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Get Covered Illinois website launched, questions linger

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•October 8, 2025•

by DM Williamee

For those who currently utilize the Healthcare marketplace for their health, medical, and dental insurance needs, “Get Covered Illinois” (GCI) is the replacement for that program beginning in 2026. Enrollment begins November 1st. States and the federal government jointly pay for Medicaid, which offers free or nearly free health care coverage for roughly 80 million poor and disabled Americans, as well as children at a cost of $800 billion in 2023. “At a time when the federal government is announcing healthcare cuts, Illinois is investing in building a marketplace that aims to increase access to health coverage for our residents,” said Illinois Department of Insurance Director Anne Gillespie. The GCI website is live right now, though specific information can be difficult to find. https://getcovered.illinois.gov/.

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Remembering Who We Are………..80

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True North


•October 8, 2025•

by Janet Roney

When I was a child, on clear, cloudless nights, my father and I often went on walks to see the stars. It was before farms had all-night security lights, so it was dark as pitch down below, but above us, the magnificent, infinite canopy of the sparkling Milky Way filled the heavens. How beautiful! How amazing! How humbling!

To the south, there was Orion, the hunter, followed by his two dogs, Canis Major and Minor. Almost above us were the Pleiades, the seven sisters, riding on the shoulder of Taurus the Bull. In the north was the Big Dipper pointing to the Little Dipper and the North Star, the most important star for travelers to find their true path since the beginning of human history.

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ETML happenings for October

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•October 8, 2025•

Story times: Every Wednesday at 10:00 a.m., October 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th. The bounce house will be available after the story and craft. 

Every Monday at 9:00 a.m. ETML hosts Memory Café, a social gathering for individuals with dementia and their caregivers. Get helpful information and support from others who also have loved ones who struggle with memory loss. 

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Letters to the Editor 10-8-2025

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Letters to the Editor

To the Editor,

I applaud our City Council and our mayor for trying to deal with unhappy folks. I have always said, “Different strokes for different folks.” This holds true in life.

People, please use good judgment when it has to do with animals. They are a good choice if you love them.

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IDoA to honor long-term care residents: Residents’ Rights Month

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•October 8, 2025•

Joining advocates, residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities, facility staff, and others across the country, the Illinois Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (LTCOP) will honor the individual rights of long-term care residents by celebrating Residents’ Rights Month this October. Designated by the National Consumer Voice for Long-Term Care (Consumer Voice), Residents’ Rights Month highlights residents living in all long-term care settings, as well as gives special recognition to the work of the individuals who help assure their dignity, privacy, and other basic human rights are maintained. “The Older Americans Act mandates the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program inform residents of their rights,” said Kelly Richards, the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman. “This is something we do all year long. However, the designation of October as Residents’ Rights Month allows us to shine a larger spotlight and highlight the rights of residents in long-term care facilities. I hope you will join me this month by taking time to reach out to someone in a long-term care facility.”

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Obituaries 10-8-2025: Steven Durbin

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Steven Durbin

Stephen R. “Steve” Durbin, 80, of Sullivan, passed away at 4:18 a.m. Sunday, October 5, 2025, in Aspen Creek of Sullivan.

Visitation will be from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Friday, October 10, 2025, at Reed Funeral Home, Sullivan. Memorials are suggested to Moultrie County PAWS, 10 Leisure Acres, Sullivan, Illinois 61951. Online condolences may be sent to the family at reedfuneralhome.net.

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A Look Back…10-8-2025

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2015

There is more to Habitat for Humanity in Sullivan than building homes, even though they are nearing the completion of the 26th house in Moultrie County. While Habitat Care-A-Vanners from all over the country spend two-week stints volunteering labor on the latest home, Sullivan has gone above and beyond most communities by providing a place for volunteers to park their campers and daily meals coordinated by the Sullivan Area Ministerial Alliance.

Sullivan FFA placed second in the Sullivan Soils Invitational contest, missing first by one point. Austin Schmohe, Jon Gavinq, Brodie Scribner, Bryce King, Hailie Britton, and Devan Tull all qualified for the Sectional Championship. With all of the budget cuts experienced by the County Soil and Water Conservation District, the Moultrie County soils contest had to be cancelled this year.

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‘National Newspaper’ week: Oct. 5th through 11th

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•October 8, 2025•

by DM WIlliamee

As the leaves begin to turn color and fall, crops are being harvested, and homes are being buttoned down in (great) anticipation of cooler temps, it’s time to appreciate an institution that has been around longer than home internet: National Newspaper Week (NNW), which is celebrated and observed October 5th through 11th.  Established in 1940, this week serves as a reminder of the vital role newspapers play in both our local communities and society, regardless of size or location. Newspapers are much like a good cup of coffee on a Monday morning - essential, invigorating, and even a little bitter.

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ROSC “Step into Purple”recovery walk, inspiration in motion

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•October 8, 2025•

Photo by DM Williamee Pictured is Skylar Miller, who organized and led the Recovery Walk.

by DM Williamee

On Saturday, September 27th in Sullivan’s Wyman Park, ROSC held their “Step into Purple” recovery walk to celebrate National Recovery Month and to remember those who lost their battle with addiction, those still fighting for their recovery, and those celebrating their recovery, as well as the recovery of friends and loved ones.

Participants walked around the pond and bridges at the park while sharing their stories and their reasons for participation. The atmosphere overall was hopeful and upbeat, with many feeling rejuvenated in being able to share their stories with each other, from their successes and losses to their strategies for sobriety and the issues many still face once achieving sobriety. One area of great concern echoed by those on the Recovery Walk was the lack of substance use disorder treatment options in Moultrie County, with many having to travel 30 or more minutes to obtain access to necessary recovery tools and resources. Despite numerous barriers, many have found a path to recovery and continue on this arduous journey. The support and camaraderie shared on the Recovery Walk were both encouraging and inspirational.

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