The Fish Wrap

07/02/2025

07/01/2025

Bethany Police Warn Public; Card Skimmer Found at Casey’s General Store
The Bethany Police Department is warning residents after a credit card skimming device was discovered on a gas pump at the Casey’s General Store located in Bethany. The device was located during a routine inspection on June 30. An investigation is now underway.

Skimming devices are designed to capture card data from customers who use the pump to pay for fuel. We are working to determine how long the device was active and whether any customer information was compromised.

We want to alert our community to this potential threat and encourage everyone to take precautions when using card readers at fuel pumps. If you used your card at this Casey’s location recently, please monitor your bank accounts closely and report any suspicious activity.

Tips to Protect Yourself from Skimmers: Inspect the card reader: If it appears loose, misaligned, or different from other pumps, do not use it. Choose well-lit pumps close to the storefront, which are more visible to staff and less likely to be tampered with. Use credit cards or contactless payment instead of debit cards when possible. Monitor bank and credit card statements for unauthorized charges. Report suspicious findings to store staff or local law enforcement immediately.

Anyone who believes they may have been affected or has information about this case is urged to contact the Bethany Police Department.

Send a message to learn more

07/01/2025

Discover reliable health insights in the ‘Summer Self-Care’ series
By Cheri Burcham, Extension Educator, University of Illinois Extension

Technology has improved access to health information, but the spread of misinformation online poses serious risks. To address this, researchers, educators, and communities must work together to ensure people get accurate, evidence-based guidance.
The University of Illinois, along with the Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Institute, and in collaboration with Illinois Extension, has developed the Summer Self-Care 2025 webinar series. This series is part of the Community Seminar Series, and it provides an opportunity for the community to learn about current health research, find reliable sources of health information, and engage in direct dialogue with U of I researchers.
"Our team is excited to kick off another round of the Community Seminar Series, where we share timely, health-related topics with Illinois residents in an accessible and engaging format," says Dee Walls, outreach associate at Illinois Extension. "This summer, we are looking forward to offering a session in Spanish, an important step toward expanding our reach and inclusivity. We invite everyone to register and explore the diverse topics we have planned." All sessions are presented from 12:00 p.m. to 1 p.m., and topics include:
Water Wins: Choosing Healthier Drinks for Toddlers to Teens; July 9th, Discover what’s really in children’s drinks and explore simple ways to make every sip healthier.
Nurtured in Nature: Restoring Wellness for Collective Climate Resilience; July 16th, Explore how nature and culture unite to heal communities and build climate resilience.
Easy Steps to Benefiting from Everyday Mindful Forest Bathing; July 23rd, Discover simple ways to relax, recharge, and reconnect through mindful moments in nature.
The Empowered Woman: Research-Based Exercise and Nutrition Approaches to Longevity for Thriving in Midlife and Beyond, July 30th, Embrace midlife with strength and explore science-backed ways to move, nourish, and thrive.
The webinars are free, but you must register at https://go.illinois.edu/CSS-Summer2025. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate, contact Dee Walls at [email protected]. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet access needs.

Send a message to learn more

07/01/2025

Illinois Arts Council Announces Fiscal Year 2026 Creative Projects Grant Guidelines and Application
The Illinois Arts Council (IAC) is pleased to announce the release of the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Creative Projects Grant (CPG) guidelines and application. The goal of CPG is to provide up to $12,000 to support art projects for Illinois artists, eligible not- for-profit organizations, municipal entities, or colleges and universities. CPG projects must culminate with a public release or presentation of the work accomplished during the grant period.

“Illinois is already known across the globe as a hub of art and creativity, from our world-class museums and galleries to our many renowned artists and artistic organizations,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “The Creative Projects Grant is an opportunity to further develop that creative ecosystem, support talented artists of all backgrounds, and enrich communities across the state. I want to encourage all eligible individuals and organizations to apply to make their artistic vision a reality.”

“This grant represents a significant evolution in IAC’s commitment to fostering creativity and community engagement. By offering funding for innovative projects and professional development, we are investing in the creative economy of our state,” said Nora Daley, IAC’s Board Chair. “Empowering artists and arts organizations is essential for cultivating a vibrant cultural identity in Illinois.”

"By streamlining our grant offerings, we aim to empower a wider array of creative projects while providing a granting program that is more accessible and responsive to the needs of artists and organizations,” said Joshua Davis-Ruperto, IAC’s Executive Director. “This grant provides the resources artists need to bring their visions to life.”

CPG is an open deadline grant program. Applications will be accepted until allotted funds have been expended. Each IAC region has its own allocation of funds. Funds will be expended at varying rates and regions will close to new applications at different times. Please check the IAC website before applying to see if funds are available for your region. Applications must be submitted to the IAC’s Salesforce grant portal a minimum of 8-weeks prior to the start date for the arts project being submitted for IAC funding.

In FY26 CPG replaces the Creative Catalyst Grant and absorbs the Folk Arts Mentorship grant program. Ethnic, Folk, or Traditional artists interested in mentorship or project funding are encouraged to apply through CPG.

A pre-recorded webinar is available on IAC’s website. The IAC will also host a series of “Drop-In'' sessions to answer any questions you may have. Drop-in sessions are one-hour sessions that have no agenda. Participants may ask questions of the participating Program Staff and get answers in real time. Drop-ins do not require pre- registration. Simply click the link at the time of the meeting to join the call via WebEx. Visit the Creative Projects Grants webpage for details.

For more information, please contact your Regional Program Director.

