Around The Burg

Weather

Friday: Cloudy. High 47. Low 27.

Saturday: Coudy. High 46. Low 34. 

Sunday: Partly cloudy. High 55. Low 29.

Mark Your Calendar

Saturday, March 22 Adult Skating Party, 8-11 p.m., Skate Palace, 1855 E. Knox St. $10. 

Abbe Lanes

The restaurant side of Abbe Lanes will close in May. 

Abingdon Polling Locations

The Knox County Clerk’s office has just announced they will be hosting an open house for the newly moved Precincts for Cedar Township on March 27, 2025 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Abingdon Community Center at 801 West Martin Street, Abingdon. “This open house will give the community members the opportunity to see the new polling location before Election Day and to get a feel for the setup of the site”, said Knox County Clerk and Recorder Scott Erickson. “This is a positive move for the community as the single polling location will make getting to the right polling location easier and more efficient. The voter experience will hopefully be much more convenient for these voters.” The polling locations at Abingdon City Hall, the old Abingdon Police station, and the Cedar Township Highway building will be the precincts that are moving to the new location. The polling location at Lake Bracken Clubhouse will remain the same.

The County Clerk’s office will be mailing out new voter id cards to voters affected by the consolidation. There will also be signage at the old polling locations directing persons to the new location.

For more details, please visit the County Clerk Polling Locations link on the County website at www.knoxclerk.org.

Bunker Links

The driving range opened on March 10 for the season. On March 11 the golf course, driving range, and putting green were open for walking traffic. 

Carl Sandburg College

Logan Sluder was named the Arrowhead Conference’s Co-Most Valuable Player, highlighting two Sandburg men’s basketball sophomores voted to the all-conference team. 

Sluder shared MVP honors with Black Hawk’s Stephen Reed, and Chargers sophomore Ethan Price joined Sluder as a first-team selection by the league’s coaches.

Sluder became the first Sandburg men’s basketball player to win Arrowhead MVP honors this century. The 5-foot-11 guard from Normal West High School led the league in scoring by nearly four points per game, averaging 19.3 points in six conference matchups.

Sluder also averaged 3.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.2 steals in league play while shooting 48 percent from the field, 37 percent from 3-point range and 96 percent (43 of 45) from the free-throw line.

Sluder scored at least 15 points in every conference game and had two outings of at least 20 points. He put up a season-high 29, including the game’s final nine points, in a 72-69 comeback win over Kishwaukee on Feb. 6.

Price, a 6-5 forward from Fulton, averaged 13.7 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.2 steals in Arrowhead action while shooting 52 percent from the floor. He reached double figures in five of the Chargers’ six conference games, including a 20-point outing in the Feb. 6 win against Kishwaukee. He nearly notched a double-double in Sandburg’s Jan. 16 victory over Illinois Valley, totaling 17 points and nine rebounds.

2025 ALL-ARROWHEAD CONFERENCE MEN’S BASKETBALL TEAMFirst teamCo-MVP — Logan Sluder (Sandburg)Co-MVP — Stephen Reed (Black Hawk)Lovre Stanovic (Black Hawk)Ethan Price (Sandburg)Roko Jurasovic (Illinois Valley)

Second teamBraxton Highbaugh (Kishwaukee)Qu’amar Hobbs (Illinois Valley)Roderick Watson (Illinois Valley)Keaudre Cooper (Kishwaukee)Dion Doyle (Black Hawk)

Coach of the YearKannon Burrage (Black Hawk)

F&M Bank

Thousands of shoppers worldwide pay for an Amazon Prime membership to access special deals and fast shipping. Cybercriminals know this and attempt to use this to their advantage. In this week’s scam, you receive an email alerting you that your Prime membership will soon expire. A link in the email directs you to a PDF file.

If you open the PDF file, you will be redirected to what looks like an Amazon login page. Even though the login page looks genuine, it’s actually fake and controlled by cybercriminals. If you enter your login information, the page asks for more sensitive data, such as your home address and credit card information. If you enter your personal information and credit card number, your Amazon Prime membership won’t be renewed. Instead, cybercriminals will have stolen your login and financial information!

Follow these tips to avoid falling victim to an Amazon Prime phishing scam:

• You should always be cautious when opening an attachment, especially if the email is unexpected.

• If you’re concerned that your Amazon Prime membership has expired, go directly to Amazon’s official website or mobile app to check its status.

