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Area Police Officers Get Training on VR System at Carl Sandburg College

Area Police Officers Get Training on VR System at Carl Sandburg College

Knox County Sheriff’s Deputy Shawn Keith turned to his partner after they had just fired some rounds at a shooting range.

 

“Did you see the cartridge come out?” Keith asked. “It’s lying next to you there on the right.”

 

Except there was nothing but carpeted flooring in the area where Keith was pointing. What he was looking at came through a virtual reality headset as part of an Apex Officer Pro Training Simulator System. The state-of-the-art VR system is part of Carl Sandburg College’s criminal justice lab, where Keith and six other officers from three local law enforcement agencies recently received training on how to use it.

 

“It completely disengaged you from the room and turns you into something totally different,” Keith said, noting it was his first VR experience. “The cars, the license plates. Everything was very real.”

 

Keith said he felt so immersed in the space that he and his partner even stepped behind a virtual wall to talk to each other.

 

“We were like, ‘Why are we standing here?’” Keith said. “But it's that real. It's very, very cool.”

 

With the system, users can create fully customizable environments and scenarios that law enforcement officials may encounter. Officers can be placed into a host of locations such as city streets, alleyways, apartment complexes, night clubs, abandoned factories, suburban neighborhoods and more.

 

Subjects and witnesses of all shapes and sizes can be dropped into the situation, as can vehicles and other objects like weapons or bottles. Subjects can be made to be cooperative, under the influence or show signs of being mentally ill. Officers can be dispatched to calls ranging from a routine traffic stop to a domestic disturbance to a hostage situation. The possibilities are seemingly endless.

 

Users don a backpack, goggles, a headset and can carry a taser, pistol or rifle. Once dropped into the situation, they can get to work right away on honing their skills in scenarios they might encounter while on duty. Another person uses the system to operate how the subjects react and can communicate with the officers wearing the headset.

 

“Ultimately, it’s a big video game, except it's a virtual reality,” said Josh Kramer, an investigator with the Monmouth Police Department. “I didn't know what to expect. Obviously, I'd seen virtual reality training, I'd seen demos of it, but I’d never had it hands-on. Pretty much what you're going to encounter in the street is what you're going to encounter in this machine.”

 

Although the system allows users to carry and use weapons, much of the training emphasizes the use of de-escalation tactics by officers and reducing the need for greater levels of force.

 

“The de-escalation is huge,” Keith said. “It's nice that you go into this and don't always have to use force. You can talk to people and switch everything up. I think it's going to be very good for our department. It’s going to benefit all of us, honestly, because you guys could be involved in a call that we got training on from here.”

 

The training session was led by Dr. Christopher Barber, coordinator of Sandburg’s criminal justice program. Officers who went through the training are now certified to train officers in their own departments on how to use the system.

 

Being able to share this equipment with area departments and officers was one of the goals for Barber when Sandburg acquired the Apex system last year through a $100,000 grant from the Illinois Community College Board. Barber welcomed each of the officers in attendance and their departments to come in and use the system at any time for additional training.

 

“It makes for a nice, close family unit. We all work together. We get officers out here and they get training,” Barber said. “They also get to see students, and students get to see them in training. It promotes nothing but positivity.”

Nationwide Wireless Emergency Alert Test Set for Oct. 4

Nationwide Wireless Emergency Alert Test Set for Oct. 4

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), will conduct a national test of the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) on Oct. 4, 2023*. This is inclusive of Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA), and a test alert will be sent to all wireless phones.

 

WCAZ wants to ensure that everyone is aware and knows that there is no imminent danger and no action needed.

 

Beginning at approximately 2:20 p.m. ET on Oct. 4, towers will broadcast the test for approximately 30 minutes.

 

The test message will state: "THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed."

There are four categories of alerts sent through WEA:

  • National Alerts are a special class of alerts only sent during a national emergency.
  • Imminent Threat Alerts include natural or human-made disasters, extreme weather, active shooters, and other threatening emergencies that are current or emerging.
  • Public Safety Alerts contain information about a threat that may not be imminent or after an imminent threat has occurred. 
  • AMBER Alerts are urgent bulletins issued in child-abduction cases. An AMBER Alert instantly enables the entire community to assist in the search for and safe recovery of the child.

 

This will be the third national test

Sandburg Hosting College Fairs Oct. 4 in Hamilton, Oct. 5 in Galesburg

Sandburg Hosting College Fairs Oct. 4 in Hamilton, Oct. 5 in Galesburg

Representatives from more than two dozen colleges and universities will be on hand for Carl Sandburg College’s upcoming college fairs in Galesburg and Hamilton.

