•August 20, 2025•

by Angela Hogan, R.N. 

MSPH, Administrator of the  Moultrie County Health  Department

The WIC and Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) connects women, children, and seniors with fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, and herbs through participating farmers’ markets. The program operates during the summer months until September 30, 2025. Eligible participants can enjoy healthy, seasonal produce while supporting local farmers. 

What is the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program? The FMNP is a statewide initiative with two main goals. First, to improve nutrition for women, children, and seniors: Participants receive coupons to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs from authorized farmers’ market vendors. Second, to support local farmers and family farms. The program increases sales at farmers’ markets, encouraging growth and diversity in Illinois agriculture. 

•August 20, 2025•

Kala Cesar and Jeannie Ruppert attended the Psi Iota Xi National Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana, June 27th through 29th. The theme for the convention was “Share the Past, Experience our Future,” which celebrated the accomplishments of the Psi Iota Xi, led by Mickie Hansen, National President. 

•August 20, 2025•

by DM Williamee

This reporter has conducted additional research on the “Get Covered Illinois” (GCI) program, slated this November to replace “Healthcare.gov,” also referred to as the “Health insurance Marketplace,” which approximately 466,000 Illinoisans used for their health insurance needs in 2025. Those who purchase their insurance through “Healthcare.gov” do not have the option to continue with that program. “Get Covered Illinois” is the State of Illinois replacement.

Like many policies, “Get Covered Illinois” premiums can be impacted by factors such as age, tobacco use, and location. How these factors will be determined and to what degree they will impact premiums is currently unknown and may vary by carrier.

Recent changes in federal policy may result in double-digit premium increases for many Illinoisans, due to the expiration of Enhanced Premium Tax Credits. While some tax credits will still be available for those who qualify, the amount will be smaller, driving up insurance costs for enrollees.

•August 20, 2025•

Submitted

The second of two “Broadway Boot Camps” with 30 children per session (the first held at The Little Theatre on the Square earlier this summer) was held August 4th-9th, at the First Christian Church in Sullivan, and was supported by the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation with a $5,000 grant. The instructors were Heather Dore Johnson and Zach Smith

The camp was a weeklong musical theatre experience for kids entering 1st through 5th grade. It was a high-energy, fun, and gives young performers the chance to learn songs, choreography, and basic stage skills in a welcoming environment. The focus was on music, choreography, and performance with a themed structure each day. Because of the grant, The Little Theatre was able to offer a second week of camp this year to meet demand.

Per Grant Wade, “We’re really proud to support this kind of opportunity for local kids - programs like this make a huge difference in our community by giving young people a creative outlet and a boost in confidence.”

•August 20, 2025•

Submitted

Lake Shelbyville‘s Tree Stand Policy for this year will remain the same as it was last season. The policy allows hunters to leave one stand up for the season (“Seasonal Tree Stand”) and/or utilize up to two “Roving” stands that can be left up during archery season for a period not to exceed a break in use greater than 72 hours – the length of a 3-day weekend. Seasonal tree stands may be placed 2 weeks before archery season and must be removed within 2 weeks of archery season ending. Archery season runs from October 1st, 2025, through January 18th, 2026.