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Lovington Grade School teachers awarded education grants
•March 11, 2026•
On Monday, February 23rd, Grant Wade, HICF Philanthropic Advisor for Moultrie County, surprised three exceptional teachers with continuing education grants. Mrs. Morrow, Mrs. Martin, and Mrs. Moffett are among the first recipients of our 2026 Teacher Development Grant program. Each will attend the 2026 Pump-Up Primary Conference to gain fresh strategies and bring new energy and ideas back to their classrooms.
Read MoreHistory of MCHGS presents: Moultrie County Beacon
•March 11, 2026•
The Moultrie County Historical and Genealogical Society will present the “History of the Moultrie County Beacon” at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 19th, at the Moultrie County History Center, 1303 South Hamilton, Sullivan.
Read More4-H youth build confidence and communication skills
•March 11, 2026•
Nearly 75% of individuals report a fear of public speaking, but 22 courageous 4-H youth from Coles, Cumberland, Douglas, Moultrie, and Shelby counties chose to face that fear head-on during the recent Confident Communicators Workshop hosted at the University of Illinois. Twelve participants were from Moultrie-Douglas County 4-H, including Aubrie Stenger, Bria Hershberger, Raegan Hershberger, Roxy Clark, Ben Stutzman, Sophia Horst, Perla Juarez, Lola Fifield, Emma Hostetler, Ellie Hensley, Jenna Welsh, and Gabby Welsh. The hands-on workshop was led by Dr. Laura Stengrim and two University of Illinois Speech Communication students. Throughout the day, participants engaged in interactive sessions designed to strengthen public speaking skills, boost self-confidence, and enhance message delivery.
Read MoreHonorable mention award
Sullivan High School student Claire Kursell recently participated in the Central Illinois High School Art Exhibition at Millikin University. She received an honorable mention for her piece, “Bride of Frankenstein”.
Actor Shawn Woods speaks on ‘Loving Yourself’
•February 25, 2026•
Actor Shawn Woods shares his insights into recovery and self-love with those in attendance.
by DM Williamee
On Friday, February 20th, actor Shawn Woods, known for his roles in Charlie’s Angels and Sons of Anarchy, made a special speaking appearance at the invitation of Moultrie County’s ROSC and Dove programs at the Mid-Illinois Senior Services Center. The theme was ‘Loving yourself.’ This free, family-friendly event also included treats, as well as provided an opportunity for those in attendance to make their own valentines to themselves, as an expression of self-love. Mr. Woods also provided photo opportunities as well as autographs.
Read MoreOVHS hosts grand opening of Career Exploration Center
•February 18, 2026•
Okaw Valley Community Unit School District #302 celebrated the official ribbon cutting of the Okaw Valley High School Career Exploration Center on Thursday, February 12th, marking an exciting milestone for students, families, and the broader community. While the Center has been serving students throughout the school year, the ceremony marked its official grand opening.
The Career Exploration Center was made possible through a generous $13,000 grant from the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation, helping bring the space to life under the leadership of Jena Atchison, Bonnie Scott, and Matthew Shoaff. Representatives Grant Wade and Andrea Gerhard attended on behalf of the Foundation and joined students, educators, and community leaders as the doors officially opened.
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Second round of Sullivan Athletic HoF inducted
•February 25, 2026•
by E. Scott England
Sullivan High School has started a new athletic Hall of Fame this year to honor the athletes who have thrilled fans on courts, fields, and pools over the years. During the first round of inductees, Roger Beavers, Seth Dunscomb, and Luke Standerfer were recognized. As promised, a second wave of inductees were honored a couple of weeks ago on a Saturday before the Sullivan Lady Redskins game.
Stacy McLaughlin
Stacy McLaughlin (Class of 1982) was one of the first Sullivan lady athletes to make an impact on the court and track. Title IX of the 1972 Civil Rights Act prohibited the discrimination based on sex in schools. This landmark federal legislation opened the doors to women’s sports in schools. Less than 10 years later, Stacy showed why it was important to have women’s sports.
Read MoreRedskins compete at power lifting meet
Earning medals were: Collin Shain- 1st Squat 320 pounds, 3rd Bench 235 pounds, Noah Bryant- 3rd Bench 280 pounds, Chet Ray- 3rd Squat 415 pounds, Braden Lucas- 1st 10 yard fly 19.9 mph, 3rd Clean 250 pounds and Keegan Newberry- 1st Squat 450 pounds, 2nd Bench 285.
4 Lady Redskins named two All-Conference Teams four
•March 11, 2026•
by E. Scott England
The Lincoln Prairie Conference released names for their all-conference teams. Four Lady Redskins received recognition. Of those four, two found themselves on the first team all-conference. They were senior Aeralyn Thrasher and freshman Elin Watkins. Thrasher was a unanimous selection. On the first team nod, Coach Sheri McCain said, “Aeralyn and Elin both led us in scoring. Elin was also our leader in steals and deflections.”
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