The City of Carthage's municipal electric aggregation program (MEA), paused since March 

2022, will resume in April under a new contract with Constellation New Energy for electric supply to 

participating homeowners and small businesses.. A small business is defined as one that uses fewer 

than 15,000 kilowatthours a year. 

Constellation submitted the low bid to serve the City's MEA program with a proposal to 

supply electricity at 11.924 cents per kilowatthour. That rate will be fixed for 18 months, beginning 

with meter readings in April. Ameren's current rate is 11.833 cents. Consumers who have Ameren 

supply their electricity also pay for electricity Ameren buys that is not included in the utility's rate. 

MEA participants are not subject to the additional charge, which has averaged .34 cents per 

kilowatthour over the last seven months. 

Constellation last week began sending letters to each eligible resident of the City. It includes 

information about the new supply rate, terms, and the right of eligible residents to opt out at no cost. 

Those who wish to participate will be enrolled automatically and need to do nothing. Those who 

prefer not to participate can opt out by calling Constellation's customer care center tollfree at 800- 

243-8072 or completing and returning a coupon with the letter in the postage-paid envelope. 

Additional information is available by calling the toll free number. 

Ameren in March will also send a letter to each eligible participant to remind them of the 

new supplier for Carthage's electric aggregation program and the right to opt out. 

The City of Carthage, whose eligible voters at a referendum in 2012 authorized electric 

aggregation, in March 2022 suspended the program for one year when it found open-market prices 

for electricity were significantly higher than Ameren's electric rate. Residents could choose another 

electric supplier or return to Ameren supply for electricity. 

Consumers who participate in the City electric aggregation program will continue to write 

only one check for electricity. Ameren bills will include Constellation's electric supply cost. Service 

calls will continue to be handled by Ameren for residents in the City. 

SIMEC, LLC, of Quincy is the consultant for City of Carthage's MEA program. 

RALLY POINT BAR AND GRILL CAMIE PILKINGTON

COMING UP AT THE RALLY POINT BAR AND GRILL COUNTRY SENSATION DREW BALDRIDGE APRIL 8TH AT 7PM

Prairie Farmer Names 2023 Master Farmers

Four farmers who are outstanding in both agricultural production and leadership will be honored in Bloomington on March 15. Plus: A new Honorary Master Farmer joins the ranks.

MARIETTA, Ill. (February 27, 2023) – Four Illinois producers will be honored as 2023 Master Farmers at Prairie Farmer magazine’s annual event in Bloomington, Ill., on Wednesday, March 15. The award recognizes exceptional agricultural production skills, commitment to family and service to community.

The 2023 Master Farmers are: 

• Martin Barbre, Carmi

• David Meiss, Gridley

• Ron Moore, Roseville

• Curt Strode, Marietta

Look for profiles of each winner in the March 2023 Prairie Farmer and online at PrairieFarmer.com during the week of Feb. 27.  

Prairie Farmer has also named a new Honorary Master Farmer this year: Robert A. Easter. Easter is a renowned swine nutritionist who ascended the leadership ranks at the University of Illinois to become dean of the College of ACES, interim provost, interim chancellor, and ultimately, president of the university. He is the first Honorary Master Farmer to be named since 2018; only 16 Honorary Master Farmers have ever been named by the magazine.

“The Master Farmer award is Illinois agriculture’s lifetime achievement award,” says Holly Spangler, Prairie Farmer editor. “These farmers are at the top of their game, and they’ve received this award because they raise good crops and even better families, and they’ve built their communities along the way.”

Prairie Farmer first offered the Master Farmer award 98 years ago, in 1925. Editors have continued the tradition annually since 1968, following a pause initially caused by the Depression. When Editor Clifford Gregory established the Master Farmer program, he felt the award would help give farm people a greater sense of “pride and permanence.” More than 300 Illinois producers have been inducted as Master Farmers or Honorary Master Farmers over the program’s history.

Candidates are nominated by farmers, neighbors, agribusiness leaders and farm organizations throughout the state. Judges for the 2023 awards were Karen Corrigan, McGillicuddy Corrigan Agronomics; German Bollero, University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences interim dean; Linnea Kooistra, 2011 Master Farmer; Dwight Raab, First Midwest Bank agribusiness vice president; Steve Carson, Farm Credit Illinois; and Mike Wilson, Farm Futures editor.

MEMORIAL HOSPITAL RECEIVES 17 AWARDS AT NATIONAL CONFERENCE

Carthage, IL – Friday, February 24, 2023 –Memorial Hospital is proud to announce that they were the recipients of seventeen breakthrough awards at this past year's annual Custom Learning Systems (CLS) HealthCare Service Excellence Conference. The CLS Conference was held at Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando, Florida. 

