Madonna Nees
Madonna Marie (Watkins) Nees, 83, of Sullivan, passed away 5:04 a.m. on Sunday, August 31, 2025, at St. Mary’s Hospital, Decatur.
Read MoreObituaries 9-3-2025: Madonna Nees
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Obituaries 9-3-2025: Richard Hortenstine
Richard Hortenstine
Richard Charles Hortenstine (59) of Gays, IL passed away on August 28th, 2025 at Sarah Bush Lincoln Hospital. Richard was born August 31st, 1965, in Mattoon, IL and was the son of Theodore “Ted” Lee and Annetta May (Walker) Hortenstine. He graduated from Sullivan High School in 1983. Following high school, he graduated from Lake Land College in 1985 where he studied Crop Production & Management. Richard spent most of his career in Ag Retail. His experience spanned from operating the application equipment to seed sales, and farmer interactions. He had a passion for helping people and never knew a stranger.
Read MoreA Look Back…9-3-2025
2015
Not only was the Moultrie County Courthouse receiving some repairs and restoration, but the square around it was getting repaved, as discussed by the Sullivan City Council at their last meeting. According to Commissioner Ken Johnson, the courthouse square was paved thirty years ago with asphalt.
ALAH Knights volleyball started their match with Tuscola at Arthur High School strong, scoring twenty straight points in the first match. “I was extremely impressed with how the girls came out of the gates last night,” Knights Coach Emily Crossman said. Tuscola was able to rebound to overcome the Knights 25-20 in the first game and 25-11 in the second, leaving the varsity team with a 0-1 early-season record.
Read MoreCaregivers: Searching for Guidance and Support
MCHD offers Powerful Tools for Caregivers to support individuals
•September 3, 2025•
by Angela Hogan
The Moultrie County Health Department (MCHD) is pleased to sponsor a Powerful Tools for Caregivers curriculum at the Jonathan Creek Christian Church near Sullivan, IL. The six-week course will be offered from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. every Wednesday beginning September 24th through October 29th. Powerful Tools for Caregivers is an evidence-based program that focuses on the special needs of caregivers for persons living with dementia. During the six-week curriculum, caregivers learn new ways to identify and address the physical, mental, and emotional stresses of caregiving.
Who are the Caregivers?: Caregivers help individuals meet their daily needs. These needs may include assistance with household tasks, managing financial and personal affairs, or completing personal care needs such as bathing, meal preparation, and transportation.
Read MoreMoultrie County First Responders deliver supplies to area schools
•September 3, 2025•
by DM Williamee
Heroism takes many forms. On Friday, August 29th, Moultrie County First Responders from multiple agencies came together to deliver school supplies to elementary schools in Sullivan, Lovington, and Bethany. Born of an idea that three Moultrie County Sheriff’s Office Deputies had to develop a fundraiser for the kids, specifically; much-needed school supplies for the elementary schools in the county. From this, the First Responder’s “Guns and Hoses” softball game evolved, showing the support of all Moultrie County First Responders for their communities and the needs of its children.
Read MoreGrandparents’ Day celebration
•September 3, 2025•
Heritage Woods of Sullivan invites the families of our residents to join them for a heartwarming Grandparents Day Family Ice Cream Bar on Sunday, September 7th at 1:00 p.m. This special event is a chance to celebrate the incredible role grandparents play in everyone’s lives - offering wisdom, love, and a deep sense of family connection. Many cherish the time spent with them, and this gathering is all about honoring those moments together. Smiles and your sweet tooth are requested to enjoy an afternoon of ice cream, laughter, and family togetherness.
Sparrows Annual Toy Run
•September 3, 2025•
On September 27th at the Lovington American Legion beginning at 11:00 a.m., Sparrows Unlimited will begin their annual “Toy Run”. They will be leaving promptly at noon. All vehicles are welcome, and the sign-up fee is a new, unwrapped toy for children ages 0-18. The theme this year is “White T-Shirt Lies, with the best white lie winning.
Mid Illinois Senior Services: Bethany Visit
•September 3, 2025•
Mid Illinois Senior Services will be in Bethany at the Marrowbone Public Library on September 17th, from 9:00 a.m. until noon, assisting local seniors with the following services: License plate discounts for those that bring in their 2024 tax information and 1099’s (it’s income based); answering Medicare questions and concerns; if you are turning 65 soon, they offer assistance and can answer questions you may have; FOID applications/renewals, and more.
Contact Tawnya at (217) 728-8521 with questions or to set up an appointment.
Windsor family Skate Night
•September 3, 2025•
Windsor Elementary School’s PTO will be holding a Skate Night event for Windsor Elementary students and their families on September 6th from 3:30 to 6:00 p.m. at the Silver Skate Center in Mattoon. This event includes free entry and skate rental. Laser tag is $3.00, and both miniature golf and the arcade will be available. Silver Skate is located at 1505 US-45, Mattoon. Call Windsor Elementary School at (217) 459-2636 with any questions.
BASO car show draws crowds
•August 27, 2025•
On Saturday the 23rd, crowds gathered in the community of Bethany to enter and admire cars, trucks, and motorcycles of all years, makes, and models entered in the BASO car show. With a beautiful and balmy afternoon, it was the perfect day for a car show, as many in attendance commented. Entrants came from near and far for the opportunity to show their appreciation for the automobile and their craftsmanship in both restoration and showing. Both young and young at heart appreciated the wide array of beautiful autos being showcased. Awards are as follows:
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