•May 6, 2026•
On May 19th at 6:00 p.m., the Moultrie County Historical and Genealogy Society (MCHGS) in Sullivan will be presenting the first in a series of workshops to help build research, documentation, and organizational skills to build a family genealogical history. Each session will introduce practical strategies, essential tools, and resources.
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•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.
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•May 6, 2026•
Story times are every Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. The bounce house will be available after the story and craft.
Every Monday at 9:00 a.m., the ETML hosts a Memory Café. This is a social gathering for individuals with dementia and their caregivers. Get helpful information and support from others who also have loved ones who struggle with memory loss.
Crochet Group is on Tuesdays, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Join fellow crafters to learn new stitches and patterns in a relaxed, welcoming setting. Beginners and experienced crochet artists are welcome. Those interested in learning how to crochet should contact Michelle or Laura in advance.
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•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.
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Okaw Valley High School’s Prom was held on April 25th at the Mt. Zion Conventions Center. Reese Bruns was crowned Queen, and Ames Drollinger King.
Okaw Valley Softball senior night was held on April 30th. Girls honored were Lena Hildebrandt (German Foreign Exchange Student), Gracie Plummer, Ava Harshman and Riley Gentzyel.
•May 6, 2026•
LLC has announced its 2026 ‘Teens With Tools Summer Camps’ for 2026. From hands-on building projects and creative art experiences to career exploration and skill-building adventures, these camps are designed especially for Jr. High students who are ready to learn, try something new, and have a blast while doing it. Whether your student loves to create, build, explore, or discover future career paths, there’s something for everyone. Each camp is led by passionate instructors who are ready to inspire confidence, creativity, and curiosity in every camper. Benefits of the camp include making new friends, learning real-world skills, and building confidence that lasts beyond the summer camp experience. Spots will fill quickly, so register at https://learn.lakelandcollege.edu/, select ‘Youth Programs’, then select “Teens with Tools’. Here you can access all of the summer camps on offer, dates, number of openings left, any fees associated with the camp, and register your teen for the camp of their choice.
•May 6, 2026•
by Sharon Barricklow
Recent rains notwithstanding, Sullivan water users are still under water restrictions as drought conditions continue in Central Illinois. Sullivan City Council member Chuck Woodworth said last Monday night that the area remains under drought conditions. “I know we’ve had a lot of rain, but down deep, there’s still drought,” he said. Woodworth said Sullivan is taking steps to address water shortages with a test well in a new location looking very promising for the city. “We’ll be building on that,” he said.
He also thanked the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers for posting notices about water restrictions at the Forrest “Bo” Woods campground. “They’ve been very considerate and good to work with,” he said. Mayor Mike Mossman said working with the Corps benefited the city. “We draw a lot of visitors each summer from the lake,” Mossman said. “The campground generates a lot of revenue for the community.”
Read MoreJonathan L. Lindley, Alamo Defender, Part 2
•May 6, 2026•
by Janet Roney
Last week, I left you with some questions. What was 22-year-old Jonathan L. Lindley, grandson of our first Moultrie pioneer John S. Whitley, doing at the Alamo in Texas in 1836? Wasn’t good old Moultrie County good enough for him? He was engaged to be married soon, so why did he go to the Alamo, knowing full well he probably was not going to survive? Let’s review some Whitley-Lindley family and early Texas history.
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•May 6, 2026•
by DM Williamee
The BEACON (Behavioral Health Care and Ongoing Navigation) system, designed for Illinois youth mental health services, officially launched in January 2025. This centralized portal was developed by the Illinois Children’s Behavioral Health Transformation Initiative and Google Cloud to streamline access to care across multiple state agencies. It is currently fully operational and was rolled out to system partners, including the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS-manages health benefits and state-funded programs), the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), and the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice (IDJJ).
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