These awards are based on patient experience in HCAHPS (Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems), ED CAHPS (Emergency Department Consumer Assessment of Providers and Systems), and CG CAHPS (Clinician and Group Consumer Assessment of Providers and Systems). Each category is then broken down again into emerald, ruby, and diamond status. Receiving an emerald award means that the patient experience was greater than the comparative database average. Receiving a ruby award means that the patient experience was at least five percentage points higher than the comparative top box score, and receiving a diamond award means that the patient experience was at least ten percentage points higher than the comparative top box score. 

For the HCAHPS section, Memorial Hospital received three emerald awards, five ruby awards, and one diamond award. The emerald awards received were for: Communication with Doctors, Discharge Information, and Recommend the Hospital. The ruby awards received were for: Communication with Nurses, the Response of Hospital staff, Communication about Medicines, Clean Hospital Environment, and Rate Hospital (9-10). The diamond award in the HCAHPS section was for Quiet Hospital Environment. 

For the ED CAHPS section, Memorial Hospital received one emerald award, one ruby award, and two diamond awards. The emerald award received was for Nurses Treat with Courtesy/Respect. The ruby award received was for rating ER care 0-10. The diamond awards received were for: Getting Timely Care Domain Performance, and Care within 30 minutes of Getting to ED. 

For the CG CAHPS section, Memorial Hospital received three emerald awards and one ruby award. The emerald awards received were for: Recommending our Providers, Provider Explanation, and Access to Care. The ruby award received was for Care Coordination. 

Memorial Hospital is proud to have been recognized for its achievements and hard work in several categories and is looking forward to continuing to serve you, your friends, and your family for many years in the future. 

Pictured: Left to right – Brian Lee, CEO of Custom Learning Systems; Memorial Hospital staff including Ada Bair, CEO; Victoria Popela, DO; Raigan Brown, CNO; Heidi Jones, Lab Tech; Brad Culpepper, Director of Hospitality; Taylor Smith, RN; Beth Martin, RN; Nat Hall, CHRO; Emily Laws, Memorial Medical Clinics Manager; Theresa Klossing, Release of Information officer; Val Bostic, Director of Patient Experience; Jimmie Calhoun, Lead Culinarian at Hancock County Senior & Childcare Services.

        McDonough Telephone Cooperative is receiving an $18 million grant to deploy a fiber-to-the-premises network in Illinois. The network will connect 1,583 people, 274 farms and 41 businesses to high-speed internet in Hancock, Henderson, McDonough and Warren counties. The company will make internet access affordable through the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Programs

MEMORIAL HOSPITAL HOSTS REGIONAL BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CONSORTIUM

arthage, IL – Tuesday, February 21, 2023 – Representatives from various organizations and agencies around the region attended the first annual Regional Behavioral Health Consortium at Memorial Hospital, hosted by the Memorial Medical Clinic Carthage Behavioral Health team. 

This initiative was developed and led by Chaka Batley, DNP, FPA-APRN, PMHNP-BC, CPNP-PC, MBA, and Director of Behavioral Health Services at Memorial Medical Clinic Carthage. "It is refreshing to witness so many agencies in the region come together with an open mind to share, learn, and strengthen partnerships as we all set out to improve the health outcomes of our community! Too often, rural communities have limited resources, and our solution to this is creating space for agencies to collaborate. The focus of the Regional Behavioral Health Consortium is to build awareness of what services are currently available and identify services that our community needs that are not being provided. This will allow us to provide services that wrap around our most vulnerable individuals collectively. We are stronger together", Batley stated. 

The consortium's purpose was for each agency and organization to share information about their services and how to connect individuals to appropriate care. As acknowledged by the group, mental health services are such a need in the region. The group spent time brainstorming solutions for the future and discussed how to grow partnerships was a key topic at the consortium. The goal of the Regional Behavioral Health Consortium was to strive to accomplish better health outcomes by investing in the community that each agency serves. 

Twenty-six agencies and organizations with thirty representatives were present at this year's Regional Behavioral Health Consortium. 

Sandburg Partners With Loving Bottoms Diaper Bank to Offer Menstrual Products, Diapers, Wipes for Students in Need

GALESBURG — A Carl Sandburg College classmate asked Samantha Cozad during the fall semester if there was a place students could go on campus if they needed menstrual products.

When Cozad realized the answer was “no,” she sprang into action.

