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“Still a drought”: Sullivan water restrictions continue

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•May 6, 2026•

by Sharon Barricklow

Recent rains notwithstanding, Sullivan water users are still under water restrictions as drought conditions continue in Central Illinois. Sullivan City Council member Chuck Woodworth said last Monday night that the area remains under drought conditions. “I know we’ve had a lot of rain, but down deep, there’s still drought,” he said. Woodworth said Sullivan is taking steps to address water shortages with a test well in a new location looking very promising for the city. “We’ll be building on that,” he said.

He also thanked the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers for posting notices about water restrictions at the Forrest “Bo” Woods campground. “They’ve been very considerate and good to work with,” he said. Mayor Mike Mossman said working with the Corps benefited the city. “We draw a lot of visitors each summer from the lake,” Mossman said. “The campground generates a lot of revenue for the community.” 

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Remembering Who We Are…..108

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Jonathan L. Lindley, Alamo Defender, Part 2
•May 6, 2026•

by Janet Roney

Last week, I left you with some questions. What was 22-year-old Jonathan L. Lindley, grandson of our first Moultrie pioneer John S. Whitley, doing at the Alamo in Texas in 1836? Wasn’t good old Moultrie County good enough for him? He was engaged to be married soon, so why did he go to the Alamo, knowing full well he probably was not going to survive? Let’s review some Whitley-Lindley family and early Texas history.

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Mandatory mental health screening for students to begin 2026-27

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•May 6, 2026•

by DM Williamee

The BEACON (Behavioral Health Care and Ongoing Navigation) system, designed for Illinois youth mental health services, officially launched in January 2025. This centralized portal was developed by the Illinois Children’s Behavioral Health Transformation Initiative and Google Cloud to streamline access to care across multiple state agencies. It is currently fully operational and was rolled out to system partners, including the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS-manages health benefits and state-funded programs), the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), and the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice (IDJJ).

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A Look Back…5-6-2026

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•May 6, 2026•

2016

No state funds forced the ALAH and School District teachers and other staff to look for other ways to pay for the tools they needed to continue to educate students, as well as cope with the rising costs of technological needs. With the advancements in technology and learning, schools’ funding needs were pressing.

The US Army Corps of Engineers and the Lake Volunteers Association hosted the 3rd Annual Loop Like Shelbyville Bike Ride. All rides started from the Lake Shelbyville Visitor Center and included options for a 22-mile, 46-mile, or 65-mile ride. Proceeds from the ride benefited the Lake Volunteers Association.

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Free support for dementia caregivers

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•May 6, 2026•

Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia is one of the most demanding roles a person can take on. It impacts emotionally, physically, and mentally. The Senior Resource Center at Family Services and the Moultrie County Health Department are teaming up to offer a free resource designed specifically for family caregivers. In other words: you don’t have to do this alone. 

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IAHC opens window to the past

News Progress Posted on by


•May 6, 2026•

Photo by DM Williamee

Weaver Kiri Fagen-Ulmschneider demonstrates
the split-shed weaving of a sampler tapestry.

by DM Williamee

On Saturday, May 2nd, the Illinois Amish Heritage Center (IAHC) held its annual (and newly named) “Sheep to Yarn to Quilts’ event in Arthur. The parking area was packed full, as attendees, both young and old, from near and far, attended the event. One young lady shared she came from Altoona, Pennsylvania, with a group of friends to attend the event and experience the Arthur and Amish communities and learn more about the Amish and their history. 

The shearing of the sheep took place in the lower level of the Hershberger-Miller barn, with the animals both comfortable and familiar with the process as their heavy woolen and lanolin-laden coats were sheared off. Those shearing the sheep worked quickly and efficiently, from positioning the sheep to safely maneuvering them throughout the shearing process, which reflected practiced efficiency and years of experience. 

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Spring concert

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Photo by R.R. Best

On Tuesday, April 28th, under the direction of Dr. Ian Kinkley, Band Director, the Sullivan Band Program presented its symphonious Spring Band concert, titled “Evening Escapes,” which showcased the magnificent and diverse talents of the Sullivan 6th, 7th and 8th grade bands, combined with the Sullivan High School Band and Jazz Band. 

MoCo Quarter Madness for May

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•May 6, 2026•

Moultrie County Monthly Quarter Madness will hold its May Quarter Auction on Wednesday, May 13th. The event will be held at the Sullivan American Legion. Mid-Illinois Senior Services, Inc. is the organization of the month. Since 1984, Mid-Illinois Senior Services, Inc., an Aging & Disability Resource Center, has provided free services to seniors age 60+, disabled individuals aged 16-59, caregivers, their care recipients & their families, as well as relatives raising children/ grandparents raising grandchildren. The Peace Meal Senior Nutrition Program is found at their facility in Sullivan, providing an in-house, hot lunch every Monday through Friday at 11:30 a.m. They are a SHIP (Senior Health Insurance Programs) site and provide free SHIP Counseling by appointment. SHIP Counselors are available to discuss health insurance questions, including Medicare, Medicaid, VA, and other insurance. And they have a Caregiver Advisory Program which covers the Caregiver Program & Relatives Raising Children Program. Both programs assist those Caregivers with one-on-one counseling, education, financial assistance, advocacy, and support groups. Their primary fundraiser is the Thrifty Boutique located on the square in Sullivan at 14 South Washington Street. This store sells a little bit of everything at very discounted prices, and all proceeds go directly to Mid-Illinois Senior Services, Inc. 

Come shop with the many vendors and stay for the Quarter Auction. Bring your quarters for charity items and extra bidding. All-In-Paddle will be $20. Doors open at 6:00, and the Quarter Auction begins at 6:30 p.m. All ages are welcome to attend. Highway Heartburn will have food for sale in the parking lot. There will also be a Bake Sale to benefit Mid-Illinois Senior Services, Inc., plus bring a BINGO prize, and receive a free $1 bidding paddle (limit 1 free paddle per person). Drink purchases can be made through the Legion as well. For more information, visit the “Mo Co Monthly Quarter Madness” Facebook page.

DFA funding available 

News Progress Posted on by


•May 6, 2026•

Dove Financial Assistance (DFA) funding is currently available to assist households in Moultrie, Shelby, Piatt & DeWitt Counties. To be eligible, applicants must be currently working, recently laid off, or actively attending school. If you or someone you know needs help with essential expenses, Dove encourages you to reach out via phone or text at (217) 433-7435 or email at DFA@doveinc.org.