COVID-19 Update: New Guidance on Indoor Dining, Vaccination Plan, New Virus Strain, Sports

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Indoor dining allowed in Tier 1, but no regions there yet; Vaccine Phase 1B starting Jan. 25 •January 20, 20201• By Jerry Nowicki Capitol News Illinois jnowicki@capitolnewsillinois.com Gov. JB Pritzker announced revisions to his COVID-19 mitigation tiers Friday that would allow earlier indoor dining, but no regions have thus far met the requirements. He also announced that the whole state would move to Phase 1B of vaccination efforts as of Jan. 25, while some counties might already individually have entered that phase. As well, a new, more contagious strain of the coronavirus has been confirmed to be spreading in Illinois. … Read More

Miller Draws Criticism for Remarks Referencing Hitler

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•January 20, 20201• By Janice Hunt NP Guest Writer WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Mary Miller (R-Ill.) of Oakland has apologized after drawing national criticism for quoting Adolf Hitler during a rally Tuesday, Jan. 5, two days after taking the oath of office. Miller was speaking to the group Moms for America outside of the U.S. Capitol when she said, “Each generation has the responsibility to teach and train the next generation. You know, if we win a few elections, we’re still going to be losing, unless we win the hearts and minds of our children. This is the battle. … Read More

How to Make Driving in Inclement Weather More Safe

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•January 20, 20201• Impaired visibility can be a safety hazard while driving. Everything from sun glare to hail can affect a driver’s ability to see the road and navigate it effectively. Before drivers get behind the wheel, they should make note of their local forecast and make a plan for what to do if rain, snow or other conditions make it challenging to drive. The International Association of Traffic and Safety Sciences indicates that, based on an examination of crash test data conducted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the “likelihood of a crash increases during periods of low … Read More

6 Steps to Organize Your Home Office

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•January 20, 20201• Remote working has become popular in recent years, but the “working-from-home” economy bloomed exponentially as the world was forced to confront the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Stanford economist Nicholas Bloom, as of summer 2020, 42 percent of the United States labor force was working from home full-time. The need for home office spaces has increased as more people work from home. Many people have retrofitted various spaces around their homes into areas to get work done. More organized home work spaces can increase productivity. Individuals can follow these guidelines to create effective, organized home offices. Begin with … Read More

Heightened Security Measures Remain in Place at Illinois Capitol After Quiet Weekend

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•January 20, 20201• By Tim Kirsininkas Capitol News Illinois tkirsininkas @ capitolnewsillinois.com While there have been no confirmed threats made against the Illinois Capitol, heightened security measures remain in place “out of an abundance of caution” after a quiet weekend in the capital city. State officials said it will remain that way until sometime after the Wednesday inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden. Following a riot at the U.S. capitol building on Jan. 6 and an FBI warning about possible armed protests around the nation in the lead-up to Biden’s inauguration, Gov. JB Pritzker activated 250 members of the Illinois National … Read More

Okaw Valley Ag Program Receives ADM Cares Grant

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•January 20, 20201• By Crystal Reed NP Writer Housed in a blue nondescript building behind Okaw Valley High School is a unique hands-on experience that allows students to learn about agriculture while they are still in school. Okaw Valley High School ag instructor Wes Wise believes that his program is offering an experience no one else in Illinois is doing. The Okaw Valley ag program was started in 2016 in partnership with the US Army Corps of Engineers which involved an ag lease in exchange for in-kind services. The past two years the program has received ADM Cares grants. The … Read More

Remember When? 1-20-2021

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25 Years Ago This Week Don Foster of Bethany established a recording studio behind his white, two-story farmhouse called Studio 121. The studio is a 24 track digital recording facility. The Sullivan City Council was presented with a $175,000 to $200,000 preliminary estimate for an environmental control system at the Civic Center. Michael Clark, a fifth grade student at Lovington Grade School won the school-level compettion of the National Geography Bee and a chance at a $25,000 college scholarship. … Read More

Obituaries 1-20-2021: Gerald Lowry

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Gerald Lowry Gerald E. Lowry, 93, of Sullivan passed away at 5:12 PM, Monday, January 11, 2021 at Mason Point in Sullivan. A graveside service in his honor was held Friday, January 15 at 11 a.m. at Branch Side Cemetery in Gays.  Pastor Ron Dickinson officiated. Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home, 1200 Wabash Avenue, Mattoon, IL 61938 was in charge of services.  … Read More

Sheriff, States Attorney Concerned About Criminal Justice Legislation Passed by Illinois Senate and House

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•January 20, 20201• By Crystal Reed NP Writer The criminal justice reform package that was passed by the Illinois House and Senate Wednesday of last week is drawing concern from local officials. The bill which is sitting on the governor’s desk includes a complete overhaul of police certification and an effort to end cash bail. The Senate debated the bill after 4 a.m. before it passed 32 to 23 just before 5 a.m., moving onto the House floor. The House passed the measure before noon Wednesday with the minimum 60 votes needed for approval. According to Moultrie County State’s Attorney … Read More