•May 6, 2026•

Thirty-three 4-H members from Coles, Cumberland, Douglas, Moultrie, and Shelby counties gathered on April 18th at the Shelby County Fairgrounds for a multi-county Livestock Clinic and Skill-a-thon centered on hands-on learning, youth development, and the strength of community. Five Moultrie-Douglas 4-H members participated, including Hope Whitlow, Myles Gingerich, Aubrie Stenger, Joslynn Steffens, and Ellie Stewart. Guided by the 4-H motto “make the best better,” the event brought together families, volunteers, and agricultural partners who believe deeply in the power of community to lift up youth and help them develop their Livestock skills and knowledge. 

•May 6, 2026•

Lauren Edwards

Community Outreach Coordinator Virginia Recovery Centers

After a long, stressful day, it’s tempting to reach for a drink. For many, that glass of wine or cocktail can feel like a fast track to unwinding, taking the edge off, or briefly quieting anxious thoughts. It’s a ritual that’s widely normalized (and even encouraged). But this May Mental Health Awareness Month, it’s worth taking a closer look at the connection between alcohol and emotional well-being (and why self-medicating with alcohol often backfires).

As Community Outreach Coordinator at Virginia Recovery Centers (an alcohol and drug rehab in Virginia), I’ve seen how many of those I’ve worked with didn’t set out to rely on alcohol to cope; it simply became the easiest and most accessible tool. While it may offer short-term relief, using alcohol to manage emotions tends to create more challenges over time than it resolves. Here’s what to keep in mind.

Self-medicating isn’t about weakness or lack of willpower. It’s about trying to feel better with the tools available. Many people turn to alcohol to cope with anxiety, depression, chronic stress, burnout, or unresolved emotional pain. Alcohol works quickly and can create a temporary sense of relaxation, reduce social inhibition, and numb uncomfortable feelings. For someone who feels overwhelmed or emotionally exhausted, that relief can feel significant (and even necessary). But that relief is short-lived. 

•May 6, 2026•

by Angela Hogan

Administrator - Moultrie County Health Department

As the weather warms, more people spend time outdoors working in the yard, walking trails, gardening, fishing, and enjoying local parks. That also means greater exposure to ticks. Due to an unusually warm and wet March, ticks are already quite active in central and east-central Illinois. Preventing tick exposure is an important part of health maintenance. Throughout the United States, ticks can carry a variety of diseases, some of which can cause chronic and severe illness. A few simple precautions can help protect you, your children, and your pets from this unnecessary risk.