(Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)
Photo of the Day - October 1, 2020
IDPH releases safe trick-or-treating guidance
If you are going door-to-door or staying home to pass out treats to ghouls and goblins in your neighborhood three weeks from now, here is what IDPH wants you and the good people of Illinois to consider.
Neighborhood trick-or-treating
1. "As an alternative to door-to-door trick-or-treating, anyone who would like to distribute treats should leave individually wrapped candy or treats on a table, on their front walkways, sidewalks, or any outdoor space that allows for at least 6 feet of social distance from the door,” IDPH says. “The individually wrapped candy should be spread out so each piece is not touching another. Anyone distributing candy or treats should wash their hands properly for at least 20 seconds before placing the candy on the table and when replenishing."
2. "All individuals participating in trick-or-treating, including those passing out candy should maintain social distance of least 6 feet and wear proper face coverings. A costume mask, such as those worn for Halloween, is not a substitute for a face covering. If face coverings are worn under costume masks, please ensure this does not create breathing problems, and if so, discard the costume mask."
3. "Only household members should trick-or-treat together, and they should maintain 6-feet social distance from other trick-or-treaters at all times. Mixed household trick-or-treaters are discouraged."
4. "Alcohol-based hand sanitizer should be carried and used frequently."
5. "Candy collected during trick-or-treating should not be consumed until after handwashing. As always, a parent/guardian should check all candy to make sure it is wrapped and should discard unwrapped candy. And, of course, practice good dental hygiene as well."
6. "Outdoor areas are preferred for trick-or-treating. Enclosed indoor areas, like apartment buildings, present greater risk of transmission. Open doors and windows as appropriate to promote increased ventilation."
Alternatives to trick-or-treating
"Trunk or treat events are considered a higher risk activity and are discouraged, An alternative activity involves trick-or-treating in a large parking lot or other outdoor setting with adherence to social distancing. Tables are pre-set up with participants allowed to parade with a parent/guardian while maintaining at least 6-feet social distancing and wearing proper face coverings at all times. A limited number of people should staff the event, keeping tables replenished and monitoring social distancing. Proper handwashing should be performed before candy is consumed."
- "Recruit a set number of table sponsors."
- "Create a timed entry schedule to figure out what the attendance limit will be."
- "Create a map of where tables will be with plenty of space between."
- "Advertise with information about reserved time slots, social distancing and mask wearing."
- "Package candies or favors in treat bags for easy distribution."
- "Create signage to direct the flow of foot traffic."
- "Draw markers on the ground to indicate 6 feet for social distancing."
Other Halloween activities and events
— Haunted houses, forests or walks: "Halloween haunted houses are currently not allowed in Restore Illinois Phase 4 Guidelines. Instead consider open-air, one-way haunted forests or haunted walks where social distancing of 6 feet or greater and appropriate masking is enforced. If screaming is anticipated, even greater social distancing is advised to lower the risk of spreading respiratory viruses."
— Pumpkin patches, orchard visits and hayrides: "Visitors to these locations should use hand sanitizer before handling the produce. Cloth face coverings and social distancing should be enforced. Hayrides should not exceed 50% capacity with parties spaced at least six feet apart. Best practice is for hayrides to be limited to members of the same household. Participants should wear a mask to keep your nose and mouth covered at all times when around people who don’t live in your household."
— Fall festival events: "Avoid attending fall festivals outside your community if you live in an area with community spread of COVID-19."
"We have a nation of people quick to give you the middle finger"
By Glenn Mollette, Guest Commentator
September 29, 2020, was just another bad day in 2020.
We thought that with Covid-19, unemployment, and riots in the streets of America's cities it could not get worse. It did.
Joe Biden, Donald Trump and Chris Wallace gave us a "show?" we will never forget.
Our leaders used to make us proud. We grew up wanting to emulate people in high places who inspired us with their remarkable lives. We watched how they conducted themselves, communicated and chose their words wisely with dignity, diplomacy and grace. This doesn't happen anymore in America.
