MEMORIAL HOSPITAL IN CARTHAGE, ILLINOIS, HONORED AS THE 2023
OUTSTANDING RURAL HEALTH ORGANIZATION BY THE NATIONAL RURAL
HEALTH ASSOCIATION (NRHA) PUBLIC INVITED TO CELEBRATION

– Memorial Hospital in Carthage, Illinois, has been recognized by the
National Rural Health Association (NHRA) as the 2023 Outstanding Rural Health Organization.The prestigious award honors the hospital's exceptional dedication to ensuring access to patient care and providing quality services to its community.
Memorial Hospital invites the public to the campus at 1454 N. County Road 2050 on Tuesday, May 9, from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM to celebrate this momentous occasion. A short program that will include community and regional leaders' proclamations will begin at 5:15 PM, followed by appetizers and a meet and greet with the new Memorial Hospital chef. Additionally, a sneak peek viewing of the acceptance video that will be shown at the NRHA award ceremony will be playing in the Health & Wellness conference room.
Memorial Hospital opened in 1950 and has been serving the community for over 70 years; it has a long history of providing quality healthcare services to the west central Illinois region. Under the hospital leadership of CEO Ada Bair, Memorial has continuously expanded its medical specialties, technology, and facilities, earning multiple years of five-star ratings in patient satisfaction and placing Memorial at the top hospital percentage nationally. "We are honored to receive this award from the National Rural Health Association," said Memorial Hospital CEO, Ada Bair. "Our team at Memorial is committed to providing the highest level of care to our patients and ensuring that our community has access to quality healthcare services. This recognition is a testament to our entire team's hard work and dedication. We will continue striving to meet our community's healthcare needs and provide exceptional care to our patients."
Memorial Hospital is a shining star representing what is best in rural hospitals. Its caring culture, progressive leadership, engaged board, dedicated employees, and involved community have worked together to keep the community strong and healthy.
The NHRA is a national organization dedicated to improving the health and well-being of rural Americans through advocacy, education, and outreach. The NHRA's Outstanding Rural Health Organization award recognizes hospitals and healthcare organizations that have made significant contributions to improving the health and well-being of rural communities across the country.

Rep. Norine Hammond - You may soon be able to pick up your prescription without a licensed pharmacy member on duty

Have you ever gone to your pharmacy to pick up a prescription only to be told you can’t pick it up because a licensed pharmacy staff member is not on duty?  A current rule in Illinois law has left many people “out in the cold” when it comes to picking up their medicine from their local pharmacy.

Under current state law, licensed pharmacy staff must be present when customers pay for and receive their prescriptions, which means that when the pharmacist goes home for the night, is eating lunch, or even away to the bathroom, customers can’t pick up their medicine – even though it has already been dispensed, filled, packaged, and labeled with the customer’s name on it.

That will all change under legislation sponsored in the Illinois House by House Republican Deputy Leader Norine Hammond (R-Macomb) which was given committee approval Wednesday morning.  Senate Bill 1889 will allow cash register clerks and other store employees to go ahead and process the sale, even though the licensed staff is not present.

HANCOCK COUNTY HEALTH DEPTARTMENT JESSICA CROY   - LEAD BASED PAINT AND WELL WATER 

HANCOCK COUNTY CEO  TRADE SHOW IS MAY 3RD!    CHRISTINE MURPHY  HIGHLIGHTS THIS YEARS BUSINESSES WITH STILL TALKING

ADA BAIR JOINS STILL TALKING ABOUT THE LEGACY THEATER UPCOMING SHOWS! 

