•January 21, 2026•

In 2025, Safe Families for Children of East Central Illinois, under the Direction of Kimberly Cullen, continued its mission of keeping children safe and families together by surrounding them with compassionate and community-based support. 

•January 21, 2026•

The Moultrie-Douglas 4-H program recently celebrated the success of its recent Douglas County Courthouse tour and mock trial, led by Sheriff Nathan Chaplin and assisted by Deputy Adam Brazzell. Twenty-seven local 4-H youth participated in the interactive trial, “The Case of the Missing Champion Ribbon,” gaining hands-on experience in civics and public government while learning about the judicial process.

Upcoming 4-H events for youths:

•January 21, 2026•

During Radon Action Month, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS), along with the American Lung Association in Illinois, encourage families and schools to discuss radon and its harmful effects. One way to spur the conversation is to ask school-age students to enter artwork into the statewide awareness poster and video contests. “Radon is an invisible threat that poses a very real danger to our communities. As the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, it’s critical that we continue raising awareness and encouraging proactive testing,” said IEMA-OHS Director Ted Berger. “The creativity and passion we see in these student contests are truly inspiring. When young people take the lead in educating others through their creativity, they help shape a healthier future for generations to come.”

•January 21, 2026•

Straight A Honor Roll: Seniors: Riane Bear, Danica Bell, Kate Bushue, Anyssa Coffer, Emily Crosier, Mae Dawkins, Logan Fleener, Meriem Garrett, Jenna Herschberger, Josie Herschberger, Johnathan Iacobazzi, Landon Jesse, Kharli Kelly, Evan Loy, Lillian Moxley, Devon Richardson, Marshall Robison, Gabriella Rubush, Caden Saul, Madilyn Shonkwiler, Carson Swinford, Jnai Webb, Kolton Wiley, Nevaeh Wilson, Drew Woolen, and Tristan Wright. Juniors: Adalyn Cruitt, Mya Dyer, Gracelyn Johnson, Emma Lawrence, Ellie Lehman, Grant Martin, Julia Moody, Kaylee Smith, and Gavin Wade. Sophomores: Weslee Allen, Madeline Anderson, Piper Conlin, David Eaton, Gavin Finn, Alexander Fultz, Carter Honchell, William Miller, Joanna Rickelman, and Andrew Toner. Freshmen: Dallas Brey, Tenley Campbell, Emma Drake, Asher Hendry, Addyson Martinez, Tenley Stollard, Karen Szachnitowski, Hannah Taylor, Easton Wickline, and Jillian Woods.