• Be suspicious of emails that create a sense of urgency or request sensitive information. If you’re unsure an email is legitimate, contact Amazon directly through their official website or customer service number.

Galesburg Police Department

Please be aware of a recent scam that’s been circulating - unpaid toll text messages. Scammers are sending fake messages claiming you owe unpaid toll fees, and they’re pressuring you to click on a link to “settle” the payment.

What to watch out for:

1. Suspicious links - Never click on links from unknown numbers or unexpected texts. 

2. Urgency tactics - Scammers often create a sense of urgency (“pay now to avoid penalties!”).

3. Personal info requests - Legit toll agencies will NEVER ask you to share personal or financial info via text. 

If you receive one of these messages:

• Don’t click on any links.

• Don’t share your personal info. 

• Block the sender and report it to your local toll authority.

Stay safe and don’t fall for it! If in doubt, always verify directly through official channels.

Graham Medical

Graham Medical Group is excited to announce the addition of Sophia Omoro, MD, Ph.D a highly experienced Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist, to its medical team. Dr. Omoro will begin seeing patients at Graham Medical Group Center for Ambulatory Care at 2028 North Seminary in Galesburg starting April 7, 2025.

Dr. Omoro brings 20 years of experience in diagnosing and treating a wide range of ENT conditions, including but not limited to sinusitis, ear infections, allergies, voice disorders, and

sleep apnea. Dr. Omoro specializes in Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology and head and neck surgery.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Omoro to Graham,” said President & CEO, Bob Senneff, “Dr.

Omoro’s expertise and dedication to patient care make her an invaluable addition to our team.

We look forward to adding ENT services to all of Knox, Warren, and surrounding counties.”

Dr. Omoro is board-certified in Otolaryngology and completed her medical degree at Tulane

University School of Medicine in New Orleans. “For me, the medical profession is a calling. I was called, and I answered. It is the core of my purpose. It was very clear at a very young age that I had a gift for using my hands as well as knowledge. Otorhinolaryngology gives unique and

intricate nuances that continue to challenge my wisdom and knowledge. Additionally, I get to

serve patients of all age groups”, Sophia Omoro, MD, PhD.

For more information about Dr. Omoro’s services or to schedule an appointment, please contact Graham Medical Group Center for Ambulatory Care at (309) 570-1333.

All Graham Medical Group Physicians and Advanced Practice Providers are accepting new patients with same-day or next-day appointments available in most cases. Graham Hospital and

all providers accept all Illinois Medicaid, Medicare, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Aetna, and virtually

all other insurance plans.

For further information regarding Graham Health System and the services provided, please visit

our website at www.grahamhealthsystem.org.

Local Food Purchase Assistance Program

State Senator Mike Halpin is disheartened that the federal administration ended the Local Food Purchase Assistance Program and the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program – a major blow for both farmers and the people who depend on the programs.

“With this decision, the federal administration has shown total contempt and lack of empathy for our local farmers and our communities most vulnerable,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “Many Illinoisans depend on these programs to get fresh, healthy food and the federal administration is gleefully taking that food off folks’ dinner tables. The Illinois-EATS program allows us to connect disadvantaged farmers to people who desperately need access to healthy food. Slashing this program has brought uncertainty to folks who need as much stability in their lives as they can get.”

The pro-farmer grant cut by the federal administration was the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program. This grant program aimed to improve food processing, distribution and market opportunities for farmers, and Illinois has committed to using the funding for only socially disadvantaged farmers.

The Local Food Purchase Assistance Program — which is implemented in Illinois through the Illinois-EATS initiative – used federal dollars to purchase farm fresh produce from local farms, which was then distributed to food pantries and other providers at no cost. Since Illinois-EATS was implemented, over 170 disadvantaged farmers have delivered food to 883 locations around the State, including pantry networks in western Illinois.

“We are disappointed that we will not have the opportunity to participate in the IL – EATS program, as demand continues to grow, this was a unique pathway for us to access local food for our guests,” said Chris Ford, president and CEO of River Bend Food Bank. “The program provided us the opportunity to not only build relationships with local farmers but purchase their food at fair-market value and distribute it to our Hunger Relief partners throughout western Illinois.”

“We have already seen a very large increase in people needing food assistance, a cut to SNAP benefits means people will go hungry and children will not have access to regular meals if there are cuts,” said Nancy Mowen, executive director of Jamieson Community Center in Monmouth. “Missing one meal on a regular basis can negatively impact a person for their whole life.”

