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Heritage Woods Easter Eggstravaganza

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•March 18, 2026•

On Saturday, April 4th, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Heritage Woods of Sullivan will hold their annual Easter Eggstravaganza at 20 Courtyard Boulevard in Sullivan. This year’s free and family-friendly event will have, in addition to the Easter egg hunt, pony rides, trackless train rides, balloon animals, bounce houses, ‘Touch a Truck’ with the Sullivan Fire Department, and a kids’ bike raffle. Additionally, there will be an adult Easter basket raffle, food trucks, and a 50/50 raffle. All members of the community are invited to attend.

Honorable mention award

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Sullivan High School student Claire Kursell recently participated in the Central Illinois High School Art Exhibition at Millikin University. She received an honorable mention for her piece, “Bride of Frankenstein”. 

Springtime is fishing time: get your IL license 

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•March 11, 2026•

Illinois fishing licenses – among the most affordable in the nation – are now on sale for the 2026 season. Illinois fishing licenses and stamps for 2026 are available for purchase online and at department-authorized vendors. A standard, non-discounted resident fishing license costs $15. Licenses for the 2025 season remain valid through March 31. Anglers 16 and older must have a valid fishing license in Illinois. Exemptions apply to active-duty military personnel and people with disabilities.

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Redskins compete at power lifting meet

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The Redskin football athletes have been working hard in the weightroom this offseason, and last Saturday twelve of them competed at the Maroa-Forsyth Power Lifting Meet. The athletes competed within their weight classes in the bench press, squat, and power clean, as well as the vertical jump and timed flying 10 yard runs. Redskin competitors had a successful meet, setting 20 new personal records and earning several medals in their respective weight classes. 
Earning medals were: Collin Shain- 1st Squat 320 pounds, 3rd  Bench 235 pounds, Noah Bryant- 3rd Bench 280 pounds, Chet Ray- 3rd Squat 415 pounds, Braden Lucas- 1st 10 yard fly 19.9 mph, 3rd Clean 250 pounds and Keegan Newberry- 1st Squat 450 pounds, 2nd Bench 285. 

CEFS Food Pantry 61st celebration

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•March 11, 2026•

CEFS will celebrate its 61st birthday with birthday kit donations to the food pantries. During March, the food pantries are requesting donations of the following items to help make birthdays special for families when budgets are tight. All donations are appreciated.

March’s donation request: cake mix, canned icing, cans of soft drinks (lemon-lime, orange, strawberry, cola), 9x13 aluminum pans with lids, and birthday candles.

Moultrie County donations can be dropped off during business hours at the CEFS Food Pantry in Sullivan, located at 114 East Harrison Street. For more information, call (217) 728-7721.

Four Lady Redskins to All-Conference Teams

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•March 11, 2026•

by E. Scott England

The Lincoln Prairie Conference released names for their all-conference teams. Four Lady Redskins received recognition. Of those four, two found themselves on the first team all-conference. They were senior Aeralyn Thrasher and freshman Elin Watkins. Thrasher was a unanimous selection. On the first team nod, Coach Sheri McCain said, “Aeralyn and Elin both led us in scoring. Elin was also our leader in steals and deflections.”

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Sullivan softball has big plans for upcoming season

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•March 11, 2026•

by E. Scott England

Spring is in the air as evidenced by warmer weather and much needed rain showers. But while the temperature is still up and down, things are heating up on the north diamond in Sullivan. On that part of the map, the forecast is calling for more wins and a deeper dive into post-season play.

Last season, the Sullivan Lady Redskins missed a 20-game win season by just one game. Finishing 19-12, the ladies had a strong showing in post-season play, falling to Pana in the regional semifinals by just two runs. This season, returning five seniors with a load of talent joining them on the diamond, Sullivan is looking to expand on previous successes.

Head coach Valerie Denier, in her fourth season as head coach, has a positive outlook for the 2026 season. “We are looking to beat our win record of 20 wins and [are] also hoping for a conference and regional championship to bring back to the school and community this season.”

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Historic arms and crafts show

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•March 11, 2026•

The Prairieland Frontiersmen will be holding their 37th annual Historic Arms and Craft show on Friday, March 13th, from noon to 5:00 p.m., and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Sullivan American Legion, 8 East Strain Street in Sullivan. Traders and artisans representing colonial, fur trade, Civil War, and Indian War eras will have guns, knives, and accoutrements as well as clothing, jewelry, and other interesting items. Entry fee is $5, with those fifteen years of age and under free.

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WIC expands food options for families 

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•March 11, 2026•

by Angela Hogan

Administrator of the MCHD

When a family walks into the grocery store with WIC benefits, every choice matters. The foods they bring home shape the mealtime experiences that help children grow. That’s why the recent updates to the WIC program are such welcome news for families across Illinois. These changes give parents more flexibility, more culturally familiar options, and more ways to support healthy eating at home.

The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) announced these updates on February 25th, expanding the variety of nutritious foods available through WIC. For families in Moultrie County, the changes mean easier shopping, more choices that fit their preferences, and stronger nutritional support during pregnancy, infancy, and early childhood.

What ss WIC? WIC is a federal nutrition program that supports the health of pregnant women, postpartum and breastfeeding mothers, and infants and children under age five. The program provides monthly benefits for nutritious foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to health care and community services. More than 175,000 Illinois residents rely on WIC each month, making it one of the most impactful public health programs in the state.

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