“I took that to heart,” Cozad said. “Things like that, they are not cheap at all. I can understand not being able to have those things. Being able to have it free and available for students, I just thought was a very big need.”

That need has now been met, as Sandburg has partnered with Loving Bottoms Diaper Bank to offer free period kits and tampon kits as well as baby diapers and wipes in its Resource Room Campus Food Pantry on the Main Campus in Galesburg.

Cozad took her classmate’s question to Anthony Law, Sandburg’s coordinator of diversity and inclusion, and then to coordinator of student life Genny Stevens. Those talks led to Sandburg becoming the first community college to serve as a partner agency with Loving Bottoms, which covers 13 counties in west-central Illinois and has donated more than 1.5 million diapers since it was founded in 2015. The Galesburg-based organization’s mission is to end diaper need and period poverty through access, education and advocacy. Lee Ann Porter, the founder and executive director of Loving Bottoms, said adding a location at Sandburg was a natural fit for students and others in need.

“We want them to go places that they're already going to be or where they can receive other help,” Porter said. “To put it right on campus, where they already are, where they can get other services, it's kind of a no-brainer.”

While Cozad’s initial inquiry addressed period products, Sandburg’s conversations with Loving Bottoms expanded the offerings to include diapers and wipes for parents on campus. According to Loving Bottoms’ website, it costs families about $100 each month to diaper a child.

“It's not just for moms. It's also for dads,” Cozad said. “There's a need from them as well, and we wanted to make sure that we could branch out that way. The fact that we could expand and do it for diapers and things for parents as well was amazing.”

Sandburg’s supply includes period kits (which include 10 daytime pads, five overnight pads and five liners), tampon kits (which include five tampons, 10 daytime pads, five overnight pads and five liners), diapers that range from newborn size to Size 6 and baby wipes.

The display is part of the College’s Resource Room Campus Food Pantry, which is restocked each month with supplies of fresh produce, freezer items, refrigerator items and shelf items from River Bend Food Bank.

“It gets a lot of foot traffic,” Cozad said. “A lot of people will get to see it and be able to ask about it. I'm happy that it’s in such a big spot where many students come in to get resources.”

One question sparked a discussion that turned into a solution for Sandburg students.

“It's not talked about very much, and I'm glad that we have something like this right smack dab in the Resource Room,” Cozad said. “Hopefully it can bring more conversation, more awareness to it.”

MEMORIAL HOSPITAL WELCOMES CASEY DOOLEY, PA-C

Carthage, IL – Tuesday, February 21, 2023 – Memorial Hospital is excited to announce Casey Dooley, PA-C, has joined the Memorial Hospital team. Casey specializes in Family Medicine and will begin seeing patients at Memorial Medical Clinic Bowen at 209 East 5th Street, Bowen. 

Casey received her Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Biology from the University of Illinois Springfield in Springfield, Illinois, and her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies degree from Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in Carbondale, Illinois. Prior to moving to Carbondale, Casey worked as a certified nursing assistant at Springfield Memorial Hospital and as a medical scribe with ScribeAmerica at Springfield Clinic. After graduating in 2021, Casey served as a Physician’s Assistant at Memorial Care on Koke Mill in Springfield, Illinois. 

Casey is board certified and is accepting new patients of all ages. Her medical interests include preventive care/screenings, hypertension, prediabetes/diabetes, anxiety, acne, and hypothyroidism. 

Casey recently moved to Hancock County after marrying her husband, Collin, this past December. Her hobbies include reading, traveling, sports, watching TV shows/movies, and seeing plays/musicals.

To learn more about Casey Dooley, PA-C, or to schedule an appointment, call Memorial Medical Clinic Bowen in Bowen, Illinois, at (217) 842-5211 or visit mhtlc.org.

LEGACY THEATER ANDY BASTERT- WE'RE CLOSING IN ON OPENING NIGHT FOR THE SEASON WITH SHAWN GERHARD THE ULTIMATE GARTH BROOKS EXPERIENCE SATURDAY MARCH 11TH

STATE REPRESENTATIVE NORINE HAMMOND VISITS MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

Carthage, IL – Tuesday, February 21, 2023 – State Representative Norine Hammond, 93rd District, visited Memorial Hospital on January 17 during a visit to Hancock County. Ada Bair and team members discussed various innovations, patient experiences, growth, and more with Hammond regarding Memorial Hospital, Memorial Medical Clinics, and Hancock County Senior and Childcare Services. 