Halpin vows to stand on behalf of Illinois farmers and families this legislative session.

Orpheum Theatre

April 12th at 7:30 p.m., and sponsored by The City of Galesburg, ANIMANIACS: IN CONCERT takes The Historic Orpheum Theatre stage! Join the voices of Animaniacs – the iconic, animated Warner Bros series produced by Steven Spielberg – for a zany, animany, and totally insanely time as they perform all of the most popular songs from the beloved cartoon series, backed by the original projected animation.  

The performance will feature Emmy award winner Rob Paulson, the original voice of Yakko and  Pinky, & Randy Rogel, the Emmy award winning composer who put together the original Animaniacs songs and score! This star-studded voice cast will receive their big Warner Bros  musical backing from local talent with Galesburg’s own Knox-Galesburg Symphony!

“ANIMANIACS: IN CONCERT was an absolute blast for adults and youth alike. Patrons were raving about the show and calling about when they’d be back!” said David Bander, Managing Director  for the Kirkland Performance Center.  

This magical night of nostalgia and wacky fun is one you won’t want to miss. The unparalleled  stage presence of Rogel and Paulson “…bring these beloved animated characters to life through inspired songwriting and mischievous performances” according to Oklahoma City’s Red Dirt Report.  

Tickets are available now for $35 - $40 per person (plus fees) at GalesburgOrpheum.org, or by  calling (309) 342-2299. The Orpheum Theatre is located at 57 South Kellogg Street in Downtown Galesburg, with office hours Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.  

RANDY ROGEL (MUSIC & LYRICS) Composer and lyricist Randy has won three Emmy Awards  (nominated for ten), a Peadbody Award, two Annie awards, three Leo Awards, and the Ovation  Award. He recently co-wrote the hit song Poisonous Love for Kristen Chenoweth with John  Powell for the major motion picture Rio 2. He was show-runner for the animated series 1001  Nights and won Leo Awards for Writing and Best Animated Series. At Disney, Randy wrote songs  and scripts for the animated movies Peter Pan – Return to Neverland, Cinderella II, Cinderella III, Winne the Pooh, Around the World In Eighty Days, The Three Musketeers, and 101 Dalmations II.  Randy spent nine years on staff at Warner Bros. Animation where he began as an original writer  on the Batman series and then joined the staff of Steven Spielberg’s Animaniacs, for which he  wrote most of the songs and many of the scripts. Randy is a West Point graduate with ten years  service as an officer in the combat arms. He has a B.S. in Engineering from the academy and a  Masters Degree in International Relations from Boston University.  

ROB PAULSEN (YAKKO & PINKY) voice actor Born in Detroit, Rob Paulsen spent his childhood in  Livonia and Rochester, attending Junior and Senior high school in Grand Blanc, Michigan. Rob  loved cartoons like most kids but aspired to be a professional hockey player. “Fortunately, thanks  to some big, strong, kid from Winnipeg who drilled me so hard my ears are still ringing, I learned  around the age of 18 I had neither the talent now the temperament to make a living playing  hockey. So, I turned to my other passions: singing and acting.” The goal of bringing absolute  believability to a character, live-action or animated, is what every actor strives for. Those who  are committed to their career and who combine experience, passion and skill are likely to  succeed. With over 2,000 half-hours of animation credit’s, Rob’s versatility shines in his starring  roles as the voices of Donatello (Nickelodeon’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles), Yakko Warner,  Pinky and Dr. Scratch’n’Sniff in the Peabody and two-time Emmy award-winning series  Animaniacs. Rob himself has been nominated for three Emmys with one win and six Annies with  three wins. As passionate about “paying it forward” as he is about his lucrative career, Rob  supports various charities, particularly those benefiting children and military veterans. In his  leisure time, Rob enjoys golf, cruising the PCH, and occasionally lacing up his skates for another  chance to relive his past glory on the rink. He spends the majority of his free time with his wife,  Parrish, and their Yorkshire terriers, Pooshie and Tala. “Laughter’s the best medicine: the cool  thing is, you can’t OD and the refills are free.”  

Our show’s Title Sponsor is The City of Galesburg with additional support from The Illinois Arts  Council. Both are incredible supporters of The Orpheum Theatre, providing year-round  operational support, as well as specifically supporting shows like these.  

