How to turn negative thoughts into positive ones... In a recent article in the New York Times, author Jane E Brody offered tips on turning negative thoughts into positive ones. Here are some excerpts: …“well-being can be considered a life skill. If you practice, you can actually get better at it.” By learning and regularly practicing skills that promote positive emotions, you can become a happier and healthier person. Thus, there is hope for people should they choose to take steps to develop and reinforce positivity. In her newest book, “Love 2.0,” Barbara Fredrickson reports that “shared positivity — having two people caught up in the same emotion — may have even a greater impact on health than something positive experienced by oneself.” Consider watching a funny play or movie or TV show with a friend of similar tastes, or sharing good news, a joke or amusing incidents with others. Fredrickson also teaches “lovingkindness meditation” focused on directing good-hearted wishes to others. This can result in people “feeling more in tune with other people at the end of the day,” she said.

The individual income tax rate for Illinois withholding has been raised to 4.95% effective July 1, 2017. The new income tax rates are effective for income received on or after July 1, 2017.

The Scott County Board of Supervisors dedicated the new sidewalk in a ribbon cutting on October 17, 2017. The sidewalk project is complete.

Virtual Visits --Access to care online at any time. When you don't feel well, or your child is sick, the last thing you want to do is leave the comfort of your home to sit in a waiting room. Now, you don't have to. A virtual visit lets you see and talk to a doctor from your mobile device or computer without an appointment. Most visits take about 10-15 minutes and doctors can write a prescription, if needed, that you can pick up at your local pharmacy.