•August 20, 2025•

by DM Williamee

This reporter has conducted additional research on the “Get Covered Illinois” (GCI) program, slated this November to replace “Healthcare.gov,” also referred to as the “Health insurance Marketplace,” which approximately 466,000 Illinoisans used for their health insurance needs in 2025. Those who purchase their insurance through “Healthcare.gov” do not have the option to continue with that program. “Get Covered Illinois” is the State of Illinois replacement.

Like many policies, “Get Covered Illinois” premiums can be impacted by factors such as age, tobacco use, and location. How these factors will be determined and to what degree they will impact premiums is currently unknown and may vary by carrier.

Recent changes in federal policy may result in double-digit premium increases for many Illinoisans, due to the expiration of Enhanced Premium Tax Credits. While some tax credits will still be available for those who qualify, the amount will be smaller, driving up insurance costs for enrollees.

•August 20, 2025•

Submitted

The second of two “Broadway Boot Camps” with 30 children per session (the first held at The Little Theatre on the Square earlier this summer) was held August 4th-9th, at the First Christian Church in Sullivan, and was supported by the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation with a $5,000 grant. The instructors were Heather Dore Johnson and Zach Smith

The camp was a weeklong musical theatre experience for kids entering 1st through 5th grade. It was a high-energy, fun, and gives young performers the chance to learn songs, choreography, and basic stage skills in a welcoming environment. The focus was on music, choreography, and performance with a themed structure each day. Because of the grant, The Little Theatre was able to offer a second week of camp this year to meet demand.

Per Grant Wade, “We’re really proud to support this kind of opportunity for local kids - programs like this make a huge difference in our community by giving young people a creative outlet and a boost in confidence.”

•August 20, 2025•

Submitted

Lake Shelbyville‘s Tree Stand Policy for this year will remain the same as it was last season. The policy allows hunters to leave one stand up for the season (“Seasonal Tree Stand”) and/or utilize up to two “Roving” stands that can be left up during archery season for a period not to exceed a break in use greater than 72 hours – the length of a 3-day weekend. Seasonal tree stands may be placed 2 weeks before archery season and must be removed within 2 weeks of archery season ending. Archery season runs from October 1st, 2025, through January 18th, 2026. 

•August 20, 2025•

Submitted

Safe Families for Children hosts vulnerable children and creates extended family-like support for desperate, low-income families through a community of devoted volunteers motivated by compassion to keep children safe and ultimately together with their families. 

Parents voluntarily place their children with safe, loving, and screened host families where they are cared for, while additional volunteers help parents to restore stability in their lives. SFFC strives to meet three objectives. First, to prevent child abuse by providing safe, temporary homes for children from families in crisis. Secondly, to support and stabilize families in crisis by providing mentoring and referrals to appropriate resources. Third, to deflect children from entering the child welfare system by keeping healthy families intact and reunifying children with their parents.

Safe Families for Children believes children shouldn’t have to be harmed before they are helped and aims to prevent abuse by addressing the root issues of parents. This innovative approach prevents many more full-blown problems and helps create healthier families and, in turn, healthier communities. Safe Families engages a network of volunteers who serve as host families (who open their homes to children from families in crisis), family friends (who provide emotional support to families until they are able to get back on their feet), and resource friends (who provide goods or services to help families through their crisis). The biological parent is empowered by retaining custody of the child and averting the complexities of the court system.

2015

Moultrie County is sprucing up the courthouse. On Thursday, August 20th, the Moultrie County Board proceeded with the restoration of the exterior of the courthouse with a unanimous vote, based on the recommendations of Building and Grounds committee Co-chair, Gary Smith.

Running a tight ship is a challenge for the Moultrie County Sheriff’s Department, and recent uncertainties in state funding are putting more pressure on the limited staff. “With eight Deputies covering the County 24/7, we are already running pretty close,” Sheriff Chris Simms said, noting that similar and surrounding Counties operate with up to forty percent more staff.