 

The Hamilton college fair will be from 10-11:30 a.m. Oct. 4 at Hamilton Junior High School. The college fair in Galesburg will take place from 10-11:30 a.m. Oct. 5 in John Lewis Gymnasium on Sandburg’s Galesburg campus.

 

Both events are designed for those who are interested in attending college but have not decided on a school. Representatives from each institution in attendance will be available to answer questions about academic programs, requirements for admission, campus life, financial aid, scholarships and other information. Many will be accepting on-site admissions, so attendees are encouraged to bring a copy of their transcripts.

 

 

Representatives from the following institutions and organizations are scheduled to attend the fairs (subject to change):

 

·            Blackburn College (Galesburg only)

·            Black Hawk College (Galesburg only)

·            Carl Sandburg College

·            Conagra (Hamilton only)

·            Culver-Stockton College

·            Eureka College (Galesburg only)

·            Graham Hospital School of Nursing (Hamilton only)

·            Grand Canyon University (Galesburg only)

·            Greenville University

·            Illinois Student Assistance Commission (Galesburg only)

·            Illinois Wesleyan University (Galesburg only)

·            John Wood Community College (Hamilton only)

·            Knox College (Galesburg only)

·            Millikin University (Galesburg only)

·            Missouri State University (Galesburg only)

·            Monmouth College (Galesburg only)

·            Quincy University

·            Southeastern Community College

·            Southern Illinois University Carbondale (Galesburg only)

·            Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

·            Spoon River College

·            St. Ambrose University (Galesburg only)

·            University of Illinois Springfield

·            University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (Galesburg only)

·            Western Illinois University

·            Western Illinois University ROTC

 

For questions or more information about Sandburg’s college fairs, contact Megan Jones, coordinator of transfer and dual credit, at 309.341.5229 or mjones@sandburg.edu

Sandburg Hosting College Fairs Oct. 4 in Hamilton, Oct. 5 in Galesburg

Sandburg Hosting College Fairs Oct. 4 in Hamilton, Oct. 5 in Galesburg

Representatives from more than two dozen colleges and universities will be on hand for Carl Sandburg College’s upcoming college fairs in Galesburg and Hamilton.

 

The Hamilton college fair will be from 10-11:30 a.m. Oct. 4 at Hamilton Junior High School. The college fair in Galesburg will take place from 10-11:30 a.m. Oct. 5 in John Lewis Gymnasium on Sandburg’s Galesburg campus.

 

Both events are designed for those who are interested in attending college but have not decided on a school. Representatives from each institution in attendance will be available to answer questions about academic programs, requirements for admission, campus life, financial aid, scholarships and other information. Many will be accepting on-site admissions, so attendees are encouraged to bring a copy of their transcripts.

 

 

Representatives from the following institutions and organizations are scheduled to attend the fairs (subject to change):

 

·            Blackburn College (Galesburg only)

·            Black Hawk College (Galesburg only)

·            Carl Sandburg College

·            Conagra (Hamilton only)

·            Culver-Stockton College

·            Eureka College (Galesburg only)

·            Graham Hospital School of Nursing (Hamilton only)

·            Grand Canyon University (Galesburg only)

·            Greenville University

·            Illinois Student Assistance Commission (Galesburg only)

·            Illinois Wesleyan University (Galesburg only)

·            John Wood Community College (Hamilton only)

·            Knox College (Galesburg only)

·            Millikin University (Galesburg only)

·            Missouri State University (Galesburg only)

·            Monmouth College (Galesburg only)

·            Quincy University

·            Southeastern Community College

·            Southern Illinois University Carbondale (Galesburg only)

·            Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

·            Spoon River College

·            St. Ambrose University (Galesburg only)

·            University of Illinois Springfield

·            University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (Galesburg only)

·            Western Illinois University

·            Western Illinois University ROTC

 

For questions or more information about Sandburg’s college fairs, contact Megan Jones, coordinator of transfer and dual credit, at 309.341.5229 or mjones@sandburg.edu

 

West Hancock Volleyball vs Rushville September 28th 2023

 West Hancock Volleyball vs Rushville    September 28th 2023

West Hancock   Drops to Rushville      22-25, 25-20, 24-26

Kills

Jadyn Climer 9

Bre Peterson 8

Jordyn Climer 5

Mehra  Morrison 3

Kennedy Harl 2

 