WCAZ PLANTER MUSIC SERIES 2023 DUKE OURSLER AND THE AMERICAN DREAM AND BLANE HOWARD  JULY 21ST AT THE HANCOCK COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS

Arkansas native Blane Howard is putting his own personal stamp on the Nashville music industry.  The
singer-songwriter released his latest single, “Boot ‘N’ Rally,” written with Keesy Timmer (“Yeah,
Boy”), on Feb. 2 nd  and a full-length album, Looking For Nothing To Do, followed on Feb. 25 th , debuting at
#27 on iTunes.  “Obviously the title of the song has multiple meanings, including the act of throwing up
after you’ve had too much to drink, but the song reflects much more than that," commented Howard.
 "The song really is an anthem for those that have been knocked down but keep getting back up. No
matter what life throws at you, whether hard times, injuries, or maybe a bad breakup, you have to keep
moving forward and fight through it. There’s always light at the end of the tunnel.  The whole album
itself can be thrown into that category as well. I started working on this project pre-pandemic, and it
took a long time to finish after suffering multiple delays due to the pandemic, but now it’s finally ready
and I can’t wait for my fans to
hear it."
As an independent artist fighting against a couple of tedious years of Covid, Howard has continued to
grow his fan base having consecutively doubled his Spotify numbers the last three years. In 2021, he
accumulated over 1.2 million listeners, along with 6.2 million streams.
The single and album follow on the heels of two earlier releases, “All Those Empties,” a great summer
tune written with Rick Huckaby (“Beer With Jesus,” “Muddy Water”), and “Rock On Her Window”, co-
written with Huckaby and Doug Johnson (“Three Wooden Crosses,” “Love Like Crazy”), which made a
splash last spring debuting at #5 on the CMT 12 Pack Countdown show. The music video, directed and
produced by Jenny Gill, once again made an impression on CMT with Howard being selected as their
Next Up Now artist for May 2021. The video also hit #1 on The Country Network in October.
Howard’s biggest success to date comes from a song he wrote as a wedding gift for his wife, Megan. Co-
written with ACM Award winner Jordan Reynolds (“Tequila,” “10,000 Hours”) and produced by
Grammy, ACM, and CMA nominated producer Brad Hill (Maren Morris’ Hero, Brothers Osborne),
“Promise To Love Her” has grown into a massive success, garnering more that 115 million streams
across all digital platforms, with the music video spending 17 consecutive weeks on CMT Music’s 12-
Pack Countdown, including a week at Number 1. Quite impressive for an independent artist!
Recognized for his resonating baritone vocals and his presence behind a microphone, Howard also
continues to hone his songwriting skills. He has collaborated with some exceptional writers; in addition
to Timmer, Huckaby, Johnson, and Reynolds, he also has written with hit songwriters Steve Dean
(“Watching You”), Jim Collins (“Big Green Tractor,” “The Good Stuff”), Graham Edwards (Avril Lavigne’s
“Complicated”) and others.
In late 2020 with the NFL playoffs approaching, Howard received a boost of recognition.  While his
touring was halted during the pandemic, Howard, a life-long die-hard Kansas City Chiefs fan, wrote a
new song, “Run It Back,” which became Chiefs Kingdom’s new anthem during their playoff run. The song
was played by radio stations all over the Kansas City Metro area and on surrounding mid-west stations. 
With another successful season expected for the Chiefs in 2021, Howard created a REMIX, “Take It Back”
which was just as successful as the original. “As the guy whose job it is to fire up the Chiefs crowd at
Arrowhead Stadium, ‘Run It Back’ from Blane Howard fires ME up!!  Fun song to celebrate the defending
Super Bowl Champs (and favorite to win it AGAIN!!!),” - Dale Carter, KFKF-FM PD/Morning Guy and
Stadium Voice of the Kansas City Chiefs. 
Since graduating from Belmont University, Howard has opened for numerous country icons including
Justin Moore, Blake Shelton, Josh Turner, Joe Nichols, Charlie Daniels, Lauren Alaina and Trace Atkins.

He and his band are also popular on the state fair and festival circuit, with multiple returns to the State
Fair of Texas, among others. 
Named the Arkansas CMA Male Vocalist of the Year in both 2018 and 2019, Howard embraces
his unique style of country, modern traditional, mixing the authenticity of the 90s with the
contemporary edge of today!  His relatable lyrics, powerful vocals, and entertaining shows are winning
him fans around the world.

