Judi Hansen
Judi L. Hansen, 65, of Mattoon, formerly of Arthur, passed away at 4:51 p.m. Thursday, August 13, 2026 in Willow Breeze Hospice House, Mattoon.
Read MoreObituaries 8-19-2026: Judi Hansen
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Obituaries 8-19-2026: Brenda Bassett
Brenda Bassett
Brenda G. Bassett, 83, of Sullivan, passed away at 6:35 a.m. Friday, August 14, 2026 in her residence.
Graveside services will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, August 22, 2026 in Greenhill Cemetery, Sullivan.
Read MoreA Look Back…8-19-2026
1966
Engineers from Homer L. Chastain and Associates were in the county to conduct a survey of potential fallout shelters for the Moultrie County Civic Defense Unit. The buildings surveyed were St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, the Christian Church and the Methodist Church, all in Lovington; Cadwell school in Cadwell; the Masonic Temple, Civic Center, Methodist Church and Christian Church, in Sullivan; the Methodist and Christian churches both in Gays; the St. Isidore Roman Catholic Church in Dalton City and the Bethany Manufacturing Company and the new part of the high school in Bethany.
Senator Paul H. Douglas, Democratic candidate for the re-election, was in Sullivan for a rally on the square.
Read MoreWarrior Wheels Run returns to Moultrie County
•August 19, 2026•
by Jamie Crosier
A line of Jeeps will once again travel through several Moultrie County communities this September, raising money to help veterans facing unexpected needs while inviting the public to take part in a day of community support.
The second annual Warrior Wheels Run, organized by Jeeps of Moultrie County and Surrounding Areas, is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 12. Registration begins at 10 a.m. at the Sullivan VFW, with participants departing at noon. All vehicles are welcome to join the ride, although Jeeps will lead the route.
The event was created last year after organizer Ed Briscoe was approached by a veteran who asked whether the nonprofit Jeep group could organize a fundraiser for veterans in need.
“This isn’t just a Jeep run, it’s a mission,” Briscoe said.
Read MoreDave Cole to retire after 23 years leading Moultrie County Counseling Center
•August 19, 2026•
by Jamie Crosier
When Dave Cole began as executive director of Moultrie County Counseling Center in March 2003, the agency was serving about 100 clients a year and operating from the basement of the Fields/Wright Medical building.
More than 23 years later, Cole is preparing to retire from the leadership position of an organization that served 447 clients during its most recent fiscal year and has grown from four counselors and therapists to nine.
Read MoreScams workshop
•August 19, 2026•
SAIL, Soyland Access to Independent Living, will host a workshop introducing Social Media, Communication, Sweetheart & Texting Scams on Wednesday, August 26th from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at the Shelby County Senior Center, 325 E. North 9th, Shelbyville, IL. The presenter is Heather Calcara, Outreach Liaison, State of Illinois Attorney General’s Office.
The workshop is free; reservations are not required. For more information call Betty Watkins, SAIL Rural Outreach Coordinator, at 217-876-8888, extension# 310.
Dine with a Doc®
•August 19, 2026•
Looking for a little more energy, a little more encouragement and a good reason to get out of the house?
Senior Education Ministries, Inc. invites area seniors, veterans, caregivers and community members to pull up a chair for the next Dine with a Doc® program on Tuesday, September 1, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Moultrie County Senior Center in Sullivan.
This free community gathering offers much more than lunch. It is an opportunity to reconnect with friends, meet new neighbors, share a few laughs and hear practical information that may help guests feel better, live healthier and approach everyday life with renewed confidence.
Featured speaker Larry Wetnight, a retired Military Major and Board-Certified Holistic Health Practitioner, will bring his “Major Wellness” message to Sullivan with an energetic, down-to-earth conversation about reclaiming energy, strengthening healthy habits and making everyday choices that support long-term well-being.
Wetnight’s approach focuses on helping people better understand the connection between nutrition, consistency, stress management, physical health and emotional wellness. His goal is to give participants practical tools they can use in everyday life while encouraging them to become active participants in their own health.
After all, when a Major starts talking about wellness, there may be a few marching orders for better health involved.
Guests can expect an informative and encouraging program designed to inspire rather than overwhelm - with plenty of common sense, conversation and perhaps a little humor along the way.
To RSVP, call (217) 728-8521.
Hospice volunteer training classes available
•August 12, 2026•
Sarah Bush Lincoln Hospice is hosting two in-person volunteer training classes.
The course is required for anyone wishing to volunteer through hospice. The first class will last from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Friday, September 18, at the SBL Willow Breeze Hospice House. A second class will be held, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., on Friday, October 9, at Willow Breeze Hospice House. Volunteers only need to attend one of the classes.
Read MoreCarter Storm recognized for agriculture vision
•August 12, 2026•
State Treasurer Michael Frerichs recently announced the winning photographers for the 2026 Cream of the Crop Photography Contest, which provides Illinois students with a creative opportunity to share their vision of agriculture in our state. Among the winners, was a first place photograph titled ‘Cutting Wheat’ by Carter Storm of Windsor. Storm won in the 11-14 age bracket and will receive a $1,000 Bright Start 529 scholarship.
Read MoreSullivan First United Methodist Church welcomes Pastor Bill Wiggs
•August 12, 2026•
by Jamie Crosier
A new chapter has begun at Sullivan First United Methodist Church as Pastor Bill Wiggs settles into the community and begins serving the congregation.
Wiggs officially began his appointment July 1 after serving Marshall First and Dunlap United Methodist churches. While his assignment to Sullivan came through the United Methodist Church’s appointment process, he said he and his family have already found a warm welcome from both the congregation and the community.
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