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4-H youth shine: multi-county public speaking 

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•March 25, 2026•

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Pictured left to right are Moultrie-Douglas 4-H speech competition participants Jenna Welsh, Sophia Horst, Connor Swango, and University of Illinois Communications Professor and competition Judge, Laura Stengrim.

Confidence took center stage as youth from Cumberland, Douglas, and Moultrie counties gathered for the Multi-County 4-H Public Speaking Contest, held at the Sarah Bush Lincoln Education Center on Saturday, March 21st.  Three outstanding Moultrie-Douglas youth stepped up to the microphone, showcasing their communication skills, creativity, and courage. 

Moultrie-Douglas participants included Jenna Welsh, member of the Arthur Prairie Dogs 4-H Club, Connor Swango, member of the Arcola Purple Ribbon Riders 4-H Club, and Sophia Horst, member of the Moultrie-Douglas Emerging Leaders 4-H Club. Each participant demonstrated poise and strong presentation abilities in their respective categories. Jenna Welsh earned Champion in Illustrated Beginner Speech, with Connor Swango receiving Reserve Champion in the same category. In the advanced division, Sophia Horst was named Champion in Illustrated Speech Advanced.

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HS swim team banquet celebration of successes

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•March 25, 2026•

The High School Swim Team held its annual banquet on March 23rd at the Sullivan Country Club, celebrating a successful year in and out of the pool. The team competes in the highly competitive Sectional meet in Champaign, facing more than 24 schools from across the region.

The girls’ season, which takes place in November, is celebrated alongside the boys’ season at the combined spring banquet. This year, Juniors Emerson Risley and Cadence Schmohe were honored with the Most Improved Award. Both swimmers proved versatile across multiple events, and each scored 14 points at Sectionals. Senior Emily Crosier received recognition as High Point Scorer with 25 points and served as Team Captain. Crosier also broke two school records this season in the 200 Individual Medley and the 500 Freestyle.

For the boys’ team, Charles Guyot, a freshman, earned Most Improved, finishing an impressive fifth place at Sectionals. Nathan Rafferty led the boys as High Point Scorer with 24 points, while Grant Martin was selected as Team Captain. The boys’ relay team of Rafferty, Martin, Henry Woolery, and Guyot also delivered strong performances, capturing 4th place in the 200 Medley Relay and 5th place in the 200 Freestyle Relay.

The banquet highlighted dedication, teamwork, and record-breaking achievements, closing out another memorable season for the High School Swim Team.

Lovington Easter egg hunt

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•March 25, 2026•

The Lovington Park Board will hold its annual Easter egg hunt on April 12th at the Lovington Grade School.

At 12:00 p.m., there will be a free lunch provided consisting of hot dogs, chips, cookies, and drinks. At 1:00 p.m., the hunt begins.

 Magoody’s Coffee truck will be on site for coffee and treats to purchase.

Disaster prep essentials

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•March 25, 2026•

by DM Williamee

Living in tornado alley poses its own unique set of challenges. Thunderstorms, hail, high winds, flooding, and of course, tornadoes. Preparation is also a vital component of personal safety, particularly in relation to natural disasters. Knowledge of storms and weather-related events can be lifesaving, and various government agencies encourage adults and children alike to learn what they can do to stay safe should a storm strike. But it’s equally vital to personal safety to assemble a disaster supplies kit. Ready.gov, the official website of the United States Department of Homeland Security, recommends individuals gather and maintain the following items as part of a basic emergency supply kit, which should be stored in your family’s designated safe place. The following items are highly recommended to have in case disaster strikes;

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Drought lawncare: conservation

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•March 25, 2026•

by DM Williamee

With increasing instances of drought and water shortages affecting communities across the country, and now with a formal declaration here in Sullivan, homeowners are faced with the challenge of maintaining their lawns while adhering to water usage restrictions and avoiding costly fines. Below are some strategies to keep your lawn as healthy and sustainable as possible.

Choose a drought-resistant seed variety. Select and plant grass species that are naturally more drought-tolerant. Varieties such as Bermuda grass, Buffalo grass, and Zoysia grass are known for their ability to withstand dry conditions with minimal water. 

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Illinois spring trout season opens April 4th

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•March 25, 2026•

The 2026 Illinois spring trout fishing season will open Saturday, April 4th, at 58 ponds, lakes, and streams throughout the state. An early opportunity at select trout sites – the spring catch-and-release fishing season – opened Saturday, March 21. No trout may be kept during the catch-and-release period, but anglers can keep trout after the opening of the regular season, beginning April 4th. The daily harvest limit for each angler is five trout.

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Dementia-Friendly: A Moultrie County designation

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•March 25, 2026•

By Angela Hogan

Administrator of the MCHD

What does Dementia Friendly Moultrie County mean to our residents, communities, and our county? Being designated as a dementia-friendly county is more than just a title. It means our communities, businesses, organizations, and residents support an environment where individuals experiencing cognitive decline can live with dignity, connection, and purpose. 

Characteristics of a dementia-friendly community: The following two key characteristics are typical of a dementia-friendly community: awareness and understanding. Community members need to know what dementia is, recognize its signs, and respond with patience and respect. In Moultrie County, training sessions are available for businesses, churches, public workers, and the general population.

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Obituaries 3-25-2026: Roger Daily

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Roger Daily

Roger Daily, 85, of Sullivan, passed away 9:26 p.m. Monday, March 16, 2026 at Willow Breeze Hospice House, Mattoon.

There will be no services or visitation. Memorials are suggested to the Sullivan First Christian Church. Reed Funeral Home, Sullivan is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to the family at reedfuneralhome.net.

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