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Holiday cheer and courthouse drama await youth at December 4-H events

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•November 19, 2025•

This December, the Moultrie-Douglas 4-H program is inviting all area youth—whether they’re 4-H members or not—to take part in two exciting, hands-on events designed to spark creativity, curiosity, and community spirit.

The ‘Greenery and Glitter Holiday Workshop’ will be held on Saturday, December 13th, from 10:30 a.m. until noon at the Arthur United Methodist Church, 128 E Illinois Street in Arthur. This is geared for those 5 through 18, with 4-H and non-4-H youth welcome. The ‘Greenery and Glitter Holiday Workshop’ is a free event where youth can craft festive decorations, sip hot cocoa, and enjoy cookies in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. Attendees are encouraged to wear their favorite holiday gear and enter to win fun Christmas door prizes. Pre-registration is required by December 1st at go.illinois.edu/GreeneryandGlitterWorkshopFor questions or accommodations, contact 4-H Coordinator Rachel Stenger at rstenger@illinois.edu or call (217)543-3755. This event is made possible thanks to the support of Dr. Christina Edmonds Berhend, Darla Chouinard, the Moultrie-Douglas Emerging Leaders 4-H Club, and the Moultrie-Douglas Foundation.

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Sullivan’s Ray signs with Frontier

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•November 19, 2025•

On Thursday, November 13th, Sullivan High School Senior softball player Harmony Ray signed to play at Frontier Community College in Fairfield, while majoring in early childhood education, in the new SHS gymnasium. 

Parents Matt and Jenn Ray looked on proudly, as did her teammates and friends, while Sullivan High School coach Valerie Denier spoke about Harmony’s commitment to the game and her team. Harmony’s Cobras coach was Jim Cross. 

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Sullivan’s Chief Deputy County Clerk, Pam Wittkowski retires

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•November 19, 2025•

by DM Williamee

On Friday, November 14th, a retirement was held at the Moultrie County Courthouse for Chief Deputy County Clerk Pam Wittkowski, after her over twenty-five years of service. Many of her friends and colleagues came to the party to wish her well, thank her for her service, and many an eye teared up as hugs, handshakes, laughter, and stories went around. As Pam said, “Many of the people I have worked with have become like family, and we support each other both at work as well as at home.”

Pam moved to Sullivan in 2000, and when she began looking for work outside of the home, after spending time first working on her home and volunteering with her church, the position was a perfect fit for her strong bookkeeping skills. “Georgia needed a lot of help,” she said. Pam shared that the position kept her very busy, from hearings, ongoing law changes, helping employees, servicing the board and election judges, as well as the community.

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LLC named National Trap Shooting Champion Runner-Up Team

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•November 19, 2025•

Pictured back row (from left to right): Kyle Coats, Carrolton; Collin Hewing, Mode; Jaxson Wilson, Newton; Austin Carlen, Toledo; and Madelyn Coats, Carrolton. Pictured front row (from left to right): Ellie Hagen, Clay City; Hali Kreke, Effingham; Taylar Mercer, Sullivan; Brandon Himes, Trilla; Garrett Hoene, Stewardson; and Clay Target Shooting Head Coach Josh Fulk, Saint Elmo.

The Lake Land College Clay Target Shooting team was named the National Trap Shooting Champion Runner-Up Team at the USA College Clay Target Nationals. The team placed second, trailing only Lindenwood University in the national event in which 244 athletes participated, representing 25 colleges and universities across the country.

“I am very proud of the way we closed out another fantastic season for our Clay Target team,” Clay Target Shooting Head Coach Josh Fulk said. “The team is still very young, with this being just our third year offering the sport at Lake Land. Already, we’ve proven we belong alongside some of the most accomplished programs in the country. I’m proud of the way our athletes performed and am looking forward to how this program continues to grow each year.”

Individually, Lake Land College Clay Target team member Collin Hewing placed second in the High Gun Gold Male category, finishing with a score of 198/200. 

Moultrie-Douglas 4-H Shooting Sports

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•November 19, 2025•

Ready, aim, learn-the Moultrie-Douglas 4-H Shooting Sports Club is officially open and inviting youth to discover a world of skill, safety, and fun. Designed for ages 8-18, this hands-on program goes beyond marksmanship-it builds confidence, leadership, and lifelong outdoor appreciation. Whether curious about archery, rifle, pistol, or shotgun, participants train with nationally certified instructors in a supportive environment that emphasizes teamwork, responsibility, and ethical sportsmanship. 

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SFD Press release: ambulance collision

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•November 19, 2025•

On November 11th at 2:10 a.m., a Sullivan Fire Protection District Ambulance was involved in a collision with another vehicle on Illinois Route 121 and approximately 300 feet east of Moultrie County Road 1600E. Both firefighters/EMTs were taken to Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center for non-life-threatening injuries, and both have been released. There were no occupants in the other vehicle. 

The crew was returning to quarters after completing a transport to a local hospital. The ambulance sustained heavy fire damage and is considered a total loss. The Moultrie County Sheriff’s Office completed the investigation and report. The Sullivan Fire Protection District was assisted by Coles-Moultrie 911 and the Bethany Fire Protection District.

Photos by RR Best

Okaw Valley Veterans Day Program 

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•November 19, 2025•

Kathy Doty directs the high school choir and elementary students in an “Armed Forces Melody.”

On Tuesday, November 11th, in the Okaw Valley High School Gymnasium, Okaw Valley put on its annual Veterans Day Program. The Master of Ceremonies, Jack Scott, welcomed everyone to the program, and the opening was presented by Mr. Kent Stauder, Superintendent of Okaw Valley CUSD #302, who thanked the Veterans in the audience for their service.

Band Director Manny Guzman directs the OVHS band in “Battle Hymn.”
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Red Cross: steps to take to heat your home safely

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•November 19, 2025•

As temperatures drop across the Illinois Region, the American Red Cross urges families to take several steps to heat their homes safely. “Heating equipment is a leading cause of home fires in this country,” said Kellie O’Connell, CEO of the Red Cross of Illinois. “But there are steps people can take to avoid having this happen to them. Help keep your family safe by providing at least three feet of space around all heating equipment, testing your smoke alarms monthly, and practicing your two-minute home fire escape plan.” Overall, home fires account for most of the 60,000-plus disasters that the Red Cross responds to each year - and home fire responses are 30% higher during cold months than warmer times of year.

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Remembering Who We Are……84

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Traveling on the Springfield Road (Part 3)


•November 19, 2025•

by Janet Roney

Traveling across the prairie of central Illinois on the Springfield Road in the 1830s was not easy, whether on a horse, in a covered wagon, or on foot, as seen in the last two columns. An alternative way to travel was by stagecoach. The Springfield Road was laid out by the state in 1826 specifically as a route for stagecoach travel and for the US mail.

Unfortunately, stagecoach travel was not much better than going by wagon, horse, or walking. In The Sangamon Saga, one lady described riding in a stagecoach on a trail in Sangamon County as “one prolonged torture.” The body of the stage was suspended on leather straps between the wheels, which acted as a crude form of springs, but gave little relief from bouncing along on the rough, rutted trail.

“When she got into the stage at noon, she found her traveling companions included an elderly woman and six young men. The latter were all going west to seek their fortunes. The roads were so tough that the harness was broken twice that afternoon and had to be mended before they could continue.”

Somewhere in Sangamon County, they stopped at an inn, “which seemed about ready to fall down. For supper, there was greasy side meat, soggy and ill-smelling saleratus biscuits, and coffee made from parched corn. Flies swarmed the table unnoticed by the host.”

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