Kaytlyn Louise Hettinger
Kaytlyn Louise Hettinger, 28, of Tuscola, formerly of Sullivan and Troy, passed away at 9:17 a.m. Sunday September 3, 2023 in her residence.
She was preceded in death by her maternal and paternal grandparents.
Kaytlyn Louise Hettinger
Kaytlyn Louise Hettinger, 28, of Tuscola, formerly of Sullivan and Troy, passed away at 9:17 a.m. Sunday September 3, 2023 in her residence.
She was preceded in death by her maternal and paternal grandparents.
•September 6, 2023•
The Arthur Cheese Festival was held on Saturday, September 2-Monday, September 4. This year the festival celebrated it’s 50th year. On Saturday the event featured a car show, buggy and pony rides, the International Cheese Curling Championships, Ceremonial Cutting of the Cheese, The Big Cheese Parade, Cheese Eating Nationals, Founders Day Dinner and music. On Sunday, the day started with a community worship service with other events throughout the day including cheese carving, kiddie tractor pull, an ice cream social, music, corn hole tournament. On Monday, the last day of the festival, there was the Rat Race 5K and 10K runs, cheese curd spitting contest and sub sandwich giveaway. Throughout the weekend each day there was free cheese given away at the cheese tent. More photos are on page 8.

•September 6, 2023•
On Saturday, September 2, 2023, the Bethany Police Department arrested Danielle M. Payton, age 33, of Sullivan, Illinois, for the offenses of Possession of Controlled Substances, DUI, and Child Endangerment.
Police were called to Dollar General located in Bethany, Illinois around 5:00 p.m. in response to reports of a woman passed out in the driver’s seat of an automobile in the parking lot. The windows were up on the vehicle and the key was found in the ignition. Read More

photo by Crystal Reed
Registered Nurse Kim Garcia prepares to take blood from a patient at the Moultrie County Health Department recently. The health department recently added lab services to the list of services they offer. They have partnered with the company Labcorp to provide this service to the community.
•September 6, 2023•
by Crystal Reed
The Moultrie County Health Department recently began offering laboratory diagnostic testing services in the county. In partnership with Labcorp, Inc., MCHD can provide residents with a lower cost and easy to access solution for required labs. Moultrie County Health Department Administrator Angie Hogan said last month the department was able to serve 15 persons with lab services.
Lab service visits consist of two parts, the office visit which is provided by the health department and diagnostic testing which is provided by Labcorp. Payment to MCHD for the office is required at time of service. Charges for labs may be paid at the time of the visit or individuals can opt to have Labcorp bill their insurance. Read More

photo by Crystal Reed
Sesquicentennial Essay Winner
A contest was held in Arthur earlier this year where students were asked to write essays in regards to Arthur’s Sesquicentennial. The overall winner of that contest Adyson Hopkins whose essay was titled “150 Years of Arthur” was given the honor of reading her essay during the Founders’ Day Dinner.
•September 6, 2023•
The Village of Arthur celebrated 150 years with a Founders’ Day dinner at Penn Station Saturday, September 2. The dinner celebrated Arthur being established on September 2, 1873.
The program began with a presentation from Illinois State Senator Chapin Rose, who presented a message from the Illinois Senate. That was followed by reading a letter of welcome from Richard J. Durbin. The National Anthem was sung by members of the ALAH High School Choir directed by Stephen McClarey. Read More
•September 6, 2023•
By Andrew Adams
Capitol News Illinois
aadams @ capitolnewsillinois.com
Farmers and residents of rural communities often face stigma when it comes to mental health challenges, but state leaders hope to change that.
Governor JB Pritzker announced Tuesday that chapters of FFA – the group once known as Future Farmers of America – will be eligible for $1,000 grants to fund mental health awareness programs in schools and rural communities. Up to 20 such grants will be available through the Illinois FFA Foundation starting this fall.
Pritzker and other state leaders made the announcement at the Farm Progress Show in Decatur, an annual exposition of farm technology and other agriculture industry advancements. Read More

photo by Crystal Reed
Coffee On The Co-Op
Coles Moultrie Electric Co-Op wrapped up their Coffee on the Co-Op program on Wednesday, August 30 at Sweet Vail in Sullivan. The organization kicked off the program in April and included stops in Mattoon, Charleston, Casey, Neoga and Sullivan. The program gave members the opportunity to chat about the co-op, ask questions, meet fellow members while enjoying free coffee. Pictured above (from left to right) is member Mel Schmidt, CEO Amy Borntrager and Communications Coordinator Carla Bradbury.
•September 6, 2023•
Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association (IFCA), alongside several agricultural partners, announced on Tuesday, August 29 the preliminary findings from the first-ever Illinois Ag Retail Survey, setting a new baseline to track nutrient management practice adoption and quantify nutrient loss reduction achieved at retail locations and on farms across the state.
The 2022 IL Ag Retail Survey was designed to collect accurate, science-driven data to track nitrogen (N) and phosphorous (P) fertilizer use and application methods throughout the state as part of industry efforts to meet state Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy (NLRS) goals. Read More
Travis McCoy
Travis Aaron McCoy, 46, of Lovington, passed away 12:01 p.m. Friday, September 1, 2023, at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center, Mattoon. Read More
Anna Knobloch
Anna Margaret Knobloch, 99, of Arthur, died at 4:54 p.m., Tuesday, August 29, 2023, in the Arthur Home.
Margaret was born February 12, 1924, in Douglas County, the daughter of Paul George and Alfrieda M. Suhl Clausen. She married William Carter Knobloch in Arthur June 2, 1946; he preceded her in death January 26, 2014. Read More