Chris McKay, Executive Director of Hancock County Senior & Childcare Services, shared a testimonial from a family member that moved their loved one into the Maple Grove memory care community. Teresa Smith, CFO, spoke to Hammond about the positive economic impact the organization offers the community and discussed the financial challenges of delivering care. Finally, Dr. Victoria Popela, Chief Clinical Officer, spoke on medical staff recruitment and board engagement. 

The team also shared various topics regarding the organization where legislative support is needed.

Memorial Hospital CEO, Ada Bair, stated, “We appreciate the opportunity to share the innovative approaches our team is taking to serve our area as well as the obstacles to delivering care with Representative Hammond, and are thankful for her genuine interest and engagement with our team.” 

After the panel, staff members participated in a question-and-answer session with Hammond.

#####

Pictured from left to right: Dr. Victoria Popela, Chief Clinical Officer; Teresa Smith, Chief Financial Officer; Norine Hammond, State Representative; Ada Bair, Chief Executive Officer; Raigan Brown, Chief Nursing Officer; and Chris McKay, Executive Director of Hancock County Senior & Childcare Services

Sandburg Basketball a Family Affair for 3 Generations of Hises

GALESBURG — When David Hise came to Carl Sandburg College to play basketball, he was keeping up with a family tradition.

Hise, a freshman forward for the Chargers, is part of the third generation of the Hise family with ties to Sandburg hoops. His grandfather, Jerry Hise, coached the Chargers’ women's basketball team in the early 1980s, which included leading the program to its first Region IV championship and national tournament appearance in 1985.

David’s father, Pat Hise, was a two-sport athlete who played baseball and basketball for the Chargers in 1984-85, winning an Arrowhead Conference title on the hardwood. And David’s older brother, Jason Hise, is a sophomore on the Sandburg baseball team. Jason played basketball and baseball for the Chargers last season and was an all-conference pitcher as a freshman.

A big reason why David came to Sandburg was because of its location. He grew up in nearby Knoxville.

“It's in our backyard,” Pat said. “You see if they can move on from here and get the experience. With both my sons, it's been ideal.”

David and his family have a great bond. Pat has always been his sons’ “second coach at home.”

“He tells me what I need to do every game or even at practice what I should improve on or work on,” said David, who has played in 29 of 30 games for the Chargers this season. “But I trust him. He knows what he's talking about.” 

David’s favorite memories with his family are playing basketball in their driveway, usually one-on-one against his father or brother. They would also have family games with mom Jodi and Pat teaming up to take on the sons.

MEMORIAL HOSPITAL WELCOMES 

CHAKA BATLEY, DNP, PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER

Carthage, IL – Tuesday, February 21, 2023 – Memorial Hospital and the Behavioral Health Team at Memorial Medical Clinic Carthage welcomes Chaka Batley, DNP, FPA-APRN, PMHNP-BC, CPNP-PC, MBA. 

Chaka began her career as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner in 2011. She is board certified as a Nurse Practitioner in both Pediatric Primary Care and Psychiatric Mental Health for the lifespan through the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board and the American Nursing Credentialing Center. She earned both her Master of Science in Nursing-Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (2011) and her Doctor of Nursing Practice (2013) degrees from The University of Iowa. She completed her Post-Masters Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program at Johns Hopkins School of Nursing in 2019. 

Chaka’s current role involves seeing patients ages four to eighteen and building relationships with children and families within the community to provide integrated care while championing whole-person wellness. Chaka has served the local community over the last 11 years as a practicing Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. The journey of pursuing additional mental health education resulted from her experience serving families in primary care and witnessing the prominent needs within the community for access to mental health and substance use services. 

Chaka volunteers in several leadership roles in her local community, at the state level, and nationally. She is married to her husband of eighteen years, has six children, and two grandchildren. Chaka is dedicated to being a positive role model for future generations and takes pride in enhancing the nursing profession through leading.

To learn more about Chaka Batley, DNP, FPA-APRN, PMHNP-BC, CPNP-PC, MBA, or to schedule an appointment, call Memorial Medical Clinic Carthage in Carthage, Illinois at (217) 357-6888 or visit mhtlc.org.

GREAT PROGRAMS COMING UP INCLUDING 4-H LIVESTOCK JUDGING CLINIC, GARDENERS PALETTE, AND MASTER NATURALIST PROGRAM

Activity Report February 1 through February 15, 2023

TWO HEALTHCARE TEAMS IN CARTHAGE ARE MOVING TO NEW LOCATIONS

Carthage, IL – Friday, February 17, 2023 – In an effort to better serve the community and align services, two healthcare teams in Carthage are moving to new locations. Dr. Christopher Jones, OB/GYN, FACOG, and Lila Brooks Fritz, CNM, and their women’s health team will move to the 630 Locust Street clinic location, while Krista Carle, DNP, APRN-FNP, and her dermatology team will move to the Memorial Medical Clinic Carthage location on the hospital campus at 1450 N. County Road 2050.

