Scholarships Available from Menard Electric Cooperative
Menard Electric Cooperative is offering three 2024 Scholarships: $2,000 to a 4-year college/university, $1,500 to a 2-year/community college, and $1,500 to a vocational/technical program.
Kaitlyn Copley
Community Calendar
The Cass County Courthouse will be closed Monday, January 15 in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
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A-C Central Community Unit School District No.262 will hold its regular Board of Education meeting at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 17, 2024 in the Board Conference Room, 501 W. Buchanan Street in Ashland.
Bread of Love Menu – January 15-19
Monday - Holiday. Tuesday - Roast turkey with gravy, hashbrown casserole, California blend vegetables, mixed fruit, bread, milk. Wednesday - Egg salad on wheat bread, chicken noodle soup, coleslaw, apricots, saltine crackers, milk.
Bits & Pieces – From games to homemade cinnamon rolls
The holidays are over and the New Year has arrived. School is back in session and most of us have settled down into a routine again.
My daughter, Tarra, and her son, Mason, came for a few days visit on Dec. 27th. We always have a good time and they usually bring a few games. One of the games we played was Clue, a game I had never played in my life. So, of course, it’s always fun to try to teach the old lady who has to play 100 times before she finally gets it. Obviously, we didn’t play 100 times because I only won one and I think that was by accident. On the other hand, Tarra won most of them with Mason winning a few.
Good Growing – In a stressful season, seek nature
According to songwriters and composers Edward Pola and George Wyle, this is the most wonderful time of the year, but research indicates it may be that and more. According to the American Psychological Association, two in five adults experience an increase in stress levels between November and January. A nearly equal number of adults say that the increased stress affects their ability to enjoy holiday celebrations and gatherings.
Focus on Faith – Reflections and directions for 2024
Isaiah 43:18-19 - “Do not remember the past events; pay no attention to things of old. Look, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.”
The world that we live in is ever-changing. Some of the challenges we are facing include climate change, wars and military conflicts, global health issues, and poverty to name a few. Each of us face our own personal challenges in life, both individually and as families.
Virginia Council holds brief meeting
Virginia City Council met Monday night and held a very brief meeting.
The 2nd reading of a proposal to impose a franchise fee for Casscomm unanimously failed.
Also, a 60-month lease agreement with Watts Copy was approved for a Sharp copier.
Pl. Plains set annual Soup & Chili supper
Pleasant Plains Masonic Lodge #700 A.F. & A.M. is continuing its annual February tradition of holding a Soup and Chili Supper on Friday, Feb. 2nd.
This fundraising event will be at the Pleasant Plains Community Building and serving from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The all-you-can-eat Soup and Chili Supper menu will be vegetable soup or chili, hot dogs, dessert, and coffee, tea or milk. Carry-outs will be available.
New Year, New Laws: SOS Initiated Laws Take Effect
Several new laws initiated by Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias take effect January 1. The initiatives were passed in 2023 by the Illinois General Assembly before being signed into law.
“I wish all Illinoisans a safe, healthy and happy New Year. The laws going into effect today will make our roads safer, increase voter access and protect our libraries and librarians,” Giannoulias said. “But this is just the beginning. My office has big plans for 2024 as we continue to strive to deliver the best possible results for all Illinoisans.”
State Farm ranks Illinois as #2 in nation for 2023 frozen pipe claims
With bitterly and dangerous cold temperatures beginning this weekend and extending into next week, now is the time to think about reducing the risk of frozen pipes. During extreme cold temperatures, there are a variety of simple things homeowners can do to keep their homes safe, including protecting pipes from freezing.