MEMORIAL HOSPITAL FOUNDATION LAUNCHES TRAVEL AND DINING CLUBS

Memorial Hospital Foundation is excited to announce the launch of its Travel Club and Dining Club. These clubs will serve as community opportunities for all to socialize, network, and enjoy  a variety of unique experiences and events.
The MHF Travel Club, in partnership with Out the Door Travel with David and Leah Zanolla,
has already visited Chicago and has an upcoming trip to New York City planned for July. The foundation has worked closely with its partners to ensure these trips offer the best experiences at an affordable price. More trips are proposed, and information about them will be available as they approach.
In addition to the Travel Club, the foundation is excited to introduce the Dining Club. These
Dining Out events will be held regularly at various locations and restaurants in the area. The first event will take place on June 10th at Mid-Mile Barn in Nauvoo, IL, featuring dinner and a flower-arranging activity. Tickets for the event are $40, including dinner and a bouquet of
flowers.

Tickets are limited. To reserve a ticket, email Colleen Wildrick at cwildrick@mhtlc.org
or Greta Wetzel at gwetzel@mhtlc.org .
Executive Director of Memorial Hospital Foundation Greta Wetzel expresses her enthusiasm for the clubs: "It has been a tough few years, not only in healthcare but for all in our communities.
We are thrilled to be able to provide a platform in which all those in our local area are invited to relax and connect. We could all benefit from more fellowship and connection; our clubs seek to do just that. The clubs have received an excellent response, and we are excited to continue offering these experiences regularly." To stay updated on upcoming events or learn more about the clubs, please visit the Memorial Hospital Foundation Facebook page or send an inquiry via email.

Illinois House Republican lawmakers gathered at a capitol press conference Thursday morning to discuss a recent State report detailing massive program cost increases, potentially derailing the FY24 budget.

The major topic was the fact the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services expects costs for the state’s Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults program (which offers Medicaid-like services free of charge to undocumented immigrants) to rise $768 million next fiscal year.

Attached is audio with Deputy Republican Leader Norine Hammond (R-Macomb).

Hammond is co-sponsoring House Resolution 220 which urges a moratorium on the enrollment of new beneficiaries for Medicaid services under the program for undocumented immigrants and a moratorium on the expansion of Medicaid services and coverage for any new population of undocumented immigrants not already covered.  The resolution also urges the Auditor General to conduct a performance audit as soon as reasonably possible, and annually thereafter, to assess the Department of Healthcare and Family Services' administration of the program of Medicaid services and coverage provided to undocumented immigrants.

More Than 600 8th-Graders to Take Part in Welcome to the
Real World Event on April 28 at Carl Sandburg College

More than 600 area eighth-graders will embark on an immersive occupational journey during the Welcome to the Real World and Career Exploration event at 9 a.m. April 28 on Carl Sandburg College’s Main Campus in Galesburg.

The event, hosted by Sandburg in cooperation with the University of Illinois Extension and Regional Office of Education No. 33, will inspire students’ aspirations and prepare them for the challenges and opportunities of the future while introducing them to diverse career options.

The Welcome to the Real World portion of the event simulates the implications of career choices and financial decisions, empowering students with a better understanding of how their choices can impact their financial futures.

In the Career Exploration portion, students will hear from professionals in a wide variety of career clusters, allowing them to learn about necessary education and training, connect with these industry experts and gain invaluable insights into the paths they took to achieve success in their careers.

This partnership between Sandburg, the U of I Extension and ROE No. 33 underscores the commitment of these organizations to provide students with exceptional opportunities for growth and learning. More than 100 volunteers will be part of helping area students throughout this captivating career experience.

For more information, contact Tracy Engstrom, coordinator of career development at Sandburg, at 309.341.5246 or tengstrom@sandburg.edu or Shelby Carlson from the U of I Extension at srcarls2@illinois.edu.

Memorial Hospital Association is this year’s Outstanding Rural Health Organization 2023

NRHA is proud to announce the recipients of association’s 2023 Rural Health Awards, given each year to individuals and organizations who have dedicated their time and talents to improving the health and well-being of others.

