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Caregivers: Searching for Guidance and Support

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MCHD 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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Moultrie County First Responders deliver supplies to area schools

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•September 3, 2025•

Photo by DM Williamee L-R: Sullivan Vol. Firefighter Aiden Burgess, SFD Fire Chief Chris Wright, MCSO Sheriff Gary Carroll, MCSO Ofcr. Jesse Scribner, MCSO Ofcr. Bryce Fariss, SFD Fire Captain Kenny Graven, MCSO Ofcr. Alec Barringer, Bethany Fire Chief Mike Jennings, SPD Officer Wyatt Sentel, MCSO Ofcr. Brody Bickel, MCSO Administrator, Lesley Donoho, State’s Attorney, Tracy Weaver, and SFD FF/EMR Rob Young. Kneeling: MCSO Deputy JP Lulek

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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Grandparents’ Day celebration

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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.

Sparrows Annual Toy Run

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•September 3, 2025•

On September 27th at the Lovington American Legion beginning at 11:00 a.m., Sparrows Unlimited will begin their annual “Toy Run”. They will be leaving promptly at noon. All vehicles are welcome, and the sign-up fee is a new, unwrapped toy for children ages 0-18. The theme this year is “White T-Shirt Lies, with the best white lie winning.

Mid Illinois Senior Services: Bethany Visit

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•September 3, 2025•

Mid Illinois Senior Services will be in Bethany at the Marrowbone Public Library on September 17th, from 9:00 a.m. until noon, assisting local seniors with the following services: License plate discounts for those that bring in their 2024 tax information and 1099’s (it’s income based); answering Medicare questions and concerns; if you are turning 65 soon, they offer assistance and can answer questions you may have; FOID applications/renewals, and more.

Contact Tawnya at (217) 728-8521 with questions or to set up an appointment.

Windsor family Skate Night

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•September 3, 2025•

Windsor Elementary School’s  PTO will be holding a Skate Night event for Windsor Elementary students and their families on September 6th from 3:30 to 6:00 p.m. at the Silver Skate Center in Mattoon. This event includes free entry and skate rental. Laser tag is $3.00, and both miniature golf and the arcade will be available. Silver Skate is located at 1505 US-45, Mattoon. Call Windsor Elementary School at  (217) 459-2636 with any questions. 

BASO car show draws crowds

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•August 27, 2025•

Photos by DM Williamee

On Saturday the 23rd, crowds gathered in the community of Bethany to enter and admire cars, trucks, and motorcycles of all years, makes, and models entered in the BASO car show. With a beautiful and balmy afternoon, it was the perfect day for a car show, as many in attendance commented. Entrants came from near and far for the opportunity to show their appreciation for the automobile and their craftsmanship in both restoration and showing. Both young and young at heart appreciated the wide array of beautiful autos being showcased. Awards are as follows:

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Remembering Who We Are…………..73

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The Springfield Road


•August 27, 2025•

By Janet Roney

No one knows for sure the route Abraham Lincoln’s family followed when they passed through our county in March of 1830 on their way to their new home west of Decatur.

From Paradise in western Coles County, they may have passed east of the large Kickapoo Indian winter camp site on the south side of the Shelbyville Moraine, and noted the cabins of the Whitley and Waggoner families, who had only recently settled along the ancient Whitley Point Road. At some point, they would have followed the Kaskaskia-Detroit Road that led to the young village of Nelson.

Nelson had few residents when the Lincolns may have stayed there, for it was recently platted in 1829. The next night, they camped at the edge of the timber near the Selby cabin (near the CRP prairie grass field south of Lovington, east of Route 32).

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Programs at the Lovington Public Library

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•August 27, 2025•

1st - Closed for Labor Day

5th - Kids Craft from 3:30-4:30 p.m. This month, they will be making a fall tree with puzzle pieces. 

8th - Adult Craft Club from 5-7:00 p.m. Bring whatever project you are working on and join them for the fun.

9th - Story Time at 10:00 -10:30 a.m. and 3:00-3:30 p.m. They will read a story and have an activity. 

12th - Teen Craft from 3:30-4:30 p.m. This month, they will be making a standing paper tree craft.  

15th & 29th - Needle Night from 5:00-7:00 p.m. If you would like to learn to crochet, knit, needlepoint, or even how to sew, they have people who can help teach you. If you already know how and just want to hang out, come join them. 

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