Blocks

Bre Peterson 6

Kennedy Harl 2

Jadyn Climer 1

Aces

Abbie Morrison 3

Jadyn Clomer 1

 

Illini West vs. South Fulton Volleyball Scores and Stats September 29th 2023

Illini West vs. South Fulton Volleyball Scores and Stats September 29th 2023

 

Illini West defeats South Fulton on the road in 2: 25-5, 25-10

 

Leading stats for IW:

 

Kills- 

Josie Bryan with 13, Madalyn Boyer with 7, Reagan Reed with 6

Assists- 

Corin Robinson with 15, Josie Bryan with 6

Digs-

Kaelyn Ferrill with 8, Josie Bryan with 4

Service Points-

Josie Bryan with 13 and 8 aces, Kennedy Artman with 11 and 1 ace, Corin Robinson with 8 and 2 aces 

Blocks-

Madalyn Boyer with 1

Sen. Dianne Feinstein- the longest serving woman in the Senate, dies at age 90

Sen. Dianne Feinstein- the longest serving woman in the Senate, dies at age 90

 U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California, a centrist Democrat who was elected to the Senate in 1992 in the “Year of the Woman” and broke gender barriers throughout her long career in local and national politics, has died. 

Feinstein, the oldest member of the Senate, the longest-serving female senator and the longest-serving senator from California, announced in February that she planned to retire at the end of her term. She had faced calls for her resignation over concerns about her health.

A centrist Democrat, she was known for trying to find common ground with Republicans, sometimes drawing criticism from her party’s liberal members. She divided  from them on a number of issues, including opposing single-payer, government-run health care and the ambitious Green New Deal climate proposal, which she argued was politically and fiscally unfeasible.

The GROWMARK Foundation to Provide FFA Jackets to Illinois Members in Honor of Mike Builta

The GROWMARK Foundation to Provide FFA Jackets to Illinois Members in Honor of       Mike Builta

The GROWMARK Foundation is once again honoring the memory of a long-time employee, by providing jackets to FFA members in Illinois.

In April 2019, Mike Builta, a GROWMARK vice president, passed away unexpectedly. To honor his legacy, the GROWMARK Foundation has been awarding jackets to FFA members in Illinois each year.

100 jackets have already been provided over the last four years to FFA members, and the GROWMARK Foundation will again be awarding 25 jackets in 2023. FFA members are asked to answer the question “What does the FFA jacket mean to you?” and share the main goal they wish to accomplish as an FFA member.

The application is available here and is due October 8th at midnight.

Builta was raised on a family farm near Bellflower, Illinois. He was an active FFA member and lifelong supporter of agricultural education. He held GROWMARK System management roles at Christian County Farmers Supply Company in Taylorville, Illinois and GRAINCO FS in Ottawa, Illinois, before becoming GROWMARK vice president of Energy and Logistics in 2018.

The GROWMARK Foundation was formally incorporated in 2005 and supports 501(c)(3) not-for-profit charitable organizations. The Foundation is focused on programs and activities which support: the vitality of the industry of agriculture; agriculture education and consumer understanding of agriculture's contributions to society and the economy; agricultural leadership development; and education about the benefits of the cooperative way of doing business. The GROWMARK System has been involved in a variety of philanthropic efforts, including youth and young leader education and development and scholarships, for decades.

GROWMARK is an agricultural cooperative serving almost 400,000 customers across North America, providing agronomy, energy, facility engineering and construction, and logistics products and services, as well as grain marketing and risk management services. Headquartered in Bloomington, Illinois, GROWMARK owns the FS trademark, which is used by member cooperatives. More information is available at GROWMARK.com.

Tune in Friday September 29th at 11:30 am to hear the Carthage Blueboys Baseball Race to the State Championship! Keith Yex and Ann Thompson will be Bringing you the Action only on WCAZ!

Tune in Friday September 29th at 11:30 am to hear the Carthage Blueboys Baseball Race to the State Championship! Keith Yex and Ann Thompson will be Bringing you the Action only on WCAZ!

Thank you to our Sponsors that made this happen!!!

