•November 11, 2026•

Seventeen Moultrie-Douglas 4-H members in first through fifth grade recently participated in a hands-on 4-H Voter Academy hosted by County Clerk and Recorder, Judi Pollock, and her staff in an after school program held on Monday, October 19. This interactive program gave youth an exciting opportunity to learn how elections work and why voting is an important civic responsibility.

The event began with a tour of the County Clerk’s office, where members learned about the many responsibilities handled by the office. Judi then led a read-aloud of All About Voting by Dr. Seuss, followed by a fun voting trivia activity that tested participants’ knowledge about elections and government.

Life on the Prairie (cont.)

•November 11, 2026•

by Janet Roney

“The Prairie mud was remarkable,” wrote Henry A. Gleason. “It was so sticky and so tenacious that it rolled up on the tires in great masses of a hundred pounds or more, and the drivers had to carry paddles to poke it off at frequent intervals. Hauling crops to market, or hauling heavy loads of any kind, became impossible.” That’s what traveling on the roads on the prairies of Moultrie County was like in the 1880s and 1890s after spring and summer rains when Gleason grew up on a farm near Dalton City.

“In winter, warm rainy weather and muddy roads were usually followed by freezing weather which petrified the roads into rough irregular surfaces worn into deep ruts. There were no smooth places for a horse to travel, and a buggy or wagon, once the wheels were in those ruts, could hardly get out.” They could only travel one or two miles per hour as the passengers were jolted along.

•November 11, 2026•

Moultrie-Douglas County 4-H member Declan Stollard recently achieved an impressive accomplishment at the Illinois 4-H State Shotgun Shoot, earning top honors among some of the state’s best young shooters.

Held on September 26 in Bunker Hill, Illinois, the annual competition brought together 75 youth shooters from across Illinois to showcase their marksmanship skills. Stollard turned in an outstanding performance, successfully hitting 83 out of 100 clay targets. His score earned him Second Place in the Junior Division among 16 competitors and 16th overall among all 75 participants, including those in the senior division.

Cheri Burcham

Extension Educator

University of Illinois Extension          

I read this article written by Illinois Extension Educator Jamie Mahlandt, and I knew I needed to share it with you. Jamie asks: How many subscriptions do you have right now? If you are not sure, it may be time to take a closer look at what you are paying for each month. Subscription services can be convenient, but they can also keep you paying for products or services you no longer need or use if you are not keeping track. Retailers like to pair the word subscribe with the word save to make it seem like you are saving money rather than committing to spend it. Saving money certainly sounds appealing, but if you are not careful, a subscription could end up costing you more than it saves.

Video streaming may be one of the first subscription services that comes to mind, especially given how many options are available. If you want to watch a particular program, it may only be available through a specific streaming service. Before you know it, you may have multiple subscriptions just to watch a favorite show on each provider.

However, streaming services are only the beginning. Memberships are available through gyms, airlines, warehouse clubs, retailers, and many other businesses. Subscription boxes can regularly deliver everything from beauty products and meal kits to toys and activities for children. Music, apps, cloud storage, software, and other digital services can also add recurring charges to your monthly budget.

•November 4, 2026•

Submitted

The sights, sounds, and tastes of the season return with the Annual Holiday Market at First Christian Church of Sullivan on Saturday, November 7, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at 1357 CR 1200 East (just east of town).

This year’s Market is packed with festive finds and holiday cheer including:

The Christmas Shoppe – Lightly used and gently loved Christmas décor, with a sprinkling of homemade holiday treasures. Perfect for adding a touch of nostalgia or sparkle to your seasonal decorating.