The winners will be honored during NRHA’s 46th Annual Rural Health Conference May 15-19 in San Diego, Calif.

“We’re extremely proud of this year’s winners, particularly because of the additional challenges rural health professionals face as we transition to a post-pandemic environment,” says NRHA CEO Alan Morgan. “They have each made tremendous strides to advance rural health care, and we’re confident they will continue to help improve the lives of rural Americans.”

• Memorial Hospital Association is this year’s Outstanding Rural Health Organization.
• Serving Oregon and its Migrants by Offering Solutions, a program of Mid-Columbia Medical Center in The Dalles, Ore., has been named this year’s Outstanding Rural Health Program.
•  
• Bob Moser, MD, has been awarded the Louis Gorin Award for Outstanding Achievement in Rural Health Care.
•  
• Joel J. Johnson, MD, is NRHA’s Rural Health Practitioner of the Year.
•  
• Elizabeth Crouch, PhD, is NRHA’s Outstanding Researcher Award winner.
•  
• Diana C. Schow, PhD, is NRHA’s Outstanding Educator Award winner.
•  
• Zachary Strecker is this year’s NRHA/John Snow Inc. Student Leadership Award winner.
•  
• Jennifer Davis, MD, has earned the NRHA/John Snow Inc. Student Achievement Award.
•  
• Kevin Bennett, PhD, is NRHA’s Volunteer of the Year.
•  
• Brock Slabach is the recipient of this year’s President’s Award.

• 
  The Journal of Rural Health editorial board selected the 2023 Article of the Year among all JRH articles published online last year.

  The winner is an article titled “Higher hospitalization and mortality rates among SARS-CoV-2-infected persons in rural America” by Alfred Jerrod Anzalone, MS; Ronald Horswell, PhD; Brian M. Hendricks, PhD; San Chu, MS; William B. Hillegass, MD, PhD; William H. Beasley, PhD; Jeremy R. Harper, MS; Wesley Kimble, MS; Clifford J. Rosen, MD; Lucio Miele, MD, PhD; James C. McClay, MD, MS; Susan L. Santangelo, ScD; Sally L. Hodder, MD; and the National COVID Cohort Collaborative Consortium.

U OF I EXTENSION AMY LEFRINGHOUSE -4-H CLUB, TREE PLANTING, AND UPCOMING FAIR

LEGACY THEATER JOY SWEARINGEN-  UPCOMING PERFORMANCES AT THE LEGACY INCLUDING PUPPY PALS

BBB DON O'BRIEN-  FAKE INVOICE SCAMS FROM THE GEEK SQUAD, AMAZON, AND NETFLIX BE ON THE LOOKOUT

DEADLINE TO APPLY FOR ENERGY BILL ASSISTANCE IS MAY 31

– People who need help with paying their home energy bills may be able to get help
from a nonprofit program, but they have a limited time to apply. Western Illinois Regional Council (WIRC) is one of many
community action agencies around the United States that offers the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program
(LIHEAP) to income eligible households. WIRC officials say the deadline to apply is 4:00 p.m. on May 31, 2023, or until
funding is exhausted.
WIRC manages the energy assistance program in four Illinois counties: Hancock; Henderson; McDonough; and Warren.
The program can help eligible households with energy bill payments and/or reconnection of service after a
disconnection.
Households can apply for LIHEAP once per program season, which typically runs from October 1 to May 31 of each year.
If a household receives a disconnection notice after they have applied, they may be eligible for additional help with
reconnection assistance. Both homeowners and renters are eligible to apply as long as their income is within the
program’s guidelines.
LIHEAP is a social service grant program, which means that households who are awarded funds do not have to pay it
back. The award is given directly to the household’s utility company to be applied to the energy bill. The amount that
each household is awarded varies depending on their specific situation.
WIRC officials say they have already processed more than 2,000 applications, and want to help as many households as
possible before funding runs out.
“We have already processed a record-breaking number of LIHEAP applications this year,” said Jamie Roth, WIRC’s Public
Relations Manager. “Utility companies are now sending out disconnection notices for past-due winter bills. If you need
help, contact WIRC to schedule an appointment with us before our schedule fills up.”
To be considered for LIHEAP, a household’s total gross income must be at or below 200% of the federal poverty
guidelines. WIRC officials say the guidelines adapt slightly each program season, and they are currently set at these
limits within a 30-day period: $2,265 for a one-person household; $3,052 for a two-person household; $3,838 for a