Wear Drug, Sullivan Auctioneers, LLC, Kris Dornbush - State Farm Insurance Agent, First Bankers Trust Company, NA, Bergman Farm Supply , Marine Bank & Trust, Rural Bliss

DQ- Carthage  and Will Sullivan Auction

WIRC RESUMES ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

WIRC RESUMES ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

A local nonprofit organization, Western Illinois Regional Council-
Community Action Agency (WIRC-CAA), is pleased to announce they will soon resume taking applications for  the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The federal program helps eligible households with paying their winter home energy bills, reconnecting their electrical and heating utilities, and/or with repairing or replacing their furnace. Awards are paid directly to the household’s utility company.
For many years, WIRC-CAA has managed LIHEAP in the western Illinois counties of Hancock, Henderson, McDonough, and Warren. Starting in October 2023, the Agency is now also managing applications for Knox
County. WIRC-CAA team members will be able to meet applicants at several pre-designated locations throughout their five-county service area, or process an application by phone if transportation is not possible.
In order to help the most vulnerable households first, LIHEAP applications will be scheduled on a staggered basis (also called priority periods). Starting on October 2, 2023, senior citizens ages 60+, disabled individuals, and families with children under the age of six years will be able to apply. On November 1, 2023, households that are disconnected, have a disconnection notice, or who have less than 25% fuel in their propane tank can
apply. Beginning on December 1, 2023, all other income-eligible households can apply for energy assistance.
Applications will continue to be scheduled until August 15, 2024, or when the program’s funding runs out for the program year.
An income-eligible household is a household whose total gross income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, which are as follows: One-person household: $2,430 per month; Two-person household: $3,287 per month; Three-person household: $4,143 per month; Four-person household: $5,000 per month; Five-person household: $5,857 per month. Households with six people or more should contact WIRC to ask if
their home is within the income guidelines.
The price of propane tends to go up during the winter months. Propane customers who belong to any of the priority groups are encouraged to apply as soon as they are able, so that their benefit award will go further. Households interested in applying should contact WIRC to check their eligibility and schedule an appointment with a case worker. Hancock, Henderson, McDonough, and Warren County residents can schedule an appointment by calling WIRC’s Macomb office at 309-837-2997. Knox County residents can call WIRC’s
Galesburg office at 309-837-5115. The business hours for both offices are 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday (excluding holidays). Appointments are typically scheduled a few weeks in advance, but it can be longer depending on how many people apply.
Funding for LIHEAP is provided by a grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.
WIRC-CAA is a nonprofit that helps people and communities in multiple western Illinois counties. The Agency has offices in Macomb and Galesburg. For more information, find them on social media, visit their website at wirpc.org, or call 309-837-2997. WIRC-CAA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Midwest troubadour Mark Dvorak to perform in Galesburg October 8

 The Carl Sandburg Historic Site, 313 East Third Street welcomes folk singer songwriter Mark Dvorak to the Songbag Concert Series on Sunday, October 8 at 2:00 pm.

 

“I’m thrilled to be back in Galesburg,” said the singer from his home outside Chicago. “Mr. Sandburg has been an inspiration and a source since I was first introduced to him in middle school, a long time ago.”

The Chicago Tribune has called Dvorak “masterful,” and the Fox Valley Folk Festival describes him as “a living archive of song and style.” Dvorak has won awards for journalism and children’s music, and was honored in 2013 with the FARM Lantern Bearer Award from Folk Alliance International. In 2008 he received the Woodstock Folk Festival Lifetime Achievement Award and in 2012 Rich Warren, long time host of The Midnight Special radio program named Dvorak “Chicago’s official troubadour.”

“At this stage of the game, I feel like I’m doing my best work,” said Dvorak who is busy at work on his 20th CD release Live & Alone, recorded in an empty concert hall during the height of the pandemic lock down. He is also planning to publish his fourth book of essays, 31 Winters, which reflects on his long journey through music and teaching.

For information phone 309.342.2361 or visit www.sandburg.org.

Learn more about Mark Dvorak at www.markdvorak.com.

 

Sandburg Foundation Exceeds $100K Goal for 100 Extraordinary Women Campaign to Support Nursing Student Success

Sandburg Foundation Exceeds $100K Goal for 100 Extraordinary Women Campaign to Support Nursing Student Success 

The Carl Sandburg College Foundation and Sandburg’s College of Nursing are thrilled to announce they have exceeded their goal in their 100 Extraordinary Women campaign. 

 

The campaign, which launched in March, sought to raise $100,000 through a minimum of 100 donations or pledges of $1,000. Through the generosity of alumni and community members, employees and current students, Sandburg has now reached 104% of that goal. Money raised through the campaign will go to support nursing student success. 

