalence of COVID-19 across Illinois and provide a potential sign of another surge in infections. SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is detectable in human waste nearly from the onset of infection, while symptoms may not appear for three to five days. … Read More

New IDOT Safety Campaign Highlights real Consequences of Unsafe Driving

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•June 8, 2022• The Illinois Department of Transportation is launching “It’s Not a Game,” a multimedia safety campaign that drives home the message there are no extra lives, no respawns and no second chances to get it right when you are behind the wheel. “It’s Not a Game” continues the comprehensive approach by IDOT to reduce injuries and fatalities associated with motorcycles, bicycles, pedestrians, seatbelt use, work zones as well as impaired and distracted driving. … Read More

Take Charge of Your Diabetes Workshop Offered in Sullivan

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•June 8, 2022• Diabetes is on the rise, but can be a very manageable illness. If you or someone you care for has diabetes or is pre-diabetic, why not learn how to more effectively “take charge” and live an active and fulfilling life? Take Charge of Your Diabetes is designed to teach those with diabetes tools and techniques to help them become better health managers! Classes will be offered Friday mornings starting July 1 – August 5 from 9:00 – 11:30 AM. These classes will be held at Mid-Illinois Senior Services at 114 E. Jefferson in Sullivan, IL.  Prospective participants … Read More

Learn what Research Reveals for Current Health Challenges

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•June 8, 2022• The rush of summer activities can interrupt healthy routines. Researchers from University of Illinois can help guide your summer health choices. A series of seven workshops will dive into a wide range of topics, from fitness to brain health. The free online webinars are held each Wednesday through the summer, beginning June 29. Registration is required at  go.illinois.edu/SummerSelfCare22. Sessions begin at noon and last one hour. CPDU and CEUs are available. … Read More

Theta Psi Sisters Recognized for Years of Service

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•June 8, 2022• Sue Yarnell, Lisa Younger, Tara Underwood and Lucia Roney were recognized for their years of dedication to Theta Psi Sorority. Sue Yarnell is their Charter Member with 47 years, she served as President this year and has held every office during her tenure, including State President. Lucia Roney has 37 Years and is the Chairwoman of their American Red Cross Blood Drive. She raised her family here, is active with her church and enjoys spending time with her grandchildren and helping husband with farming. … Read More

Ag in the Classroom

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•June 8, 2022• During the month of May, Moultrie County Ag in the Classroom hosted a bookmark contest in which elementary students were invited to participate and submit an original design showcasing the theme, “Agriculture is Everywhere.” The winning bookmarks were chosen from three different age groups. Each of the three winners received a summer gardening kit and will have their bookmarks featured at local library programming this summer. Congratulations to the winners, Zoey Crothers, Ty Stollard, and Ellie Law. … Read More

Mental Health Matters, Learn how to Respond when Someone needs Aid

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•June 8, 2022• Mental health and substance use issues are common. Nearly 1 in 5 U.S. adults lives with a mental illness according to the National Institute of Mental Health. From 1999 to 2016, 630,000 people died from drug overdose according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Give someone in your community a hand by learning how to recognize and respond when someone might need help with a free Mental Health First Aid workshop offered by University of Illinois Extension and the North Central Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Center. Mental Health First Aid is a skills-based program, … Read More