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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 MoreDawkins NEHS submission wows
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 MoreOVHS senior night
•February 25, 2026•
Okay Valley held the 2026 boys basketball senior night on Friday, February 13 hosting the Argenta-Oreana Bombers.
Recognized on the night were basketball seniors including manager Tyler Schwartz, Brady McQuilling, Wyatt Hildebrandt, Tucker Montgomery and Braden Montgomery.
Also recognized were cheerleader seniors Adriana Morell and Kate Stauder. The Timberwolves came away with a 82-70 victory on the night.
Redskins finish out regular season 19-10
•February 25, 2026•
by E. Scott England
Head coach Spencer Plank has got to be proud of his team. After going on a tear late in the season, the boys entered last week on a five game win streak. Playing at home in front of a large crowd for senior night, the boys looked to extend that streak before taking to the road to close out the regular season in Warrensburg.
Heritage
The Heritage Hawks are having an okay season. Nothing great, nothing terrible. Though their record was 12-15, they were 5-5 in the Lincoln Prairie Conference. In other words, the Redskins needed to be wary of this potential sleeper team prowling their home court.
Read MoreObituaries 3-11-2026: Cindy Florey
Cindy Florey
Cindy Darlene Florey, 66, of Dayton, Indiana, went to be with Jesus at 11:23 p.m. on February 26, 2026, in Indianapolis, Indiana.
She was born February 10, 1960, in Decatur; the daughter of Tom and Darlene Florey. Cindy was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. She is survived by her son, Cody and Lauren Bragg of Lafayette, Indiana; her cherished grandchildren, Jessica Renfro, Killian Stvartak, Jameson Stvartak, Ellie Bragg, Everlie Bragg, and Blake Bragg; and her great-grandchild, Jaxon Stvartak. She is also survived by her siblings, Sharon (Jerry) McDaniel, Randy (Cheryl) Florey, Greg Florey, and Lisa Florey.
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