Editorials

This Saturday night, you have an opportunity to strike a blow against cancer.
By participating in the local Relay for Life – either in events leading up to it or on the night of the relay – you can help raise funds to fight cancer right here in Fayette County.

It’s the time of year when “Pomp & Circumstance” can be heard wafting from high school gymnasiums across the country.
Proud parents and family members gather to celebrate the milestones being completed by their graduates, and the schools pass out awards to note those graduates’ accomplishments.
On many fronts, it’s a fun time. Families are gathered. Compliments are shared. Futures are contemplated. And friendships are affirmed.

Though the goal of raising money to purchase digital mammography equipment at times seemed distant and nearly insurmountable, the persistence demonstrated by staff and supporters of Fayette County Hospital has paid off. An announcement this week confirmed that the hospital has been awarded a $356,470 grant to fully fund the project – and more.
In addition to the digital mammography equipment, the grant from the Illinois Department of Public Health also will allow the hospital to purchase a C-arm X-ray machine to replace the current 20-year-old unit at FCH.

With the school year winding down, this is an activity-packed time of year.
Graduation plans are being made, band and chorus concerts are scheduled, spring sports are moving toward the culmination of their season and proms are being held at schools throughout the county.
It is the proms that give parents and school officials the most reason to worry.