 

“The successful completion of the 100 Extraordinary Women campaign is a testament to the strong support in our community for our nursing graduates,” Sandburg President Dr. Seamus Reilly said. “This campaign celebrates current and former students in our nursing programs and provides funding for the next generation of nurses in our district. Carl Sandburg College is grateful to our donors for their incredible generosity.” 

 

A recognition event for participating donors will take place from 1:30-3 p.m. Sunday in the Student Center on Sandburg’s Galesburg campus. Additionally, the name of every donor or every woman honored as part of the 100 Extraordinary Women campaign will be permanently listed in the College of Nursing as part of Sandburg's new Science and Technology Center, which is scheduled to open for the 2024 fall semester. 

 

“We are so incredibly thankful to all of these donors for their commitment to Sandburg students and their appreciation for the roles nurses play in our lives,” said Dr. Emily Schaeffer, dean of nursing professions. “Campaigns like this are truly impactful. This will help students change their lives and their families’ lives, possibly for decades to come.” 

 

Proceeds from the campaign help remove educational barriers for students such as daycare costs and availability, reliable transportation and fuel prices. They also relieve the financial hardship related to the inability for students to work many hours during the program as well as the initial textbook costs and fees for stethoscopes, uniforms and clinical supplies. Commitments also assist with end-of-program costs such as board fees and fingerprinting. 

 

"The donations and support we’ve gained from nursing alumni, area citizens, district-wide leaders and Sandburg employees and trustees, coupled with increased funds from our Sandburg Foundation, has enabled us to allocate $30,000 per year over the next five years in nursing success grants,” said Eric Johnson, chief advancement officer for the Sandburg Foundation. “This will help impact nearly 75% of our nursing professions students. Prior to this initiative, the amounts awarded in the last five years ranged from $3,000-$9,770, assisting less than 25% of our nursing professions students.?Just since the start of the current semester, our Sandburg Foundation has already awarded $16,000 to 32 nursing professions students, in $500 awards through our nursing success grants." 

 

While the 100 Extraordinary Women campaign goal has been met, you can still join the initiative or give in honor of an extraordinary woman by visiting bit.ly/sandburg100. Donors can make their payment in one amount, donate annually or make bimonthly gifts. Individuals may also group together to share their pledge, and anyone may give in honor or in memory of a special woman.  

 

For questions, more information or to donate, contact Dr. Emily Schaeffer, dean of nursing professions, at eschaeffer@sandburg.edu or 309.341.5253 or Eric Johnson, chief advancement officer, at ebjohnson@sandburg.edu or 309.341.5349.  

 

Founded in 1969, Carl Sandburg College Foundation is an Illinois not-for-profit corporation organized exclusively for educational purposes to assist in developing and augmenting the college's facilities and carrying out the educational functions of Illinois Community College District 518. Contributions to the Foundation expand and enhance Sandburg's programs; support students through scholarships and crisis loans/grants; and provide for the capital needs of Carl Sandburg College.  

 

100 EXTRAORDINARY WOMEN CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTORS AND HONOREES 

·         Christine Ackman (honored by Carol Rogers) 

·         Mary and Bernie Andrews 

·         Azer Clinic 

·         Dr. Wil Azer 

·         Dianna and David Bainter 

·         Stacy Bainter 

·         Susan Buck 

·         Molly Buckley 

·         Linda Marie Butler (honored by Sharon Butler) 

·         Carl Sandburg College Associate Degree of Nursing Class of 2023-24 

·         Carl Sandburg College Associate Degree of Nursing Class of 2024-25 

·         Carl Sandburg College Practical Nursing Class of 2023 

·         Carl Sandburg College Women of Character (honored by Anthony Law) 

·         Florence "Brownie" Carlin honored by (Elizabeth Carlin Metz) 

·         Marjorie Cox (honored by Krista Winters) 

·         Janet Kay Day (honored by Tony Day and Kelly Judy) 

·         Lisa DeKezel 

·         Nana Djunga (honored by the Galesburg Community Foundation) 

·         Dr. G.W. Douglas (honored by Cora Lee Douglas) 

·         Hazel Williamson Dunphy (honored by Darin Dunphy) 

·         Nancy Eberhardt 

·         Brenda and Stephen Fineberg 

·         Ashley Conlon Fox (honored by Randy and Jeanne Conlon) 

·         Pansy Louis French (honored by Tammi Lewis) 

·         Galesburg Area Chamber of Commerce 

·         Pam Godsil 

·         Graham Health Systems 

·         LaDonna Green 

·         Jennifer Hamilton (honored by Naomi Law) 

·         Marge Hardine (honored by Marcia Bullis) 

·         Sophie Higarida Gonzalez (honored by Irene Ponce and Vicky Toland) 

·         Carrie and Matthew Hawkinson 

·         Jennifer and Mark Holmes 

·         Kang Hee Hong 

·         Tina Hope 

·         Jessica Houdyshell 

·         Sue Hulett 

·         Elvria Hunigan (honored by Semenya McCord) 

·         Terry Jackson 

·         Joyce Johnson (honored by Rev. Lee Johnson) 

·         Lydia Johnson (honored by Rev. Lee Johnson) 

·         Vivian Harris Keiser (honored by Gayle Keiser, Ph.D.) 