Tuesday's debate was just another plummeting example of how badly and poorly people can act in America. Biden and Trump are supposed to be our two best men running for the highest office in America. Chis Wallace works for one of the biggest networks in the world. Instead we saw a production of America's scariest video, Heehaw gone crazy or bigtime wrestling Covid-19 style.
We've been on this track now for too long. The debates have gotten worse and worse. They have been more and more out of control. They have turned into 90 minutes of rudeness, name calling, hollering and mud throwing. Our children are watching and learning.
Where did we lose civility in our nation?
Did we ever have it? Is this just the way America has always been at heart and now we feel free to be who we really are? Rude, crude and ignorant?
The Beverly Hillbillies had far more class than we saw Tuesday night. They may have been uncouth and backward but they didn't treat people badly.
We've become scary in how we talk to and treat others in this country, starting with our national leadership and media. We have a nation of people who are quick to give you the middle finger on the highway, honk their horns at you on the road until you get out of their way and knock you down on the sidewalk rather than scoot over and give you some space to walk by.
Today, in America, we are name callers. We feel entitled to everything everyone else has without working for it. We expect to be treated with respect and dignity while we act like buffoons. Words and phrases such as "please, thank you, excuse me, may I, yes ma'am and yes sir," have been tossed out of too many windows. Therefore, we are now reaping what we sowed.
People feel like they have the right to treat others badly because of color or background, while others feel entitled to destroy and burn down our cities from Baltimore to Portland. We have a nation of people who believe they can do anything they want regardless of how others might be affected. This is one reason we can't defund the police. However, some of the procedures of the police must be revamped.
Be warned another debate is coming soon. Candidates should be allowed one- and two-minute response times to questions and to respond to statements. At these one and two-minute intervals the microphone should automatically be silenced so the next candidate can fairly respond with the same time limits. There has to be a fair civil way to conduct and present a Presidential debate. We need to see and hear one.
We are desperate to get this nation back together, one people, under God, united, with liberty and justice for all. We have to see some of this in this next debate and it has to come from the moderator, President Trump and former Vice President Biden.
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September 29, 2020, was just another bad day in 2020.
We thought that with Covid-19, unemployment, and riots in the streets of America's cities it could not get worse. It did.
Joe Biden, Donald Trump and Chris Wallace gave us a "show?" we will never forget.
Our leaders used to make us proud. We grew up wanting to emulate people in high places who inspired us with their remarkable lives. We watched how they conducted themselves, communicated and chose their words wisely with dignity, diplomacy and grace. This doesn't happen anymore in America.
Tuesday's debate was just another plummeting example of how badly and poorly people can act in America. Biden and Trump are supposed to be our two best men running for the highest office in America. Chis Wallace works for one of the biggest networks in the world. Instead we saw a production of America's scariest video, Heehaw gone crazy or bigtime wrestling Covid-19 style.
We've been on this track now for too long. The debates have gotten worse and worse. They have been more and more out of control. They have turned into 90 minutes of rudeness, name calling, hollering and mud throwing. Our children are watching and learning.
Where did we lose civility in our nation?
Did we ever have it? Is this just the way America has always been at heart and now we feel free to be who we really are? Rude, crude and ignorant?
The Beverly Hillbillies had far more class than we saw Tuesday night. They may have been uncouth and backward but they didn't treat people badly.
We've become scary in how we talk to and treat others in this country, starting with our national leadership and media. We have a nation of people who are quick to give you the middle finger on the highway, honk their horns at you on the road until you get out of their way and knock you down on the sidewalk rather than scoot over and give you some space to walk by.
Today, in America, we are name callers. We feel entitled to everything everyone else has without working for it. We expect to be treated with respect and dignity while we act like buffoons. Words and phrases such as "please, thank you, excuse me, may I, yes ma'am and yes sir," have been tossed out of too many windows. Therefore, we are now reaping what we sowed.
People feel like they have the right to treat others badly because of color or background, while others feel entitled to destroy and burn down our cities from Baltimore to Portland. We have a nation of people who believe they can do anything they want regardless of how others might be affected. This is one reason we can't defund the police. However, some of the procedures of the police must be revamped.