three-person household; $4,625 for a four-person household; and $5,412 for a five-person household. To ask about
larger household income limits, visit wirpc.org/liheap/ or call WIRC at 309-837-2997.
LIHEAP is made possible thanks to state and federal funding from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic
Opportunity.
To apply for LIHEAP or learn more information, call WIRC at 309-837-2997, visit their website at wirpc.org/liheap/, or
message their Facebook page. WIRC offers both in-person and phone appointments.
WIRC is a nonprofit that helps people and communities in multiple western Illinois counties. Their main 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. The Agency is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

CURRENT AND UPCOMING EVENTS FOR THE HANCOCK COUNTY FARM BUREAU

ANDY BENINGO-  A BRIEF CHAT WITH ONE OF THE COMEDIANS PERFORMING THIS SATURDAY NIGHT AT THE LEGACY THEATRE AT 7PM

BILL BORANKAY -A BRIEF CHAT WITH ONE OF THE COMEDIANS PERFORMING THIS SATURDAY NIGHT AT THE LEGACY THEATRE AT 7PM

HANCOCK COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT- MELITA FINNEY-  COTTAGE FOOD AND TEMPORARY FOOD LICENSING FOR THE UPCOMING GOOD WEATHER FESTIVITIES

Update - Red Flag Warning 4/12 & 4/13

MTC COMMUNICATIONS RACHEL KERNS-UPDATE ON THE RECONNECT GRANT AND NEW BUILD AT LITTLE SWAN LAKE

LEGACY THEATER AMY GRAHAM -COMING THIS SATURDAY APRIL 15TH DRY BAR COMEDY WITH BILL BORONKAY AND ANDY BENINGO

CARTHAGE PUBLIC LIBRARY AMY GEE TORI BUCKERT - FUNDRAISING IS STILL ONGOING FOR THE NEW LIBRARY. ALL THE PROGRAMS GOING ON IN APRIL

2023 Sandburg Student Art Show Opening Reception April 14

GALESBURG — The annual Carl Sandburg College Student Art Show is on display in the Lonnie
Eugene Stewart Art Gallery through May 8, with an opening reception from 5:30-7:30 p.m. April
14 in the gallery on Sandburg’s Main Campus in Galesburg, 2400 Tom L. Wilson Blvd.
The show and reception are free and open to the public. An award will be given for Best of
Show in addition to six honorable mention awards and eight juror’s choice awards, courtesy of
Blick Art Materials.
The juror for this year’s Student Art Show is local textile artist Eboni Bellott, whose “Vivid
Interlacing” show was featured at Sandburg earlier this year. Originally from Schaumburg,
Bellott now lives in Macomb. She graduated from Eastern Illinois University in 2005 with a
concentration in textiles.
Established in 2006 and named for area artist Lonnie Eugene Stewart in 2015, the Lonnie
Eugene Stewart Art Gallery has hosted group faculty exhibits, juried student exhibits and the
works of area professional artists. For more information, contact art program coordinator Lisa
Walker at 309.341.5303 or  ldwalker@sandburg.edu .

Memorial Hospital Aetna Medicare Plan Update

Carthage, IL –– Memorial Hospital has recently made an important announcement
regarding the expansion of its healthcare coverage. Earlier this year, Memorial announced they
would be expanding plans to be accepted within the Aetna Network product offerings.
Currently, Memorial Hospital is in-network with State of Illinois employees for the Aetna
Medicare Advantage plan. However, starting April 15, Memorial will be included in the in-
network healthcare providers list for all other Aetna Medicare plans. For patients, this means
those with Aetna Medicare plans can now benefit from the high-quality services that Memorial
Hospital provides. Memorial is committed to offering all its patients a wide range of medical
care, ensuring they receive the best possible treatment.
For those who are interested in finding out more about the insurance plans accepted at Memorial
Hospital, they may visit the hospital’s website at https://www.mhtlc.org/patients-
visitors/insurance/. Memorial Hospital accepts various insurance plans, and patients can easily
check if their insurance plan is accepted by browsing the list.