The City of Galesburg represents the Galesburg area interests and supports and uplifts the  Galesburg community as well as surrounding areas. The Orpheum Theatre is proud to be a part  of The City of Galesburg’s Historic downtown, and we are grateful for the continued support  from the city.  

The Illinois Arts Council serves the people of Illinois through a variety of grants and services,  primarily geared to do the following: 1) Support Illinois' Arts Sector: Operating and technical  support provided to organizations and programs statewide helps keep Illinois’ arts sector vital,  vibrant, and accessible to all. 2) Advance Arts Education: The arts can be a part of the education  of every single child in this state through the programs, services, partnerships, and collaborations  of the Illinois Arts Council. 3) Foster Creativity and Working Artists: Resources, opportunities, and  direct support for the work of individual artists -- the foundation of Illinois' creative environment.  

OSF

OSF Healthcare is pleased to add a new gastroenterologist to its team to better serve Galesburg and the surrounding areas. 

The addition of Raza Hamdani, MD, will provide access locally for patients in need of gastroenterology services at OSF Medical Group, 3315 North Seminary Street. 

Public Service

Former federal workers will have an increased shot at continuing public service in Illinois, thanks to advocacy from State Senator Mike Halpin and residents of western Illinois.

“A local resident wrote a letter to my office asking that Illinois take on this issue and show these public servants the support and solidarity they deserve,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “I want folks across Illinois to know that when you speak up and participate in state government, you can make a difference.”

Illinois is hosting two Spring Career Fairs to recruit former federal workers to a diverse set of job opportunities in fields like engineering, health care and more. The news from the governor and the Illinois Department of Central Management Services comes after Halpin sent a letter to the governor urging him to attract former federal workers to Illinois government after they were unjustly fired. The federal government is the second largest employer in Illinois and many state agencies are looking for career professionals. Several constituents reached out to Halpin regarding this issue.

“I am glad our state government is taking these common sense steps toward assisting unjustly fired federal workers,” said Halpin. “These public servants deserve respect and a fair shot at continuing their careers in public service.”

The next career fair will be held in Chicago on March 20. To learn more about the event, or to check out other state jobs, people can go to https://illinois.jobs2web.com/.

Social Security

Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) is fighting to protect Americans from the Trump-Musk plan to gut Social Security. Sorensen introduced the Keeping Our Field Offices Open Act, which aims to prevent the closure of critical Social Security field and hearing offices. This bill would ensure continued access to vital services for seniors, people with disabilities, and families across the country. 

The Keeping Our Field Offices Open Act, would impose a moratorium on Social Security field and hearing office closures until January 21, 2029 — one day after the end of President Trump’s second term. The bill would also allow the Commissioner of Social Security to lift the moratorium only after submitting a detailed report to Congress outlining a clear and justified process for office closures. 

“For so many people in my district, Social Security isn’t just a check — it’s the difference between putting food on the table or going hungry, affording medication or risking their health. It’s a lifeline thousands of people depend on every day,” said Congressman Eric Sorensen. “Closing field offices would place unnecessary hardships on the very people who rely on these services the most — our seniors, individuals with disabilities, and hardworking families. I proudly stand with my colleagues in introducing this legislation to make sure everyone has access to the benefits they’ve earned, because no one should have to struggle or travel miles out their way to get the help they deserve.” 

“I am strongly opposed to the proposed closure of our local Social Security Administration facility. Shutting down the Rockford office is an unacceptable decision and would create unnecessary barriers —especially transportation challenges— for thousands of residents, seniors, people with disabilities and working families who rely on these critical services the most.” said Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara. “We must ensure that our most vulnerable residents have access to the support they need, not make it harder for them. Our residents have worked hard and paid into the system for decades; they deserve accessible and reliable support. We must stand together as community leaders, elected officials and residents to demand the Rockford Social Security office remain open.” 

"Lifescape’s mission is to help older adults access the programs and services they need to remain living as independently as possible for as long as possible.” said Lifescape Community Services, Inc. CEO, Mike Hughes “Most of our clients are homebound with limited transportation options. Closing the Social Security office in Rockford will restrict their access to the services they deserve and need." 