Be warned another debate is coming soon. Candidates should be allowed one- and two-minute response times to questions and to respond to statements. At these one and two-minute intervals the microphone should automatically be silenced so the next candidate can fairly respond with the same time limits. There has to be a fair civil way to conduct and present a Presidential debate. We need to see and hear one.
We are desperate to get this nation back together, one people, under God, united, with liberty and justice for all. We have to see some of this in this next debate and it has to come from the moderator, President Trump and former Vice President Biden.
Dr. Glenn Mollette is a syndicated American columnist and author of American Issues, Every American Has An Opinion and ten other books. He is read in all 50 states. The views expressed are those of the author and are not necessarily representative of any other group or organization.
This article is the sole opinions of the author and does not necessarily reflect the views of PhotoNews Media. We welcome comments and views from our readers.
Photo of the Day - September 30, 2020
Heartbreak after halftime
(Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)
Photo of the Day - September 29, 2020
Spartans open season with a victory
St. Joseph-Ogden's Logan Carr looks for a way past LeRoy's offensive line for tackle on August 26, 2011. The Spartans defeated the visiting Panthers 28-7 in their home opener Friday night. SJO went on to qualify for the IHSA postseason and finish the season with a 6-4 record with Carr under head coach Dick Duval.
Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks
Photo of the Day - September 28, 2020
Eisenmenger, Day run strong at PBL Invite
Unity's Sisay Eisenmenger runs along side teammate Savannah Day at the 2014 PBL Invite. Day clocked in at 20:29 in 7th place on the course at Paxton-Buckley-Loda High School while Eisenmenger finished in 8th place overall with a time of 20:44. The Rockets finished in second in the overall team standings on September 13, 2014.
Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks
Transitions: Larry Wagner, of Ogden, called home
Larry Wagner, 81, of Ogden passed away at 8:44 P.M. He was called home on Monday September 21, 2020 at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.
The son of Ralph and Evelyn (Johnson) Wagner. Larry was born October 7, 1938 in Danville, Illinois, and had one sibling, his brother Charles (Janet) Wagner of Lake Worth, FL
He married Sherry Wait on September 22, 1968 in Monticello. She survives.
He is also survived by his children; Jonathan (Jennifer) Wagner of Tuscola, Aaron (Cindy Stanton) Wagner of Rantoul, Sara (Richard) Atwood of Collinsville, IL, Amy Wagner of Knoxville, TN. Two grandchildren Xander and Lexi Atwood.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
A model Railroad enthusiast, Larry worked at Horizon Hobby until 2008. He enjoyed watching trains.
He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and served his country abroad tour stationing in England.
Graveside services was held at 10:00 A.M. Saturday September 26, 2020 at Stearns Cemetery, Fithian.
Memorials may be made to Disabled American Veterans.
I'm all for having medical insurance for everyone
By Glenn Mollette, Guest Commentator
Give all Americans the option to buy into Medicare.
I've paid into Social Security and Medicare my entire life. I'm still paying to be on Plan B and Supplemental Coverage. I also pay for prescription insurance. I often feel like a coffee coupon from McDonald's would pay for about as much medicine as my prescription card pays.
I no longer pay over $1600 a month in medical insurance but I still pay about $450 a month even with Medicare. Nothing is free.
Americans should have the option to buy into Medicare especially if medical insurance will not cover them and they can't afford the sky rocketing premiums. It's also time to get rid of medical supplements and prescription cards. Make Medicare a single payer of the doctor's visits, prescription costs and all the above.
The government has more power to control the cost of big pharmacies and hospital costs. Most medical providers have "one price" but then the "price" they will accept from Medicare. Under President Trump Hospitals will have to display their secret negotiated rates to patients starting in January, 2021. This gives you the option to shop around.
I'm all for having medical insurance available. Make it available from state to state. Make it easy for Americans to buy from pharmacies in Canada. Let senior Americans at age 55 buy 20-year term medical insurance plans if they would prefer to do so. Some Americans have no idea how desperate other Americans are when it comes to medical treatment.