Macomb Area Convention & Visitors Bureau’s
Unforgettable Forgottonia Selected to Receive
$40,000 Tourism Attractions and Festivals Grant

Macomb, IL — The Macomb Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (MACVB) today
announced that it has been selected to receive a $40,000 grant from the Tourism
Attractions and Festivals Grant Program from the Illinois Department of Commerce and
Economic Opportunity (DCEO) as part of a $22.5 million investment for nearly 90 local
tourism festivals and attractions across Illinois.
“MACVB is gratified to see the hard work being done to promote Unforgettable
Forgottonia and our Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area with this grant. The
stories being told are important and help to make Macomb an interesting and enjoyable
destination!” stated MACVB Board Chair Dave Dorsett
The $40k matching grant funding will be used to honor Monopoly game inventor
Elizabeth “Lizzie” Magie who was born in Macomb in 1866 and was a key feature of this
season’s American Experience: Ruthless: Monopoly’s Secret History on PBS. The initial
phase of the Unforgettable Forgottonia Monopoly Project will see the four corners of
Macomb’s Historic Downtown Square displayed with unique sculptures that reflect Ms.
Magie and her game. The large sculptures, to be created locally by Gabe Stevens of
Masterpiece Customs, will reflect the look and design of Monopoly’s silver game pieces
which include giant sized Spinning Dice, an Abraham Lincoln Stovepipe hat, Magie’s
Game Board and a life-sized sculpture of Lizzie Magie herself. It will also include the
ability to play the game via an app around Macomb’s Downtown Square which
remarkably resembles Lizzie’s original Monopoly game board plat.
The Macomb Unforgettable Forgottonia Monopoly Project’s committee members are
Allen Nemec, Laura Swanson, Emily Sutton, Jock Hedblade and Jan Armstrong. The
project is slated for a late Spring 2024 unveiling to coordinate with Lizzie Magie’s birth
date.

The $22.5 million in Illinois Tourism Attractions and Festivals grants provides funding
to localities, organizations, and businesses for a broad range of tourism-related
improvements, events and activities. This builds upon $10 million in funding through
the first round of the grant program in 2022 that was provided to 40 localities across the
state. Combined with Illinois' largest ever tourism campaign, ‘Middle of Everything,’
Illinois is prioritizing investing in its thriving tourism industry while driving millions of
visitors to choose Illinois for their next trip.
Macomb Mayor Mike Inman enthused, “We’re very proud our MACVB staff and
Monopoly team put together this award winning grant proposal and eagerly anticipate
the dedication of this wonderful project next Spring in downtown Macomb.”
MACVB Executive Director Jock Hedblade added, “We’re confident this one-of-a-kind
project will not only honor one of Macomb’s favorite daughters and pioneering
feminists, but serve as a driver for economic development by creating increased foot
traffic to our historic downtown Square as well as being a significant state tourist
attraction alongside our Looking For Lincoln Self-Guided Tour and Living Lincoln
Topiary Monument.”
Through the $22.5 million investment, $5 million was reserved for festivals, which serve
as economic drivers while bringing communities together, and $17.5 million will
support a broad range of other tourism-related projects such as attractions, museums,
live performance venues, and more. The Macomb Area Convention & Visitors Bureau’s
application was selected for an award through a competitive process, which required
demonstrating how the award would help businesses in the surrounding area, as well as
the project’s ability to attract visitors for overnight stays.