Teacher Shortage

New results from two statewide surveys show Illinois’ educator shortage crisis is easing. The Illinois State Board of Education attributes the progress to comprehensive statewide efforts to address teacher shortages, which include the largest-ever state investment in addressing teacher vacancies. The state’s Teacher Vacancy Grants provided $45 million per year in FY 2024 and FY 2025 to the 170 districts with the greatest numbers of unfilled teaching positions.

Grantee districts have utilized the funds to implement evidence-based strategies to address local challenges to teacher recruitment and retention. Early results have shown improved recruitment and retention in the state's most understaffed school districts, including the hiring of nearly 5,400 new teachers, the retention of approximately 11,000 additional educators, and support for approximately 1,500 non-certified staff to pursue licensure and 450 certified staff to pursue further endorsements.

Both the Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents of Schools’ 2024-2025 Educator Shortage Survey and the ISBE 2024-2025 Unfilled Positions Data Collection also confirm teacher vacancies remain a serious challenge for school districts across the state, speaking to the necessity of continued attention to and investment in solutions. Hundreds of school districts last fall responded to the surveys, which seek a variety of data points to drive state resources and policy changes for increasing the talent pool to lead classrooms in all 102 counties.

UNFILLED POSITIONS TOP RESULTS

The ISBE results found:

• A 5.6 percent decrease in the total number of unfilled teaching positions from the 2023-2024 school year, while the total number of filled positions continued to increase, by 1.4 percent.

• Increases in filled positions and decreases in unfilled positions for school support personnel and paraprofessionals. Administrators’ filled positions and unfilled positions both increased.

• 3,864 teaching positions were unfilled as of Oct. 1, 2024, along with 996 school support personnel, 2,415 paraprofessionals, and 189 administrator positions.

“We are proud to see the educator shortage ease for the first time in years, with both an increase in filled positions and a decrease in unfilled positions,” said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Tony Sanders. “The state has recognized the severity and urgency of this crisis and has made investments that have made a difference – from Teacher Vacancy Grants awarded to the most understaffed school districts to a successful statewide teacher recruitment marketing campaign. However, our highest need schools are still experiencing critical educator shortages, so we must keep building on the progress we see today.”

IARSS SURVEY TOP RESULTS

For the eighth year, IARSS – representing leaders of Regional Offices of Education and Intermediate Service Centers in every Illinois county – asked school districts key questions around the depth and consequences of Illinois’ teacher shortage crisis. Goshen Consulting again administered the survey. They found the teacher shortage problem persists, while schools work to be creative and effective in addressing it. Out of the more than 750 districts that responded to the survey:

• 87 percent of schools say they have a teacher shortage problem.

• 91 percent of schools say they struggle to fill substitute teacher openings.

• 91 percent of school leaders report having fewer than five – and sometimes zero – applicants for open teaching positions.

• 65 percent of school leaders say half or less of their teacher candidates have the proper credentials for the position they are seeking.

• 71 percent of school leaders report their teacher position needs have increased since the last school year, and 80 percent expect those needs will grow over the next five years.

IARSS says this latest study confirms schools are making progress to fill open positions and provide the critical instruction students need, yet many challenges in the educator staffing pipeline continue.

“The latest report should again draw the attention across Illinois of educators, legislators and state officials on the progress we have been making to identify and rectify our shortage crisis, and the work we need to build on to help produce more qualified candidates to lead students in our classrooms,” said Gary Tipsord, IARSS Executive Director.

“In classrooms and buildings across the state, we have innovative leaders working tirelessly to meet children’s needs. Their hard work should be recognized. These problems have built up for generations. We must redouble our efforts to expand the entire teacher pipeline and provide the resources and support our schools need to continue to step up to the challenges of the teacher shortage crisis.”

NEW INSIGHTS

Both surveys confirm: the teacher shortage impacts each school district and region differently.

In the ISBE Unfilled Positions report, shortages occurred in roughly half of education entities (615 of 1,120), while 37 percent (414) reported zero unfilled positions in any position category. Further, the data shows that disadvantaged students disproportionately bore the brunt of these shortages. The education entities serving higher percentages of low-income students reported higher vacancy rates. 

For the first time in the IARSS survey, school leaders were asked to offer more insight into what’s causing shortages and the impacts shortages are having in their classrooms, and how they are working to address those challenges. A limited pool of applicants, salary and benefit issues, and poor working conditions lead the shortage drivers, while improved teacher recruiting and incentives, and support at the state, federal and district level most help fill the gaps.