Dr. Christopher Jones, OB/GYN, and Lila Brooks Fritz, CNM, are excited to bring their expertise to the new location at 630 Locust Street in Carthage, Illinois. They are confident that the move will enhance the quality of care for patients and provide more comprehensive care as their practices are complementary to the other providers Dr. Gina Bell, OB/GYN, Women’s Health Specialist, and Katie Ruebush, PT, DPT, Pelvic Floor Specialist who are already at this location. This team will begin seeing patients in their new location on Monday, February 20, 2023. 

Krista Carle, DNP, APRN-FNP, and her dermatology team are also excited about their new location at the Memorial Medical Clinic Carthage in Carthage, Illinois. The move will provide patients with more convenient access to their healthcare needs with a variety of providers and specialties in one central location. This team will begin seeing patients in their new location on Monday, February 27, 2023. 

The move is part of a larger effort to improve healthcare in the Hancock County, Illinois region, and both teams are committed to providing the best possible care to their patients through more efficient and streamlined delivery of medical services. With the new locations, patients will have access to a broader range of services and will be able to receive the care they need in a convenient and comfortable setting.

To make an appointment with Dr. Christopher Jones, OB/GYN, or Lila Brooks Fritz, CNM, at 630 Locust Street, Carthage, Illinois, call (217-357-6560.

To make an appointment with Krista Carle, DNP, APRN-FNP at Memorial Medical Clinic Carthage, 1450 N. County Road 2050 Carthage, Illinois, call (217) 357-2173.

Hancock County farm Bureau  LIBBY POLLOCK with Memorial Hospital ASHLYN HOUSEWRIGHT HEALTH SCREENING EVENT MARCH 1ST

Deputy Republican Leader Norine Hammond (R-Macomb) issued the attached audio statement in response to Governor JB Pritzker’s State of the State/Budget Address delivered to a joint session of the Illinois General Assembly today.  Hammond said her biggest concern is new programs means more spending.

Deputy Republican Leader Norine Hammond (R-Macomb) issued the attached audio statement in response to Governor JB Pritzker’s State of the State/Budget Address delivered to a joint session of the Illinois General Assembly today.  Hammond said her biggest concern is new programs means more spending.

February 16th 2023

All Carl Sandburg campuses are closed today 

Dallas City -School is Closed due to weather and we will have an e-learning day

CARTHAGE PUBLIC LIBRARY AMY GE TORI BUCKERT- CONTACT AMY OR TORI TODAY TO FIND OUT HOW YOU CAN HELP THE LIBRARY BY STARRING IN PROMOTIONAL LIBRARY VIDEOS

LEGACY THEATER JOY SWEARINGEN - .A CONVERSATION ENCOMPASSING THE ENTIRE CONCERT LINEUP COMING TO THE LEGACY THEATER THIS SEASON

Pi Day Pie Sale

Orders for fruit pies are now being accepted for the Friends of the Carthage Public Library Pi Day Pie Sale Fundraiser.  Pies must be pre-ordered and paid for by March 1.  Orders may be placed at the library through a member of the Friends.  Choose apple, cherry, peach or berry.  The 9” pies cost $20 each.  Pies can be picked up at the Library on Pi Day, March 14, during the library’s regular hours, 9:30 am – 7:00 pm.  All money raised will go to the Library’s Capital Campaign for the new building.  For more information contact the Library, 217-357-3232, cartlib@mtcnow.net.

MACOMB and MONOPOLY INVENTOR LIZZIE MAGIE ON PBS’ AMERICAN EXPERIENCE

(Macomb, IL) – Ruthless: Monopoly’s Secret History will premiere nationally on PBS’ award winning American Experience  on Monday, February 20th from 8:00-9:00 PM CT. The word “Ruthless” in the title is in reference to the somewhat nefarious incidents involving the famous board game’s inventor Elizabeth “Lizzie” Magie, who was born here in Macomb. The documentary follows the game’s journey from its inception to becoming the most popular board game the in world. Both Lizzie and Macomb will be prominently featured. 