EMMETT HALL WITH KUNES  AUTO OF MACOMB  DISCUSSES HIS EXPANDED BUSINESS AVENUES AT THE CAR DEALERSHIP

Community Members Invited to an Open House at Memorial Hospital

FOCUS Fitness

Memorial Hospital FOCUS Fitness Gym is excited to announce an
upcoming open house on Thursday, April 27. This event is free and open to the public and will
take place from 4:30-6:30 pm.
Health screenings such as A1C and blood pressure checks will be available, as well as
educational booths and nutrition information. Those attending are welcome to ask questions
about their health and physical fitness and enjoy some light refreshments. Additionally, there
will be equipment demonstrations and a chance to win a free one-year membership.
Memorial Hospital FOCUS Fitness is located at 103 Randolph Street in Carthage, Illinois. If you
or someone you know would like more information on the open house or FOCUS Fitness, please
call 217-357-2739 or visit https://www.mhtlc.org/services/focus-fitness/.

Dry Bar Comedy with Bill Boronkay and Andy Beningo brings a new kind of entertainment to
the stage at 7 p.m. on April 15.

The Legacy Theater in Carthage has two very different shows planned for April, featuring
stand-up comedy and the sounds of Marvin Gaye and Motown.
Dry Bar Comedy with Bill Boronkay and Andy Beningo brings a new kind of entertainment to the stage at 7 p.m. on April 15.
Dry Bar Comedy is stand-up comedy with no coarse language and no bawdy jokes. It’s stand- up comedy everyone can enjoy. Often sports themed, Bill Boronkay currently hosts the nationally syndicated, “Cruise-In” on FOX Sports, Bally Sports, Rev’n and Fun Roads television networks. He’s the host and creator of the web series, “The Fired Sports Guy.”
Boronkay’s comedy has been heard on Sirius/XM, Bob & Tom, ESPN Radio and various radio stations across the country. In 2020, Dry Bar Comedy released Bill’s first stand up special, which is gaining views globally. Andy Beningo has been named "Best Comedian" by both the Detroit Metro Times and Detroit Hour magazine. He was named one of the 40 Best Up and Coming Comedians in the country and has been on AXS Gotham Comedy Live and CMT's Next Big Comic.

Coming to The Legacy Theater stage at 7 p.m, on April 29, is “Let’s Get It On: Jackie’s Boy
Celebrating Music of Marvin Gaye and Motown,” a tribute concert featuring the music of the late Marvin Gaye and other Motown artists.
The Grammy award winning hits of this era are performed by writer and song artist “Jackie’s Boy.” A winning songwriter in his own right, Jackie’s Boy has written, sung, and performed to countless audiences. His proven talents bring success and flair to every project he touches.
Tickets for these shows are available at The Legacy Theater box office from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. Stop in, call the office at 217-357-9479, or order on line. See the entire 2023 line-up at www.thelegacytheater.com.

NEW MEMBERSHIP YEAR STARTING SOON CONTACT SAM TODAY TO SEE HOW SHE CAN HELP GROW YOUR BUSINESS

MEMORIAL HOSPITAL OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST RECEIVES

STROKE CERTIFICATION

Carthage, IL – 4/4/2023 – Chevie Lay, Occupational Therapist at Memorial Hospital, recently
received her certification as a stroke rehabilitation specialist, making her an expert in the care
and rehabilitation of stroke patients.
Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability in the United States, and occupational therapy
plays a critical role in recovery. By earning this certification, Chevie has demonstrated her
commitment to providing her patients with the highest quality of care.
To complete her certification, Chevie was required to take ten hours of online coursework before
going to Dallas, Texas, for a three-day training. Chevie spent an intensive thirty hours between
online instruction, workshops, labs, and in-person training, followed by a three-hour exam before
becoming certified.
Chevie plans to use this certification for the acute and post-acute stroke population, both with
transitional care/swing bed patients and some chronic stroke patients living on the Hancock
Village campus.
Chevie mentioned how she has always had a special interest in stroke. While attending graduate
school at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, she was involved with helping develop a
student-run stroke clinic that provided free occupational therapy services to uninsured
individuals in the St. Louis area. “After coming to Memorial Hospital and seeing the effects of
COVID-19 and the inability to transfer stroke patients really pushed me to gain that knowledge
and experience by becoming a Certified Stoke Rehabilitation Specialist. By becoming a Certified
Stroke Rehabilitation Specialist, Memorial Hospital can grow and expand our transitional
care/swing-bed program by offering more specialized services locally”, Chevie said. Within the
region, Hannibal, Missouri, and Peoria, Illinois, are the closest facilities with a stroke
rehabilitation specialist.
Memorial Hospital is proud to have Chevie Lay on its team and looks forward to the impact she
will have on the lives of stroke patients.

