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Paige Robinson Day Held in Bethany to Celebrate WNBA Recruit

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Photo by Crystal Reed
Paige Robinson rides in the back of a vehicle during the parade portion of Paige Robinson Day held last Wednesday, May 3 in Bethany.

•May 10, 2023•
by Crystal Reed

A celebration of Okaw Valley alumna Paige Robinson was held last Wednesday in Bethany. The day began with a parade that started at Bethany First Christian Church and then rolled past Okaw Valley Elementary School before ending at Okaw Valley High School where several presentations were made to Robinson.
Brooks Inman, Okaw Valley Athletic Director, described a performance he had seen by Paige as a basketball player at OV which occurred Saturday, January 20, 2018 during the conference championship against Tri-County. She went down with a serious left shoulder injury. The trainer taped her up and said there would be no way she could play.
Inman said Paige came back to the game to finish with 31 points. She played through a lot of pain the rest of that season, he said, but was able to avenge that loss in the sectional championship.
In high school, she scored 2,125 points and in her senior year led the team to their first regional, sectional and super sectional. Ultimately, the team placed fourth in state. Read More

Riven in Concert

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•May 10, 2023•

Riven quartet from the St. Louis metro area will be in concert on Saturday, May 13 at 6 pm at Allenville Christian Church, 201 E. Allen Street, Allenville. There will be finger food fellowship following the concert. The concert is free, however a love offering will be received.

Senior Citizens Potluck

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•May 10, 2023•

The Bethany Senior Citizens Potluck will be held on Wednesday, May 17 in the Bethany Library Hospitality Room. Bingo at 10 am and potluck meal at 11 am. Everyone welcome.

Scavenger Hunt

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•May 10, 2023•

The Stolen Key Scavenger Hunt will be held on Saturday, May 20 at 4 pm at Crowder Park in Bethany. Someone has taken the key to the town. We need your help in figuring out who took it and where they’re hiding it. The suspect has left clues around town. Follow the riddles to find each clue and solve the mystery. We heard the police are even offering a cash reward to the first team to catch the suspect. Cost is $5 per person or group of 5 for $20. Price includes hot dog, chips and drink at the park after. Tickets are available at Bethany Village Hall and Marrowbone Public Library. Tickets must be purchased by May 15. Proceeds go towards the Bethany Celebration.

Lovington Town Cleanup

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•May 10, 2023•

Lovington will hold their town cleanup day on Saturday, May 20. There will be 4 roll off dumpsters back by Mechling’s Backhoe off State Street. No batteries, tv’s, appliances, tires, paint-oils or hazardous chemicals. This is for Lovington residents only.

Mobile Food Pantry

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•May 10, 2023•

The University of Illinois Extension in cooperating partnership with sponsor Decatur Catholic Charities will hold a mobile food pantry on Wednesday, June 14 from 4 to 5 pm at the Lovington Ambulance Building. A mobile food pantry delivers a 2 week supply of food per family in rural communities. Any individual or family that does not have a steady food supply qualifies to receive food. No financial information is required to qualify. Please note: A mobile food pantry is held in Windsor, Sullivan and Lovington. You may only get food at one location. Choose the location closest to your residence. Registration is required by June 7. To register sign up at Christ’s Pantry during their open hours: May 18 from 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm, June 1 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm and June 15 from 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm or call the church office at 217-873-4692 and leave a message. Someone will return your call.

Grant Awarded

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•May 10, 2023•

The Moultrie County State’s Attorney’s Office has been notified that it has been awarded a grant of $15,000 for FY 2024. Victims of Violent Crimes Assistance grant funds are managed by the Attorney General’s Office and are awarded to various community service programs who provide assistance to victims of crime. The Moultrie County State’s Attorney’s Office utilizes this award to fund the Victim Witness Coordinator position within the office. The grant is funded by fees paid by defendants and is not taxpayer supported. This is the third consecutive year this grant has been awarded to the State’s Attorney’s Office.

Master Gardeners Announce Annual Plant Sale

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•May 3, 2023•
Master Gardeners are excited to announce their annual spring plant sale is back at Garden Fest. They will be selling a variety of plants at Lytle Park, Mattoon on Saturday, May 13, 2023, from 9 am-12 pm. Our knowledgeable Master Gardeners will be available throughout the morning to address your yard and garden questions and give you suggestions for planting, pruning, and landscaping.
This year we will feature a limited amount of fun hostas to add to your shaded landscapes including Blue Mouse Ears, Island Breeze, and Shadowland Whee just to name a few. Limited quantities of beautiful 10” and 14” hanging baskets will include assortments of petunias, impatiens, and geraniums. These baskets would make wonderful Mother’s Day gifts. We recommend arriving early for the best color selection – these will sell out. Read More

Leonardo Music Entertains Students

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Photo by Crystal Reed
Leonardo Music Entertains Students
Leonardo Music out of Chicago entertained children at the Sullivan United Methodist Church. The concert was made possible by Moultrie County Baby Talk.