In early Spring of 2022 Unforgettable Forgottonia’s director Jock Hedblade was contacted by the program’s producers through the MACVB offices, in search of information about Lizzie Magie. That phone call led to follow up calls and Zoom meetings resulting in the Macomb office’s sharing of materials and consulting on the project. Hedblade said, “It’s a program of which Jan Armstrong and I are very proud to be a part.”

A PBS press release contained the following information about the program; “For generations, Monopoly has been America's favorite board game, a love letter to unbridled capitalism and - for better or worse - the impulses that make our free-market society tick. But behind the myth of the game's creation is an untold tale of theft, obsession and corporate double-dealing. Part detective story, part sharp social commentary and part pop-culture celebration, Ruthless: Monopoly's Secret History presents the fascinating true story of the game and those who created it.” 

Peoria’s PBS affiliate WTVP will air a story on Macomb’s connection to Lizzie Magie along with featuring Macomb’s collection of Magie’s original game and artifacts on the February 14, 5:30 PM episode of You Gotta See This!

Unforgettable Forgottonia and Macomb’s all new Ice House nightclub (formerly known as Change of Pace) will host a live viewing party of American Experience’s Ruthless: Monopoly’s Secret History, from 7-9pm Monday, February 20th, and is open to the public.

The program will be broadcast nationwide Monday, February 20th from 8:00-9:00 PM CT and can be seen regionally on WSIU affiliate WMEC-TV – Macomb (virtual channel 22 / UHF digital channel 36). Consult your local listing for the PBS affiliate in your area or stream at https://www.pbs.org/show/american-masters/.

MEMORIAL HOSPITAL RECEIVES 5 STAR RATING FOR THE THIRD CONSECUTIVE YEAR

Carthage, IL – Thursday, February 09, 2023 – Memorial Hospital in Carthage, Illinois, has again been recognized as a 5-star hospital for patient satisfaction by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for the third year in a row. 

This achievement was recently highlighted at the Custom Learning Systems (CLS) and ICAHN (Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network) Conferences. The ranking system ranks five stars at the top of the ranking, whereas one star is the lowest. This rating is based on the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) scores collected in 2021. Of the 3,478 hospitals rated, Memorial Hospital is one of only 263 hospitals to achieve a five-star patient experience rating. This equates to ranking in the top 8% of hospitals nationwide. 

Raigan Brown, Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) at Memorial Hospital, states, “Our team is committed to providing quality care. To be named a five-star hospital is a tremendous honor, but for our team to achieve this honor for three consecutive years is phenomenal! It also defines the passion and dedication that our team has when taking care of our patients. We will continue to strive for excellence in order to provide the best outcomes for all who walk through our doors.

HANCOCK COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT- MELITA FINNEY IT'S VERY IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER FOOD SAFETY THIS SUPER BOWL WEEKEND

THE IMPORTANCE OF BROADBAND IN HANCOCK COUNTY SURVEYS COMING OUT TO THE COMMUNITY TO MEASURE YOUR SERVICE NEEDS

THE LEGACY THEATHER- FREE SHOWCASE IS THIS SATURDAY NIGHT STARTING A 6 PM!

COMEDIAN T. HEBERLEIN -PERFORMING THIS SATURDAY NIGHT AT THE LEGACY THEATERS SHOWCASE

 A FREE EVENT  WITH ACTS AND INFORMATION ON UPCOMING SHOWS

MULTIPLE SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE FOR INCOME-ELIGIBLE STUDENTS

(Macomb, Illinois, February 6, 2023) – Being able to afford college is a distant dream for many. Western Illinois Regional Council (WIRC), a nonprofit, offers multiple scholarships to help students pay for college tuition and fees. As of February 3, WIRC has reopened their scholarship program and is accepting applications for a limited time. 

WIRC currently offers three scholarships that serve different populations. High school graduating seniors and college students of all ages are welcome to apply. The complete list of eligibility guidelines for each scholarship is listed at wirpc.org/scholarships/. The $2,000 Scholastic Scholarship and the $1,500 Trade School Scholarship are open to students whose permanent residence is in Hancock, Henderson, McDonough, Knox, or Warren counties in Illinois. The $5,000 Nathan Cobb Memorial Scholarship is open to McDonough County, Illinois, students who have lived in the county for at least one year. Each scholarship will be awarded to multiple students until grant funds are exhausted. 

The deadline to apply is Friday, March 31, 2023. 

WIRC officials say that students can apply for all three scholarships by filling out one short form on their website at wirpc.org/scholarships/. The WIRC Scholarship Committee will review the submitted applications and determine if each applicant is eligible for one or more scholarships. Finalists may be asked to provide additional documentation, such as proof of income.   