·         Jeannette and Mark Kleine 

·         Knox County Nursing Home 

·         Doris Kowalski (honored by Marcia Bullis) 

·         Georgia Wilcoxon Lane (honored by Laura Lane) 

·         Cecelia Landon (honored by Gerald Landon) 

·         Dylana Larson 

·         Edith and Bruce Lauerman 

·         Jan Lundeen 

·         Jan Lundeen (honored by Penny Gold) 

·         Rachel Martin 

·         Elizabeth Means 

·         Becky Marshall (honored by Ashley Myler) 

·         Jeannine McCullough 

·         Amy Medina (honored by Seminary Village)  

·         Tracey Moore-Baker and Mark Baker 

·         Janet Mottaz 

·         Susan Oremus 

·         Delores Perez (honored by Gayla Pacheco) 

·         Roberta Reeder (honored by Mary and Mike Panther) 

·         Gabrielle Raley-Karlin 

·         Dr. Seamus and Maeve Reilly 

·         Dr. Emily Schaeffer 

·         Faye Schulz 

·         Katie Stone (honored by Christina Stone) 

·         Jodi Sweeney 

·         Jan Taylor (honored by Carol Brown) 

·         Janice Taylor 

·         Josie Thomas 

·         Vicky Higareda Toland (honored by Vicky Toland) 

·         Karen Wadle (honored by Jodi and Tom Pospeschil) 

·         Naomi Wai (honored by Rev. Lee Johnson) 

·         Alicia Warren (honored by Rev. Lee Johnson) 

·         Debbie Welty (honored by Rev. Lee Johnson) 

·         Maxine Whitcomb (honored by P. Joan Larsen) 

·         Marianne Wiesen 

·         Ruth Benson Wood (honored by Susan and Stephen Bailey) 

·         Sandra and David Wood 

·         Sara Wood 

·         Kathy and Gene Woodward 

ALEX WOODS- A STUDENT FROM WARSAW, ILLINOIS WAS JUST NAMED A FINALIST IN THE CHEVRON TRACTOR RESTORATION!

ALEX WOODS- A STUDENT FROM WARSAW, ILLINOIS WAS JUST NAMED A FINALIST IN THE CHEVRON TRACTOR RESTORATION!

Finalists Announced for the Chevron Tractor Restoration Competition From 12 High Schools Across the United States

Chevron Products Company, a Chevron U.S.A. Inc. division, maker of the Delo???? brand of technologically advanced engine oils, lubricants and coolants, announced today that judges have selected a group of 12 finalists for this year’s 26th Annual Chevron Tractor Restoration Competition (TRC) out of a field of young vintage tractor restorers from high schools across the United States.

The Chevron Tractor Restoration Competition (TRC) is a STEM initiative designed to foster hands-on learning, critical thinking, and teamwork among high school students, while also celebrating the rich heritage of agricultural machinery.

 

This year’s class of finalists are as follows (in alphabetical order):

  1. Alex Woods, representing Warsaw FFA in Warsaw, Illinois: 1940 John Deere A
  2. Andrew Hanna, from Greenwich, Connecticut: 1942 Farmall M
  3. Braden Wheeler, from Templeton High School in Templeton, California: 1929 McCormick Deering 10-20
  4. Cade Clark, representing Frienship FFA in Lubbock, Texas: 1954 John Deere 70LP Standard
  5. Cooper Masten, representing Alvord FFA in Alvord, Texas: 1951 Case VAC-12
  6. Dubiski Career High School in Grand Prairie, Texas: 1959 John Deere 630 LP
  7. Ethan Lulich, from Lyndon Station, Wisconsin: 1964 Oliver 770 LP Orchard
  8. Jake Camacho, from Nipomo High School in Nipomo, California: 1947 John Deere Model B
  9. Noah Roberts, representing Dodgeland FFA in Juneau, Wisconsin: 1950 Farmall M
  10. Ruby Valley FFA Tractor Restoration Team, representing Ruby Valley FFA in Sheridan, Montana: 1945 Farmall M
  11. Tyler Billings, representing Floresville High School FFA in Floresville, Texas: 1966 John Deere 4020
  12. Ulises Garcia, from Paso Robles High School in San Miguel, California: 1949 Farmall H

