Author Archives:

The weight of “Puppy Love”: why teen dating violence is a community crisis

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•March 11, 2026•

by Rebecca Comstock

Moultrie County Dove Inc. Coordinator

In my six years as the Moultrie County Coordinator for Dove Inc., I have walked alongside countless teenagers facing situations that would shatter most adults. I have seen the fear in a high schooler’s eyes that is identical to the fear of a thirty-year old spouse.

There is a persistent, dangerous myth in our community that teen dating violence is somehow “lesser” than adult domestic abuse. We call it “drama.” We call it “high school heartbreak.” We tell ourselves they will “grow out of it.”

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Are you ready for severe weather season?

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•March 11, 2026•

Submitted by IEMA OHS

Thunderstorms, tornadoes, lightning, floods, and power outages are all possible during Illinois’ spring weather season. That is why the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA OHS) is urging all residents to take steps to prepare during Severe Weather Preparedness Month this March. 

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Obituaries 3-11-2026: James L. Ulrich

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James L. Ulrich

James L. Ulrich, 81, of Taylorville, formerly of Bethany, passed away March 2nd, 2026, at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield. Jim was born in Bar Harbor, Maine. He was the son of John and Wanda Ulrich of Brookfield, Illinois.


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Obituaries 3-11-2026: Rebecca Grimes

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Rebecca Grimes

Rebecca Ellen Grimes, 72, of Taylorville, IL, passed away at her residence on Thursday, March 5, 2026. She was born on September 24, 1953, in Decatur, IL, the daughter of Raymond Earnest and Velma Marie (Cecil) Ray. She married John Grimes and they later divorced.

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Obituaries 3-11-2026: Cindy Florey

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Cindy Florey

Cindy Darlene Florey, 66, of Dayton, Indiana, went to be with Jesus at 11:23 p.m. on February 26, 2026, in Indianapolis, Indiana.

She was born February 10, 1960, in Decatur; the daughter of Tom and Darlene Florey. Cindy was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. She is survived by her son, Cody and Lauren Bragg of Lafayette, Indiana; her cherished grandchildren, Jessica Renfro, Killian Stvartak, Jameson Stvartak, Ellie Bragg, Everlie Bragg, and Blake Bragg; and her great-grandchild, Jaxon Stvartak. She is also survived by her siblings, Sharon (Jerry) McDaniel, Randy (Cheryl) Florey, Greg Florey, and Lisa Florey.

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A Look Back…3-11-2026

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2016

One Book One Sullivan members filled the First United Methodist Church community room to discuss the latest community/school-based book selection. Sponsored by the Sullivan Rotary Club, One Book One Sullivan released the new read on November 25th, distributing copies of Michael Vey’s “The Prison of Cell 25” to students and those interested in the community.

To promote safety in the workplace, Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) Director Hugo Chaviano joined employers and employees at the 25th Annual Downstate Illinois Occupational Safety and Health (DIOSH) Day Conference. OSHA, along with many industry groups, sponsored this event to provide expert occupational safety and health management resources for employers of all sizes and industries.

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4-H youth build confidence and communication skills 

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•March 11, 2026•

Pictured: Ellie Hensley, Bria Hershberger, Aubrie Stenger, and Regan Hershberger rubbing Lincoln’s nose for good luck, at Lincoln Hall.

Nearly 75% of individuals report a fear of public speaking, but 22 courageous 4-H youth from Coles, Cumberland, Douglas, Moultrie, and Shelby counties chose to face that fear head-on during the recent Confident Communicators Workshop hosted at the University of Illinois. Twelve participants were from Moultrie-Douglas County 4-H, including Aubrie Stenger, Bria Hershberger, Raegan Hershberger, Roxy Clark, Ben Stutzman, Sophia Horst, Perla Juarez, Lola Fifield, Emma Hostetler, Ellie Hensley, Jenna Welsh, and Gabby Welsh. The hands-on workshop was led by Dr. Laura Stengrim and two University of Illinois Speech Communication students. Throughout the day, participants engaged in interactive sessions designed to strengthen public speaking skills, boost self-confidence, and enhance message delivery.

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Lovington Grade School teachers awarded education grants

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•March 11, 2026•

On Monday, February 23rd, Grant Wade, HICF Philanthropic Advisor for Moultrie County, surprised three exceptional teachers with continuing education grants. Mrs. Morrow, Mrs. Martin, and Mrs. Moffett are among the first recipients of our 2026 Teacher Development Grant program. Each will attend the 2026 Pump-Up Primary Conference to gain fresh strategies and bring new energy and ideas back to their classrooms.

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Watch election results

News Progress Posted on by


•March 11, 2026•

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To Verify your registration, call the County Clerk’s office at 217-728-4389 or, check online at one of the following:

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