For assistance or to learn more information, contact Haley at WIRC by emailing Haley@wirpc.org or by calling the WIRC office at 309-837-2997 between 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. 

The Scholastic and Trade School scholarships are funded in part by the federal Community Services Block Grant, which is administered statewide by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. The Nathan Cobb Memorial Scholarship is funded by Janet and Lee Cobb in honor of their late son, Nathan. 

WIRC helps people and communities, and is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Their office is located at 133 West Jackson Street in Macomb, Illinois. For more information, find them on social media, visit their website at wirpc.org, or call 309-837-2997. 

TWO MEMORIAL HOSPITAL EMPLOYEES RECEIVE THE HIGHEST AWARD AT NATIONAL CONFERENCE

Carthage, IL – Monday, February 06, 2023 – Memorial Hospital is proud to announce two employees have been selected as Summit Award winners. The Summit Award is the highest award of excellence presented at the HealthCare Service Excellence Conference. This year's conference was held at Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando, Florida. The Summit Award is awarded to qualified, innovative, and progressive individuals, teams, and healthcare facilities who have made outstanding progress toward improving the patient experience and staff engagement. Individuals, teams, or organizations must be nominated to be eligible for a Summit Award. 

Ashlyn Housewright, Executive Director of Community Health and Wellness and Registered Dietitian, won the summit award for OASIS (Organizationally Advanced Service Improvement System) Super Coach. Ashlyn manages the work and responsibility of the OASIS teams throughout the Memorial Hospital organization. OASIS teams consist of leaders cross-departmental to carry out organization-wide best practice projects.  

Theresa Klossing, Release of Information in Medical Records, won the summit award for Service Excellence Ambassador. As a Service Excellence Ambassador, Theresa serves as a coach to the new Service Excellence Advisors. As a Service Excellence Ambassador, Theresa supports individuals on how to present the Service Excellence workshops to all employees in the Memorial Hospital and the Hancock County Senior and Childcare Services organization. These presentations educate all employees on how to maintain our 5-star rating in patient satisfaction.   

The 2022 Summit Awards are presented by Custom Learning Systems during the annual HealthCare Service Excellence Conference. The HealthCare Service Excellence Conference is dedicated to delivering evidence-based solutions to help hospitals and other healthcare facilities improve the overall patient experience. To learn more, visit www.customlearning.com. 

EPICUTIS NOW AVAILABLE AT MEMORIAL MEDICAL CLINIC LOCATED AT 630 LOCUST STREET

Carthage, IL – Monday, February 06, 2023 –Epicutis, a new luxury skincare line, is now available to purchase at Memorial Medical Clinic located at 630 Locust Street in Carthage, Illinois. Epicutis is clean, luxurious, and non-toxic, so it is the perfect addition to your daily routine for maximizing the result of cosmetic procedures. Epicutis is the first clinical skincare brand that combines the concepts of clean beauty, scientific expertise, and spa-level luxury. Products available to purchase are the lipid recovery masks and the luxury skincare set. These products have been mentioned in the press by Forbes, Beauty Matter, and many more. 

To learn more about these products, their ingredients, and how they can help improve the health of your skin, call Memorial Medical Clinic located at 630 Locust Street in Carthage, Illinois, at 217-357-6560.  

U of I Extension and JWCC Ag Center to Host Livestock Judging Clinic

Plans are underway for a livestock judging clinic for youth, to be held on Saturday, March 4, at the John Wood Community College Agricultural Education Center, 37803 IL-104, in Baylis, IL. Registration will begin at 9:00 am, with the clinic to be held from 9:30 am-12:00 pm.

The clinic, hosted by University of Illinois Extension in Adams, Brown, Hancock, Pike and Schuyler Counties, and the JWCC Ag Education Center, will be an entry level workshop that will teach the basics of livestock evaluation and offer youth the opportunity to develop and practice their judging skills. JWCC ag faculty and students will facilitate the clinic.

All interested youth ages 8-18 are invited to participate. 4-H/FFA membership is not required to attend. Cost is $5 per participant. Participants are asked to register by Friday, February 24 at                                     go.illinois.edu/marchjudgingclinic.   

For questions or more information, please contact Kristin Huls at khuls@illinois.edu or 217-357-2150.

University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in programming, call 217-357-2150. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time for meeting participant needs.

WIRC CELEBRATES 50 YEARS WITH NEW LOGO

(Macomb, Illinois, February 6, 2023) – This year, Western Illinois Regional Council (WIRC) is celebrating its 50th Anniversary. Formed in 1973, WIRC is based in Macomb, Illinois, but their services and programs help people in multiple western Illinois counties. As part of the year-long celebration of their golden anniversary, the Agency has updated their branding to accurately communicate their mission. 