Send a message to learn more

06/30/2025

Vacation Bible School
This year, Sullivan's First United Methodist Church will be holding their Vacation Bible School July 17th through 18th, at 216 W. Jackson St, Sullivan. Pre-registration by July 1st is required.
This will be a fun-filled adventure on the open road, with the Navigator and an adventurous puppet, Scout, kids will learn that God is always with them. They will experience not only fun but also an opportunity to strengthen their faith and bond with others in their community. With engaging activities, interactive games, and meaningful lessons, children will have a blast while they grow in their understanding of God's love and promises for everyone. An optional meal will be provided for any VBS attendee at 5:00 p.m. Open to children in preschool (potty trained) - entering 4th grade. Green Light: “The LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9).
On Sunday, July 20th at 10:00 a.m., there will be a Church Celebration, providing a peek into what the children experienced all week. Attendees are invited to stay for a family fun celebration afterward.
For more information, call (217) 728-4436 or visit our page online.

Send a message to learn more

06/10/2025

05/30/2025

Illinois EPA Announces $5 Million Funding Opportunity through the Illinois Overflow and Sewer Grant
Funding for Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Management Projects

SPRINGFIELD —Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) Acting Director James Jennings today announced a funding opportunity through the new Overflow and Sewer Grant (OSG) program. The OSG program was created to assist local governments with infrastructure needs to address combined sewer overflows (CSO), sanitary sewer overflows (SSO), and stormwater management to improve water quality and protect local water resources. A Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) has been posted Illinois EPA website.

“Many communities are challenged by frequent sanitary or combined sewer overflows, which can cause property damage and negatively impact area water resources,” said Acting Director Jennings. “This new funding opportunity provides a financial resource for communities working to address the root cause of flooding experienced during heavy rainfall events.”

Higher priority will be given to projects that reduce the occurrence and severity of CSO and SSO events within eligible municipalities and increased compliance with NPDES permits and relevant control plans for CSOs and SSOs. The OSG Program may provide up to 80 percent of approved project costs. The remainder is the responsibility of the Grantee and constitutes the match. Per program guidelines, rural communities (population of 10,000 or less) and/or financially distressed communities (population of 30,000 or less and has a median household income (MHI) of 70 percent or less than Illinois’ statewide average) are not required to provide match for the program.

The OSG Program does not have a set maximum or minimum total project cost. Proposals received by the 15th of each month will be reviewed and scored. Applications meeting all eligibility criteria will be reviewed based on the date the application was submitted Grants will be awarded until all funds are expended or until January 1, 2027, whichever comes first.

Applicants may not apply for a grant until they are pre-qualified through the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) Grantee Portal.

Send a message to learn more

05/30/2025

IDOA NOW ACCEPTING SPECIALTY CROP BLOCK GRANT PROPOSALS
Illinois encourages applications that benefit smaller farmers and ranchers, new and beginning farmers and ranchers, underserved producers, veteran producers and underserved communities.

SPRINGFIELD, IL – In an effort to expand the availability of fresh, locally-grown produce and strengthen the competitiveness of the state’s specialty crop industry, the Illinois Department of Agriculture
(IDOA) plans to distribute more than $679,000 over a three-year period thanks to funding allocated in the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant program.

An application for grant funding is available on the Illinois Department of Agriculture website and must be returned to the Department by 11:59 p.m. on June 23, 2025. To be eligible for funding, all projects must begin in calendar year 2026.

Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations, local and government entities, trade and commodity associations, public and private colleges/universities. Illinois encourages applications that benefit smaller farms and ranches, new and beginning farmers and ranchers, underserved producers, veteran producers and underserved communities.

“Illinois’ specialty crop industry is robust, providing diverse opportunities statewide,” said Jerry Costello II, Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture. “Specialty Crop Block Grant funds bolster research at our world-class universities and support non-profits’ efforts to provide hands-on agriculture experience for students in Illinois.”

To encourage further expansion of this industry, and to take full advantage of the allocated federal funds, the Department invites the development of projects pertaining to the following issues affecting the specialty crop industry:
Enhancing food safety.
Improving the capacity of all entities in the specialty crop distribution chain to comply with the requirements of the Food Safety Modernization Act, for example, by developing “Good Agricultural Practices,” “Good Handling Practices,” “Good Manufacturing Practices,” and in cost-share arrangements for funding audits of such systems for small farmers, packers and processors.
Investing in specialty crop research, including research to focus on conservation and environmental outcomes.
Supporting the growth of organic specialty crops.
Developing new and improved seed varieties and specialty crops.
Improving pest and disease control.
Increasing child and adult nutrition knowledge and consumption of specialty crops.
Improving efficiency and reducing costs of distribution systems.

Projects that benefit a particular commercial product or provide a profit to a single organization, institution, or individual are ineligible. Farmers’ markets, roadside stands and community-sponsored agriculture programs should consider submitting proposals to the USDA’s Farmers’ Market and Local Food Promotion Program.

USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service defines specialty crops as “fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits and horticulture and nursery crops (including floriculture).” There are more than 3,200 producers devoting more than 83,000 acres of Illinois farmland to specialty crops production, creating nearly $500 million in annual sales for Illinois farmers. Nationally, Illinois ranks first for its pumpkin and horseradish production and ranks in the top ten for the production of asparagus, cauliflower, fresh-cut herbs, peas, mustard greens and lima beans.

Additional information about the program can be found online at the Department’s website and/or by contacting [email protected]. Again, applications must be submitted to the Department no later than 11:59 p.m., June 23, 2025.

Send a message to learn more