 

“I am extremely proud to see these young adults take it upon themselves to put hundreds and even thousands of hours towards restoring this beautiful agricultural machinery,” said Rachel Whitlow-Pullem, Tradeshow Specialist, Chevron. “Every student, finalist or not, should consider themselves a winner for being able to overcome the obstacles in restoring these important pieces of American history.”

Finalist presentations will take place in person on November 2-3, 2023, in Indianapolis, co-located with the 2023 FFA National Expo, where the winner will be announced and more than $20,000 in prizes will be awarded.

To showcase finalist creativity ahead of the competition, the public can vote now with “Fan Favorite” voting: 

  • A maximum of three votes a day are allowed from each email address
  • The winner and runner up will be the individuals/teams which garner the most and second most votes
  • Voting closes on Friday, October 27, 2023

Vote here and see their progress: https://chevrontrcvoting.com/voting


GOLDEN BRIDGES T HEBERLEIN

GOLDEN BRIDGES T HEBERLEIN  FROM PACKING TO UNPACKING AND FINDING THE RIGHT MOVERS GOLDEN BRIDGES IS YOUR ONE STOP FOR ALL YOUR MOVING AND DECLUTTERING NEEDS

 

U OF I EXTENSION MADELYN DAVIS

U OF I EXTENSION MADELYN DAVIS

4-H IS LOOKING FOR NEW MEMBERS WITH A WIDE VARIETY OF PROGRAMS FOR ALL AND THE UPCOMING YOUTH CONVENTION

 

 

 

 

 

Carl Sandburg College Announces 2023 Summer Session Graduates

Carl Sandburg College has announced the names of students who have completed graduation requirements and graduated from the college at the end of the 2023 summer session.

ASSOCIATE DEGREES

ASSOCIATE IN ARTS

Aledo — Natalie Finch

Avon — Lucas Dugan

East Galesburg — Jillyen Kirgan

Galesburg — Deion Wright, Carly Smith, Natalee Townsend, Bethanie Ricketts, Kathryne Herslow, Josue Bashombe, Caden Allen, Thales Rodrigues, Theo Rodrigues, Kainan Woodruff, Chadrick Admire, Babra Jepkirui

Knoxville — Todd Gorman

Lamoni, Iowa — Neemias Moreira

Macomb — Caden Buchanan Newman, Kanin Leab

Monmouth — Kayla Pinedo, Ryan Stacker, John Cozadd

Nauvoo — Milo Koechle

Oquawka — Sophia Gugliotta

Pekin — Cooper Theleritis

Viola — Carter Demuth

 

ASSOCIATE IN GENERAL STUDIES

Denver, Colo. — Dana James

Dunlap — Kaili Meister

Farmington — Victoria Foley

Galesburg — Erica Crider, Casey Folger, Dashay Burnett, Austin Kidder, Samantha Cozad, Jennifer Felix, Brandon Bridwell

Gladstone — Jayde Henry

Monmouth — Cheyenne Brownlee, John Cozadd

Pekin — Cooper Theleritis

St. Augustine — Laney Tabb

 

ASSOCIATE IN SCIENCE

Galesburg — Carly Smith, Brock Karns, James Nelson, Natalie Courtney, Damon Reed

Monmouth — Steven Meza

 

ASSOCIATE IN APPLIED SCIENCE

Administrative Office Professional

Abingdon — Margaret Kidd

 

Information Technology & Cyber Security

Galesburg — Ryan Simpson

 

Medical Assistant

Dunlap — Emma Wolfe

 

Mortuary Science

Abingdon — Hallie Buttry

Blue Grass, Iowa — Hunter Vastine

Galesburg — Kelsi Legge

Hutchinson, Kan. — Sarah Peterson

Macomb — Ryan Thorman

Moline — Emily Joy

Peoria — Nicole Heald

Rushville — Jonah Phelps

 

Nursing

Alexis — Brandy Lowry

 

CERTIFICATES

Accounting

Roseville — Janelle Walker

 

Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management

Galesburg — Noah Olson

 

