Taming kindergarten first day jitters
•July 29, 2026•
Kindergarten may be a child’s introduction to formal schooling. Although many families send their children to pre-K programs, it’s not a necessity. Kindergarten, particularly full-day sessions, will set the course of formal schooling for years to come.
USAFacts.com says between 3.5 to four million children attend kindergarten each year. Many children about to begin kindergarten understandably are anxious about what lies in store. First day of school jitters are common and may lead to fears and tears in many homes. There are ways to make the first day of kindergarten less scary for kids. Here are some pointers families can follow.
Read MoreIllinois’s 2026 prevailing wage rates published
•July 29, 2026•
The Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) has published the 2026 prevailing wage rates for construction trades in every county across Illinois.
The updated rates took effect Wednesday, July 15, 2026, following IDOL’s annual statewide survey conducted in June pursuant to the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act.
The Act requires workers on publicly funded construction and infrastructure projects to be paid wages that reflect local standards. By ensuring workers receive locally prevailing wages, the law helps protect good-paying jobs, promotes fair competition among contractors, and keeps taxpayer investments supporting Illinois workers and communities.
Read MoreTeeing Up the Future: Lehman elected as a National Junior Hereford Assn. director
•July 29, 2026•
National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA) members elected four new directors during the 2026 VitaFerm® Junior National Hereford Expo (JNHE), “The Hereford Masters in Madison.” The new NJHA directors received their maroon jackets during the Hereford Youth Foundation of America (HYFA) Scholarship, Award and Maroon Jacket Ceremony July 9. State delegates chose these young leaders to serve a three-year term on a team of 12 directors who govern and serve the organization’s more than 4,200 members.
Read MoreDine with a Doc® – Catch your breath
•July 29, 2026•
Inhale. Exhale. Repeat. When was the last time you took a truly deep, refreshing breath without a second thought? If you or a loved one are tired of feeling winded, local seniors and veterans are invited to take a breather from their routine and catch a wave of great health tips. Senior Education Ministries, Inc. is bringing its high-energy Dine with a Doc® program to town on Tuesday, August 4, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Moultrie County Senior Center.
Read MoreInaugural Ben Franklin Fest set in Arcola
•July 29, 2026•
Green Mill Village is inviting families to kick off an unforgettable getaway in Arcola during the inaugural Ben Franklin Fest, a celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary on Friday, August 7, from 4:30–8:30 p.m.
Hosted at Green Mill Village, the event combines free family attractions, hometown traditions, and one-of-a-kind experiences that celebrate everything people love about small-town America.
Event Highlights Include:
Read MoreLovington Public Library August programs
•July 29, 2026•
3rd & 17th: Needle Night from 5:00-7:00 p.m. If you would like to learn to crochet, knit, needlepoint, or even how to sew we have people that can help teach you. If you already know how and just want to hang out come join us.
4th: Story time from 10:00-10:30 a.m. Bring the little ones in for a story and a craft.
7th: Kids Craft time will be from 3:30-4:30 p.m. We will be making a school themed craft.
Read MoreLLC Board of Trustee election
•July 29, 2026•
The Community College Trustee Election will be held April 6, 2027, as part of the 2027 consolidated election. Two six-year terms will appear on the Lake Land College ballot. The two six-year terms are currently held by Mr. Gary Cadwell, Mode, and Mr. Tom Wright, Dieterich.
People who wish to file for a seat on the Board of Trustees of Lake Land College, Community College District No. 517, may request an election packet from the president’s office by calling 217-234-5222, submitting an email to officeofthepresident@lakelandcollege.edu or visiting the president’s office from 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, when the College is open. The office is in the Board and Administration Center at the College’s campus in Mattoon.
To run in the election for trustee, interested people must:
Read MoreLocal financial representative honored
•July 29, 2026•
COUNTRY Financial Representative Elizabeth Houser of Sullivan has earned a position on the insurance groups distinguished All Star team for the 7th time.
Houser is among a select group of top COUNTRY Financial Agency Managers and Financial Representatives who qualified for the award. COUNTRY Financial has more than 2,000 agency managers and financial representatives in 17 states. Houser is ranked in the top 10% of agents as of 05/31/2026.
All Star is awarded each year by COUNTRY Financial to Agency Managers and Financial Representatives who have excelled in identifying insurance products and financial solutions that fit the needs of their customers. Agency Managers and Financial Representatives who receive the award provide outstanding service to their clients.
Elizabeth, with her son Kyler, Agent, Beretta Black, Associate Agent, and their assistant Jeslyn Scott, serve their clients at the Houser Agency at 1102 W Jackson St., Sullivan.
Sullivan Senior Center August Peace Meal
•July 29, 2026•
For Peace Meal reservations at Sullivan Senior Center/Mid-Illinois Senior Inc. call 217-728-8521.
3 - BBQ pork riblet on a sub bun, tater tots, black eyed peas, cucumber salad
4 - Chicken Alfredo, California blend vegetables, peas, fruit salad
5 - Hamburger on a bun, cheesy potatoes, cherry crisp, creamy coleslaw
Read MoreRemembering Who We Are….
Kings of the Mountain
•July 29, 2026•
by Janey Roney
Some of the bratty boys at Jonathan Creek country school used to play “King of the Hill” on a large grass covered mound in the corner of the huge playground. Their shoving matches didn’t impress us girls much for their reign lasted only until noon or the next recess when another “king” claimed the title.
“I’ll be King of the mountain!” shouted British Major Patrick Ferguson to his British loyalist militia gathered at the top of Kings Mountain, South Carolina in October of 1780. Likewise, the patriot militia surrounding Kings Mountain were not impressed either. James Patterson, one of our county’s Revolutionary War veterans, was among those patriot militiamen.
Read More