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Allied Capital Title donates to SBL Regional Cancer Center

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•December 17, 2025•

ACT representatives present a check to Regional Cancer Center Director Natasha Deters and staff.

Allied Capital Title (ACT) offices of Charleston, Mattoon, Shelbyville, Tuscola, and Sullivan recently donated $720 to the Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Foundation to support patients receiving care at the SBL Regional Cancer Center (RCC) who struggle to pay for costs associated with their care.

During the month of October, the offices donated a portion of ACT’s closing costs to the SBL Regional Cancer Center. Each office also collected other donations to contribute. ACT has donated a total $1,890 to the RCC in the past 3 years. “Allied Capital Title has generously donated to the SBL Regional Cancer Center over the years, and we are grateful for their continued support,” SBL Special Events Officer Kim Lockart said. 

For more information about donating to the SBL Regional Cancer Center, contact the SBL Health Foundation at 217-258-2511. 

Heart attack deaths spike during the winter holidays

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•December 17, 2025•

The winter holidays can turn deadly, as research shows that more people die from heart attacks during the last week of December than at any other time of the year. While being aware of the signs of a heart attack and taking steps to reduce your risk are important all year long, the American Heart Association, devoted to changing the future to a world of healthier lives for all, says that’s especially critical during the next few weeks. And, in rural communities, where EMS responses can be delayed and minutes matter, it’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms and seek treatment quickly.

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Carbon monoxide poisoning: a risk that increases in winter months

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•December 17, 2025•

Submitted by Moultrie County Health Department 

As the temperatures turn frigid, we close our windows and set our home thermostats higher. These everyday efforts to warm our homes during winter weather can increase our risk of poisoning from carbon monoxide (CO). Every year, exposure to CO will send more than 100,000 people to hospital emergency departments throughout the U.S., and more than 14,000 of those will require hospitalization. Sadly, more than 400 people die in the U.S. annually from accidental CO poisoning.

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CHS: an emerging health concern

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•December 17, 2025•

by DM Williamee

“Uh, his name is RAAAAAALPH, man.” - Richard Anthony Marin, as Cheech Marin in the 1978 film, “Up in Smoke.” While many find this scene funny, research has identified it as a real consequence of cannabis use. 

Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) is a condition characterized by recurrent episodes of severe nausea and vomiting in individuals who regularly consume cannabis. Initially identified in the early 2000s, CHS has gained increasing recognition as cannabis use has become more widespread, especially in states where both medicinal and recreational use have been legalized.

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Obituaries 12-17-2025: Raymond ‘Obie’ Dyer

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Raymond ‘Obie’ Dyer

Raymond O. ‘Obie’ Dyer, Jr., 80, of Sullivan, passed away at 9:53 a.m. on Saturday, December 13, 2025 in his residence.

A private family Celebration of Life service will be held at the Reed Funeral Home with Pastor Grant Wade officiating. There will be no visitation. Memorials are suggested to Moultrie County PAWS or the Sullivan First Christian Church. Online condolences may be sent to the family at reedfuneralhome.net.

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A Look Back…12-17-2025

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2015

The final Moultrie County Food Pantry delivery from Hydro-gear’s annual drive was made on Wednesday, December 9th. Hydro Gear employees not only responded with food donations but also generated substantial cash donations to help the food pantry.

The Lady Knights were too much for the Blue Devils, winning 62-47 in a December 10th home game. The Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond team got a slow start, scoring eight to Villa Grove’s fourteen points. At the end of the first half, the Lady Knights were down 28-18.

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First United Methodist sale-goodies galore!

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•December 17, 2025•

Photo by DM Williamee
Divas of deliciousness, pictured L-R: Susan Connor, Lois Shuman, Laura Elder, and Ann Wheeler.

Despite cold temps and a fresh snowfall, locals made their way to the Sullivan First United Methodist Church bake sale in Sullivan on December 12th. This annual event has been happening for so long, no one recalls when it first began. This sale has always been scheduled later in the holiday season to provide shoppers with a sweet last-minute gift-giving option as well as help those without time to bake to have the ability to serve fresh-baked holiday favorites to friends and family come Christmas. Patrons had the option of grabbing a take-out container and filling it with an even dozen of their favorite goodies, mix-and-match, and at suggested donation prices. Who doesn’t love options, especially when it comes to baked treats?

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Utility issues discussed at Sullivan City Council meeting

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by Sharon Barricklow

A drop in the aquifer that provides Sullivan with water and an increase in electrical rates were on the discussion table at Sullivan City Council at their December 8th meeting. Commissioner Chuck Woodworth, who oversees the city’s Water Department, said that drought conditions in East Central Illinois had depleted the aquifer the city wells use to provide water to Sullivan residents. “Our (water) recharge area is one of the largest in the state,” said Woodworth, who showed a map showing the aquifer running from north of Champaign to essentially southern Illinois. “It’s been in a drought condition, and that affects us.” 

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