10 everyday habits that secretly increase stress
•August 5, 2026•

by Lauren Edwards

Community Outreach Coordinator at Virginia Recovery Centers

August is National Wellness Month, a time dedicated to prioritizing healthy habits and finding ways to improve overall well-being. While many people associate stress with major life events, such as work pressures, financial challenges, or personal struggles, everyday habits can also quietly contribute to feelings of tension, exhaustion, and burnout.

The good news is that small changes can make a meaningful difference. By recognizing common behaviors that may be increasing stress levels, it becomes easier to replace them with healthier routines that support mental, emotional, and physical wellness. Here are 10 everyday habits that may be adding unnecessary stress to your life (and what you can do instead).

1. Using alcohol to relax after a long day

More About Cowpens
•August 5, 2026•

by Janey Roney

Cowpens...what a strange name! It’s a town in northwestern South Carolina. During colonial times, cattle were gathered, pastured, and branded there. The Battle of Cowpens was fought there during the Revolutionary War in January of 1781 and was a resounding victory of Col. Daniel Morgan’s Patriot American militias over the British regular army led by Maj. Banastre Tarleton. It was one of the most significant American victories in the southern theater of the Revolutionary War and led to our victory at Yorktown. Our James Patterson, one of three Revolutionary War veterans buried in Moultrie, was there.  

One of James Patterson’s descendants, Andrew Patterson, wrote about his ancestor’s participation in the Battle of Cowpens in his book, The Love of a Father; Memoirs of Clyde Patterson Sr.  

2016

Father John Sohm spent years bicycling around town while serving the families at St. Columcille Parrish in Sullivan for over 20 years. This week, Father Sohm took on a new role at St. Columcille as Pastor Emeritus.

Sullivan IGA held a 4 Day Meat Sale featuring 80% ground beef for $2.49 lb and boneless half pork loins for $1.79 lb.

Logan Corrie of Windsor won the Grand Champion in Kids Forms at the KTA Mid Illinois Taekwondo Invitational.

•July 29, 2026•

The Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) has published the 2026 prevailing wage rates for construction trades in every county across Illinois.

The updated rates took effect Wednesday, July 15, 2026, following IDOL’s annual statewide survey conducted in June pursuant to the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act.

The Act requires workers on publicly funded construction and infrastructure projects to be paid wages that reflect local standards. By ensuring workers receive locally prevailing wages, the law helps protect good-paying jobs, promotes fair competition among contractors, and keeps taxpayer investments supporting Illinois workers and communities.

•July 29, 2026•

Inhale. Exhale. Repeat. When was the last time you took a truly deep, refreshing breath without a second thought? If you or a loved one are tired of feeling winded, local seniors and veterans are invited to take a breather from their routine and catch a wave of great health tips. Senior Education Ministries, Inc. is bringing its high-energy Dine with a Doc^® program to town on Tuesday, August 4, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Moultrie County Senior Center.