•July 22, 2026•
The Arthur-Atwood Lions Club will present the 5th Annual Tractor and “Bragging Rights” Truck pull set for Friday, July 31, at 6:00 p.m. during the Moultrie-Douglas County Fair in Arthur.
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Sullivan school board approves tentative budget, property purchases
•July 22, 2026•
by Jamie Crosier
At its board meeting held Monday evening, July 13, the Sullivan Community Unit School District No. 300 Board of Education approved a tentative budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year, giving the district an initial financial framework while officials await final state funding figures expected later this summer.
Superintendent Dr. Ted Walk said the tentative budget is intended to provide a general outline for the coming year. Because the district has not yet received its state funding allocations, a more complete budget with updated revenue projections will be presented for board approval in September.
The board unanimously approved the tentative budget.
Capital projects included in the tentative budget primarily focus on the district’s track project, though Walk said transportation-related projects may be added before the final budget is adopted. Updated figures related to payments for the new high school are expected to be included in the September budget as well.
The board approved the purchase of two residential properties to support future transportation operations.
Read MoreMoultrie-Douglas Contestants
The Moultrie-Douglas County Fair Pageant will be held Monday, July 27th at 6:00 p.m. for Little Miss Fair Queen and 7:00 p.m. for Miss and Junior Miss Fair Queen located at the south track on the Mo-Do Fairgrounds. Vying for the title of Miss Moultrie Douglas Fair Queen are: Abigail Meyer of Tuscola, Addee Mulligan of Arcola, Sarah Rogers of Atwood, Ava Whitson of Tuscola, Addisyn Wilson of Villa Grove, Emma Spillman of Tuscola, Aymara Leal of Arcola and Katilyn Kirby of Sullivan.
Vying for the title of Jr Miss Moultrie-Douglas are: Harper Hale of Arthur, Brooklyn Bates of Sullivan, Sofie Reifsteck of Tuscola, Sophia Wilson of Arcola, Miley Rennels of Tuscola, Ava Warren of Sullivan, Tatum Faust of Pesotum, Maggie Meyer of Tuscola and Audrey Warren of Sullivan, pictured 2025 Jr Miss Moultrie-Douglas Quinn Chapman of Villa Grove.
Vying for the title of Little Miss Moultrie-Douglas are: Everleigh Allen of Tuscola, Emelia Shelmadine of Tuscola, Arabella Butterick of Arthur, Josslyn Leigh Brown of Sullivan, Athalia Juliet Sanchez of Arcola, Myla Ro Oye of Arthur, Sophie Elliott of Sullivan, Rosie Smith of Villa Grove, Tinley Eads of Arthur, Alayna Guadiana of Arcola and Alexandria Brackemyre of Lovington, pictured with 2025 Little Miss Moultrie-Douglas Joslynn Steffens of Tuscola.
95th Moultrie-Douglas County Fair set
•July 22, 2026•
The 95th Moultrie-Douglas County Fair will celebrate its milestone year July 26 through Aug. 2 at the fairgrounds in Arthur, offering a full week of livestock shows, carnival rides, pageants, entertainment, motorsports and family-friendly activities.
The fair officially opens Sunday, July 26, with the Sheep Show at 10:00 a.m., followed by the Goat Show at 2:00 p.m. and a community church service at 6:00 p.m.
Livestock competition continues throughout the week, beginning Monday with the 4-H Poultry Show at 5:00 p.m. and the 4-H Rabbit, Small Pets and Cat Show at 6:00 p.m. Monday evening also features the opening of the carnival from 6:00-10:00 p.m. with a ticket special, followed by the Little Miss Pageant at 6:00 p.m. and the Miss and Junior Miss Pageant at 7:00 p.m.
Read MoreWhy Back-to-School immunizations matter
Act now to help your child stay current on immunizations
•July 22, 2026•
by Angela Hogan
As families anticipate another new school year, student registration and shopping for required supplies often top the to-do list. In addition, parents and guardians in Illinois need to ensure their student is up to date with the minimum required vaccines.
Protect Your Child
Vaccines work by helping the body’s immune system recognize and fight certain diseases before they can cause serious illness. Children who are vaccinated are less likely to become sick or suffer serious health consequences from vaccine-preventable illnesses. This not only reduces the risk of missed school days but also provides your child with enhanced immunity, all day, every day.
Read MoreBraxton Keith headlines Moultrie-Douglas County Fair
•July 22, 2026•
Braxton Keith, known for his modern take on country and his roots in Texas Honky Tonks, will be the headliner for the 2026 Moultrie-Douglas County Fair. The concert is set for Saturday, August 1 at the fairgrounds in Arthur. Braxton’s energetic shows and fresh spin on tradition have earned him a fast-growing fanbase. His single, “Cozy” is featured on major playlists, and his vibrant live performance is sure to be a highlight at this year’s fair.
Read MoreSullivan softball player earns championship game MVP honor
•July 22, 2026•
by Jamie Crosier
Fourteen-year-old Kylie Wickline is bringing home more than a championship as she prepares for her freshman year of high school.
Wickline, who plays for the Mattoon Pride 14U SG travel softball team, was selected as the Championship Game MVP by the opposing team during the USSSA Fastball Fireworks & Freedom tournament over the Fourth of July weekend.
The recognition came after opposing coaches selected one player for the honor. Wickline said she was surprised when her name was announced.
“I didn’t think it was going to be me at first because all of my teammates did great that game,” Wickline said. “When my name was called, I was very excited and happy that everybody was supporting me when I got it.”
Read MoreRemembering Who We Are………
Isaac Waggoner, Moultrie County Patriot
•July 22, 2026•
by Janey Roney
Moultrie County can be proud that we have Revolutionary War veterans buried in our soil, even though our first pioneers did not arrive until five decades after we declared independence from England. Isaac Waggoner, from South Carolina, was one of those Revolutionary War veterans.
Isaac’s service may have been inspired by his own father, Hans, who was an immigrant from either Holland or Germany. Hans had fourteen children by five different wives. He was a man of action who fought Cherokee Indians and built Wagner Fort in 1760 where Isaac was born a year later.
Read MoreObituaries 7-22-2026: Terry Warren
Terry Warren
Terry P. Warren, 85, of Sullivan, passed away 12:00 Noon, Friday, July 18, 2026 in his residence.
Read MoreObituaries 7-22-2026: David Tipsword
David Tipsword
David Edward Tipsword, 71, of Mattoon, passed away July 12 at the Mattoon Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center.
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