The new WIRC logo clearly displays the team’s mission of helping people and communities, and symbolically shows the bridge connecting community development improvements and social service programs. The “huggy heart” graphic in the center is used by permission from the National Community Action Agency Partnership, of which WIRC is a member, and also represents the compassion of WIRC’s team members. 

The WIRC website will be updated to reflect the new branding and make it easier for the public to quickly find information about or apply for programs. This year, WIRC also plans to announce innovative services and exciting partnerships that they hope will make a positive impact in people’s lives. 

WIRC partners with people and communities to improve lives and neighborhoods. Their main office is located at 133 West Jackson Street in Macomb, Illinois. To apply for their programs, call WIRC at 309-837-2997. Information can also be found on their website at wirpc.org or by finding them on social media. WIRC is an equal opportunity provider and employer. 

Caption: WIRC is celebrating their 50th anniversary with an updated logo.  

COME OUT TO THE HCHD FAMILY FUN FAIR THIS SATURDAY FEBRUARY 4TH FROM 9AM TO 1PM AT THE U OF I EXT CENTER. FUN EVENTS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY IT'S FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

The Legacy Theater 2023 Showcase is Saturday, Feb. 11,2023 a FREE event 

The evening begings with social time  at 6 p.m. with complimentary appetizers, water There will be  cash bar serving wine and beer. 

6:30 p.m. the program begins.
The showcase is FREE to anyone in the region, and reservations are not required.
Featured live on stage during the evening will be Duke Oursler of Macomb, country
Americana singer/songwriter; T Heberlein of Quincy, stand-up comedian; and Liz Bentley of
Quincy, an up-and-coming country singer. These performers provide a forecast of the kinds of
shows that will be featured during the coming  2023 year at The Legacy Theater.

The Legacy Theater 2023 Showcase is Saturday, Feb. 11,2023 a FREE event 

The evening begings with social time  at 6 p.m. with complimentary appetizers, water There will be  cash bar serving wine and beer. 

6:30 p.m. the program begins.
The showcase is FREE to anyone in the region, and reservations are not required.
Featured live on stage during the evening will be Duke Oursler of Macomb, country
Americana singer/songwriter; T Heberlein of Quincy, stand-up comedian; and Liz Bentley of
Quincy, an up-and-coming country singer. These performers provide a forecast of the kinds of
shows that will be featured during the coming  2023 year at The Legacy Theater.

Sandburg Board Renews Contract for President Reilly

GALESBURG — The Carl Sandburg College Board of Trustees at its regular monthly meeting Thursday approved a four-year contract renewal for President Dr. Seamus Reilly.

The new contract goes into effect July 1 and ends June 30, 2027. This is the second contract extension issued to Reilly, who has served since 2018 as Sandburg’s seventh president. Reilly’s existing contract was set to expire in June 2024. The renewal is standard with the Board’s practices dating back to the tenure of the College’s fourth president, Donald Crist.

The Board also approved a voluntary supplemental retirement plan available to eligible employees. The plan is available to full-time and permanent part-time employees who will be at least 55 years old on or before June 30, have at least 15 years of service in the State Universities Retirement System, have spent at least two of those years at Sandburg and were employed as of Jan. 27.

Those choosing to participate in the plan will receive a benefit equal to their 2023 fiscal year base salary paid in four equal annual installments. Eligible employees have until March 31 to participate in the supplemental retirement plan. Participants will end their employment with the College on June 30.

Trustees on Thursday also passed a continuation of the College’s strategic plan for 2019-24. The plan outlines goals and strategies in areas of student access and success; teaching and learning; community collaboration; sustainability and excellence; and a culture of continuous learning and development.

In other business, the Board approved the following:

• Employment of Sarah Morrison as Upward Bound Math-Science Project advisor, effective Feb. 1.
• Employment of Anthony Payne as public safety officer, effective Feb. 1.
• Appointment of Beth Kunkle as director of accounting services/comptroller, effective Feb. 1.
• Resignation of Brittany Grimes as executive director of marketing and public relations, effective Jan. 20.
• Resignation of Ariel Byerly as Upward Bound Project advisor, effective Jan. 15.
• Employment termination of Jake Monzo as grounds assistant, effective Jan. 13.

The Board’s next scheduled meeting is 7 p.m. Feb. 23 on the Main Campus in Galesburg.