Why make it so hard for Americans who do not have access to healthcare? Let them buy into Medicare. If they are unemployed or disabled then give them the Medicaid option. However, this is just more bureaucracy. This system needs to become one.
It's also time to make 60 the age that retired Americans go on Medicare.
In your late fifties and early sixties Americans have to start going to the doctor more. A friend of mine is waiting until she turns 65 and has Medicare so she can have a badly needed surgery. She needs it now. If she could buy into Medicare she could go ahead and move forward with her needed surgery.
We also need to turn the age back to 65 for collecting full Social Security benefits. American men die by the time they are 76.1 years old. Many die much younger. This is very little time to enjoy retirement. Sadly, many Americans aren't having much of a retirement in their golden years. Many are working longer and spending less time doing what they had hoped to do.
The government waste our Social Security contributions. They've spent trillions on foreign wars. They now tell us Social Security has be reduced by 25% in a few years. Rich political leaders want to push the age until 70 for you to collect your Social Security. This is not working for the American people. We are working longer with the prospects of collecting less. On top of this, older Americans are having to pay more of their dwindling retirement dollars for medical bills.
Bringing our troops home and spending less money in Iraq, Afghanistan and on rebuilding foreign nations is a start. We can and we must fix our medical insurance dilemma.
-----------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------
Give all Americans the option to buy into Medicare.
I've paid into Social Security and Medicare my entire life. I'm still paying to be on Plan B and Supplemental Coverage. I also pay for prescription insurance. I often feel like a coffee coupon from McDonald's would pay for about as much medicine as my prescription card pays.
I no longer pay over $1600 a month in medical insurance but I still pay about $450 a month even with Medicare. Nothing is free.
Americans should have the option to buy into Medicare especially if medical insurance will not cover them and they can't afford the sky rocketing premiums. It's also time to get rid of medical supplements and prescription cards. Make Medicare a single payer of the doctor's visits, prescription costs and all the above.
The government has more power to control the cost of big pharmacies and hospital costs. Most medical providers have "one price" but then the "price" they will accept from Medicare. Under President Trump Hospitals will have to display their secret negotiated rates to patients starting in January, 2021. This gives you the option to shop around.
I'm all for having medical insurance available. Make it available from state to state. Make it easy for Americans to buy from pharmacies in Canada. Let senior Americans at age 55 buy 20-year term medical insurance plans if they would prefer to do so. Some Americans have no idea how desperate other Americans are when it comes to medical treatment.
Why make it so hard for Americans who do not have access to healthcare? Let them buy into Medicare. If they are unemployed or disabled then give them the Medicaid option. However, this is just more bureaucracy. This system needs to become one.
It's also time to make 60 the age that retired Americans go on Medicare.
In your late fifties and early sixties Americans have to start going to the doctor more. A friend of mine is waiting until she turns 65 and has Medicare so she can have a badly needed surgery. She needs it now. If she could buy into Medicare she could go ahead and move forward with her needed surgery.
We also need to turn the age back to 65 for collecting full Social Security benefits. American men die by the time they are 76.1 years old. Many die much younger. This is very little time to enjoy retirement. Sadly, many Americans aren't having much of a retirement in their golden years. Many are working longer and spending less time doing what they had hoped to do.
The government waste our Social Security contributions. They've spent trillions on foreign wars. They now tell us Social Security has be reduced by 25% in a few years. Rich political leaders want to push the age until 70 for you to collect your Social Security. This is not working for the American people. We are working longer with the prospects of collecting less. On top of this, older Americans are having to pay more of their dwindling retirement dollars for medical bills.
Bringing our troops home and spending less money in Iraq, Afghanistan and on rebuilding foreign nations is a start. We can and we must fix our medical insurance dilemma.
Dr. Glenn Mollette is a syndicated American columnist and author of American Issues, Every American Has An Opinion and ten other books. He is read in all 50 states. The views expressed are those of the author and are not necessarily representative of any other group or organization.
This article is the sole opinions of the author and does not necessarily reflect the views of PhotoNews Media. We welcome comments and views from our readers.
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