Medical Assisting

Chicago — Makita Ray

Cuba — Adrianna Kemp

Dunlap — Emma Wolfe

Galesburg — Michelle Mackey, Tabitha Johnson, Vanessa Hawkins, Jerome Mujanayi, Vermariz Montoya

 

Practical Nursing

Galesburg — Lawrence Wilborn, Karen Harlan

Joy — Thomas Loughead

Viola — Kelsey Weir

Sorensen to Release Plan to Cut Costs and Grow the Middle Class

On Wednesday, September 20, 2023, at 11:30 AM CT, Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) will host a virtual press conference to unveil his Plan to Cut Costs for Working Families, which includes his economic priorities to lower costs for families and grow the middle class in Central and Northwestern Illinois. 

 

 

Illini West Volleyball vs. Monmouth-Roseville Scores and Stats

Illini West Volleyball vs. Monmouth-Roseville Scores and Stats

Illini West falls to Monmouth-Roseville on the road in 2: 24-26, 21-25

 

Leading stats for IW:

 

Kills- 

Josie Bryan with 7, Reagan Reed with 6, Madalyn Boyer with 4

Assists- 

Josie Bryan with 7, Corin Robinson with 6

Digs-

Kaelyn Ferrill with 8, Reagan Reed and Madalyn Boyer with 7, Josie Bryan with 6

Service Points-

Reagan Reed with 9 and 3 aces, Kaelyn Ferrill with 4 and 1 ace

 

FEMA Public Assistance Now Available in 19 Illinois Counties including Hancock

FEMA Public Assistance Now Available in 19 Illinois Counties

On Sept. 15, FEMA approved Illinois’ request for 19 counties to receive Public Assistance following the severe storms and flooding event on June 29 – July 2, 2023.
With this addition, federal funding is now available to state, local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work, debris removal and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the disaster in Christian, Clark, Coles, Cumberland, DeWitt, Douglas, Edgar, Hancock, Macon,
McDonough, Monroe, Morgan, Moultrie, Pike, Sangamon, Scott, Vermil lion, Warren and Washington counties.


FEMA’s Public Assistance program includes recovery assistance for governments and certain private nonprofits after a disaster and does not include individuals and households. FEMA’s Individual Assistance program—or federal grant funding to assist individuals and households with their recovery after the June 29 – July 2, 2023, disaster—is currently available only in Cook County.


The next step in the public assistance process is a series of applicant briefings to identify and report damage to FEMA, so project worksheets can be prepared for eligible work. FEMA provides 75 percent of the project cost to the state with other non-federal sources covering the remainder. For more information about FEMA’s Public Assistance
program, visit Assistance for Governments and Private Non-Profits After a Disaster | FEMA.gov.
Additionally, all areas of the state are now eligible for hazard mitigation assistance.
For even more information about the disaster recovery operation in Illinois, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4728.

###

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability,
English proficiency, or economic status. Reasonable accommodations, including translation and American Sign
Language interpreters via Video Relay Service will be available to ensure effective communication with applicants
with limited English proficiency, disabilities, and access and functional needs. If you or someone you know has been
discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-3362 (including 711 or Video Relay).

Dallas String Quartet opens Civic Music season with Bridgerton-inspired show- 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 20, at Burlington Memorial Auditorium

To order season tickets or for more ticket information, call 319-752-0336 or email
BurlingtonCivicMusic@gmail.com.

Immerse yourself in the elaborate world of “Bridgerton” and
a romantic evening of today’s most popular love songs performed by the Dallas String Quartet, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 20, at Burlington Memorial Auditorium. 

The quartet’s fusion of contemporary classical and pop music is often referred to as “Bach meets Bon Jovi” and compared to artists like Lindsey Stirling, Vitamin String Quartet and 2Cellos.
They use both traditional and electric strings performing as a quartet with the full
accompaniment of drums and guitar. They’re known for their eclectic renditions of everything from Guns N’ Roses and Shawn Mendes to Camila Cabello and The Piano Guys.

The quartet has performed for presidents Obama and George W. Bush, with superstar artists like Ed Sheeran, Luke Combs and Ashley McBryde, at the College Football Playoffs, and for NBA and NFL organizations. Their cover of Katy Perry’s “Firework” was featured on American Idol, and brands like Cartier, Delta Air Lines and LinkedIn seek out this one-of-a-kind quartet. Even Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton requested them as entertainment for their July 2021 wedding.

To order season tickets or for more ticket information, call 319-752-0336 or email
BurlingtonCivicMusic@gmail.com.

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