•September 3, 2025•
Submitted
Susan Odum, Regional Extension Specialist in Community and Economic Development with the University of Illinois Extension, will present “Reversing the Exodus” on Tuesday, September 9th, at 6:00 p.m. at the Family Life Center in Lovington.
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•September 3, 2025•
by DM Williamee
A palindrome is defined by Webster’s Dictionary as “a word, phrase, or sequence that reads the same backward as forward.” Many are entertaining, and palindrome phrases are notoriously hard to create on one’s own. From Wikipedia, “The word ‘palindrome’ was introduced by English poet and writer Henry Peacham in 1638. The concept of a palindrome can be dated to the 3rd century BCE, although no examples survive. The earliest known examples are the 1st-century CE Latin acrostic word square, the Sator Square (which contains both word and sentence palindromes), and the 4th-century Greek Byzantine sentence palindrome, “nipson anomemata me monan opsin. (which in English is “Wash the sins, not only the face”). Palindromes are also found in music (the table canon and crab canon) and biological structures (most genomes include palindromic gene sequences).” The humble palindrome knows how to get around and travels in some cultivated circles as well.
Read MoreFollowing the Springfield Road
•September 3, 2025•
by Janet Roney
Of all the early trails that once crossed central Illinois, the origin of the Springfield Road that the Tom Lincoln’s family, including his 21-year-old son, Abe, followed to Decatur is known. The road was just four years old when the Lincolns used it, for it was surveyed and marked with a plowed furrow in 1826 by the state of Illinois to accommodate the increasing flow of emigrants going west to the popular Sangamon Country. Amos Williams, one of the founders of Edgar County, was the surveyor. A copy of the original survey made by Williams is in the archives of Edgar County.
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•September 3, 2025•
Submitted
On Labor Day, the Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) honored the contributions of workers across the state and highlighted the Department’s ongoing efforts to uphold workers’ rights, economic security, and safety. “On Labor Day, IDOL reaffirms its commitment to workers across Illinois,” said IDOL Director Jane Flanagan. “From enforcing the minimum wage law and safeguarding children from dangerous work, to ensuring fair pay and promoting safe workplaces, our mission is clear: to protect and advance the rights of every worker in this state.”
Read MoreMadonna Nees
Madonna Marie (Watkins) Nees, 83, of Sullivan, passed away 5:04 a.m. on Sunday, August 31, 2025, at St. Mary’s Hospital, Decatur.
Read MoreRichard Hortenstine
Richard Charles Hortenstine (59) of Gays, IL passed away on August 28th, 2025 at Sarah Bush Lincoln Hospital. Richard was born August 31st, 1965, in Mattoon, IL and was the son of Theodore “Ted” Lee and Annetta May (Walker) Hortenstine. He graduated from Sullivan High School in 1983. Following high school, he graduated from Lake Land College in 1985 where he studied Crop Production & Management. Richard spent most of his career in Ag Retail. His experience spanned from operating the application equipment to seed sales, and farmer interactions. He had a passion for helping people and never knew a stranger.
Read More2015
Not only was the Moultrie County Courthouse receiving some repairs and restoration, but the square around it was getting repaved, as discussed by the Sullivan City Council at their last meeting. According to Commissioner Ken Johnson, the courthouse square was paved thirty years ago with asphalt.
ALAH Knights volleyball started their match with Tuscola at Arthur High School strong, scoring twenty straight points in the first match. “I was extremely impressed with how the girls came out of the gates last night,” Knights Coach Emily Crossman said. Tuscola was able to rebound to overcome the Knights 25-20 in the first game and 25-11 in the second, leaving the varsity team with a 0-1 early-season record.
Read MoreMCHD offers Powerful Tools for Caregivers to support individuals
•September 3, 2025•
by Angela Hogan
The Moultrie County Health Department (MCHD) is pleased to sponsor a Powerful Tools for Caregivers curriculum at the Jonathan Creek Christian Church near Sullivan, IL. The six-week course will be offered from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. every Wednesday beginning September 24th through October 29th. Powerful Tools for Caregivers is an evidence-based program that focuses on the special needs of caregivers for persons living with dementia. During the six-week curriculum, caregivers learn new ways to identify and address the physical, mental, and emotional stresses of caregiving.
Who are the Caregivers?: Caregivers help individuals meet their daily needs. These needs may include assistance with household tasks, managing financial and personal affairs, or completing personal care needs such as bathing, meal preparation, and transportation.
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•September 3, 2025•
by DM Williamee
Heroism takes many forms. On Friday, August 29th, Moultrie County First Responders from multiple agencies came together to deliver school supplies to elementary schools in Sullivan, Lovington, and Bethany. Born of an idea that three Moultrie County Sheriff’s Office Deputies had to develop a fundraiser for the kids, specifically; much-needed school supplies for the elementary schools in the county. From this, the First Responder’s “Guns and Hoses” softball game evolved, showing the support of all Moultrie County First Responders for their communities and the needs of its children.
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•September 3, 2025•
Heritage Woods of Sullivan invites the families of our residents to join them for a heartwarming Grandparents Day Family Ice Cream Bar on Sunday, September 7th at 1:00 p.m. This special event is a chance to celebrate the incredible role grandparents play in everyone’s lives - offering wisdom, love, and a deep sense of family connection. Many cherish the time spent with them, and this gathering is all about honoring those moments together. Smiles and your sweet tooth are requested to enjoy an afternoon of ice cream, laughter, and family togetherness.