Schools report state policy changes, such as allowing retired teachers to return to the classroom without hurting their pension benefits and increasing the time substitute teachers can be in the classroom, are most impactful.

Schools report remedying more than 6,100 teacher position openings, from special education and early childhood to elementary education and bilingual education, in ways that go beyond hiring full-time, qualified teachers. They addressed the openings through a variety of approaches: hiring substitutes, modifying class offerings, using third-party vendors to find educators, or going virtual.

WHAT’S NEXT

ISBE and Governor JB Pritzker are advocating for a continued $45 million investment for the third and final year of the Teacher Vacancy Grant Pilot Program in fiscal year 2026.

Other initiatives include Career and Technical Education Education Career Pathway Grants that have equipped nearly 12,000 high school students to pursue careers in education; the new Teacher Apprenticeship Program, which, in partnership with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, upskills paraprofessionals for successful placement into the teaching profession; and the “The Answer Is Teaching” teacher recruitment marketing campaign, which attracted more than 17,000 potential new teachers.  

Each year, IARSS and its survey partners re-evaluate the major challenges still driving the shortage crisis and how best to address it – both in the short term and for the long run. Some policy recommendations for 2024-2025:

• Continue to increase state funding for K-12 schools,

• Release more data more quickly on the evolving educator pipeline to drive strong policy decisions and help school hiring managers find good teaching candidates,

• Invest in teacher and school leadership,

• Help create new opportunities for school support staff to become classroom teachers, and

• Focus on acute shortage needs with mentoring and administrative support, and financial incentives.

Townhall

Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) hosted a virtual town hall with residents of Illinois’ 17th Congressional District. More than 8,300 constituents joined the event on the phone and Facebook, with many sharing how federal funding and job cuts are personally impacting them.  

“One of the most important things I can do is listen to the constituents of the 17th district. Last night, I heard from a woman in Bloomington who is concerned her husband may lose his veterans’ benefits, a man in Peoria who lost his job at the Ag Lab, and an individual in Moline who wanted to know how the dismantling of USAID would impact farmers who sold their crops to them,” said Congressman Eric Sorensen. “My neighbors are the stories behind the inevitable consequences of having an unelected billionaire in Washington take a chainsaw to the federal government. It is their stories that are guiding my work to stop the chaos in Washington, so we can return to focusing on creating jobs, lowering costs, and making health care more affordable.” 

Tres Cafe

Phone numbers for Tres Cafe are as follows:

Abingdon: (309) 703-1017

Galesburg: (309) 297-4645

Kewanee: (309) 761-8088

WIU

Approximately 40% of all United States jobs are supply chain-related. To help regional high school students explore these high-paying, in-demand careers, Western Illinois University and Eastern Iowa Community College will host the Supply Chain Management (SCM) ConNEXT Conference from 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Tuesday, April 1, on the WIU Quad Cities campus in Moline.

This conference is designed to give students an understanding of the broad field of supply chain management, which encompasses the business functions that plan, source, make and deliver. Supply chain management and logistics have been further emphasized in the current economic environment, increasing awareness of the industry’s vital role in the economy.

During the event, students will rotate through four breakout sessions, each led by a panel of regional industry professionals. These sessions will cover key areas within supply chain management, including sourcing and procurement, manufacturing and operations, distribution and warehousing, and transportation. Each panel will discuss the types of careers available in these sectors and the skills necessary for students interested in entering the workforce immediately or pursuing further education.

The conference aims to highlight the wide-ranging opportunities in supply chain management, which is essential to industries such as agriculture, hospitality, entertainment, retail, healthcare and manufacturing. This event is open to all high school and college students interested in learning more about supply chain and logistics careers.

Tentative Schedule:

8:30 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. Student arrival and check-in

9:15 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. Opening remarks and introduction to supply chain management

10 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Breakout Session 1

10:35 a.m. – 11:05 a.m. Breakout Session 2

11:10 a.m. – 11:40 a.m. Breakout Session 3

11:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Breakout Session 4

12:20 p.m. – 12:30 p.m. Concluding remarks

12:30 p.m. - 1 p.m. Picnic-style box lunches served on the lawn (weather permitting)

1 p.m. Departure

To register for the event, visit go.wiu.edu/41VrUU1.

For more information, contact the WIU School of Accounting and Business Administration at (309) 298-1152. To learn more about the Supply Chain Management program at WIU, visit wiu.edu/scm.