44TH ANNUAL 2023 STRAWBERRY STRUT  CHAIRMAN STEVE EVANS   SET YOUR DATE JUNE 3RD REGISTER BY BY MAY 15TH TO MAKE SURE YOU GET YOUR T-SHIRT

AREA AGENCY ON AGING GAY DICKERSON  - MEDICAID WHEN AND WHERE YOU NEED TO REAPPLY FOR BENEFITS

MEMORIAL HOSPITAL FOUNDATION HOSTS BOOK FAIR

Carthage, IL – 4/4/2023 - Memorial Hospital Foundation is pleased to announce the upcoming
"Collective Goods" book and gift fair, formerly known as "Books are Fun". This event will take
place on Tuesday, April 11, 2023, from 7:30 am to 4:00 pm, in the front lobby and hallways of
Memorial Hospital at 1454 N. County Road 2050, Carthage, IL. We cordially invite the public to
join us for this exciting shopping opportunity.
All proceeds from the Book and Gift Fair will benefit the Memorial Hospital Foundation's
"Grow Our Own" Campaign, which aims to provide scholarships for Memorial Hospital and
Hancock Village employees pursuing further education in the healthcare field. The scholarships
will also serve as a means to recruit and retain healthcare resources in Hancock County.
For further information on this event or the Foundation's "Grow Our Own" Campaign, don't
hesitate to contact Greta Wetzel, Memorial Hospital Foundation Executive Director, at
gwetzel@mhtlc.org or 217-357-8502.

MEMORIAL HOSPITAL WELCOMES GEORGE BRUMMELL, PMHNP-BC

Carthage, IL – 4/3/2023 – Memorial Hospital is excited to announce George Brummell,
PMHNP-BC (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Board Certified), has joined the
Memorial Hospital team. George specializes in Mental Health and has started seeing patients at
the Memorial Medical Building at 1450 North County Road 2050, Carthage, Illinois.
George earned his Associate of Science in Nursing from John Wood Community College in
Quincy, Illinois, and his Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Blessing-Reimen College of
Nursing, also in Quincy, Illinois. He completed his Master of Science in Nursing and his
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner degree from the University of St. Francis in Joliet,
Illinois. George is board certified as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner for the
lifespan. George began his career as a Mental Health Registered Nurse in 2017 and has
continued to support and serve individuals throughout their lifespan with their mental health and
substance use needs.
George’s goal is to advocate for patients who struggle to feel heard, seen, or respected and to
manage their treatment with compassion, understanding, and attending to holistic care. He is
passionate about reaching patients in disadvantaged communities and believes in a treatment
team approach, utilizing medication and psychotherapy to drive efficacy and positive treatment
outcomes.
George is married to his wife Lindsay and has two children and a baby girl on the way that will
arrive in late May. His hobbies include hiking and hunting outdoors; he has also filmed hunts for
the outdoor industry for eight years. He also enjoys fitness and weight training.
To learn more about George Brummell, PMHNP-BC, or to schedule an appointment, call
Memorial Medical Clinic Carthage at (217) 357-6888 or visit mhtlc.org.

TIPS ON HOW TO HANDLE DOOR TO DOOR SALESPEOPLE GET INFORMATION ABOUT BUSINESS AND CONTACTS UP FRONT

KYLE SMITH, CARTER HITZ, AND AIDEN MOORE DISCUSS THE HANCOCK COUNTY CEO TRADE SHOW TUESDAY MAY 2ND  FROM 4-6 PM