•March 18, 2026•

On Thursday, April 9th, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., the community of Lovington will be holding its first of their seasonal Farmer’s Market in downtown Lovington. Items in the market will be fresh, local, and community-sourced. Items include farm fresh produce, homemade and baked goods, sweet treats, plants and flowers, and local crafts and handmade items. 

The market will be held on the second Thursday of each month, from April through August. Vendor space is available, with no fees. For those interested in becoming a vendor, call (217) 521-7623 for more information.

•March 18, 2026•

Lake Land College will hold its annual commencement ceremony on Friday, May 15th, in the campus Field House. Students who have or will finish their programs following completion of the Fall 2025, Spring 2026, and Summer 2026 semesters will be recognized at the ceremony. To ensure all graduates are able to have their loved ones attend the in-person ceremony, Field House admission on the day of commencement will be limited only to guests wearing wristbands. Each graduate will receive four wristbands to share with the guests of their choice. Graduates will be able to pick up their wristbands at the Admissions & Records Office in the Luther Student Center from May 11th through 15th. 

•March 18, 2026•

The Governor Richard J. Oglesby Mansion and Museum, located at 421 West William Street (Decatur), will be hosting an Open House on Sunday, March 29th (2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.). Tourists are encouraged to take pictures inside the home. Tours are hosted by volunteer docents, current and past members of the board of directors of the mansion. Suggested donation of $5 per adult and $2 per child. All donations go to maintain the contents of the museum. 

•March 18, 2026•

The Energy Assistance Foundation, through its Warm Neighbors Cool Friends (WNCF) program, partners with CEFS Economic Opportunity to provide energy bill payment assistance to eligible Ameren Illinois customers in Christian, Clay, Effingham, Fayette, Montgomery, Moultrie, and Shelby counties. In December 2025, Ameren Illinois contributed an additional $2 million to support Illinois households in 2026—ensuring more families can keep the lights on, stay warm in the winter, and cool in the summer. Through this program, eligible households may receive up to $500 in assistance during the heating season, and up to $400 during the cooling season.

•March 18, 2026•

Schlabach Farms LLC, Sullivan, is a new member of the American Angus Association®, reports Mark McCully, CEO of the national breed organization headquartered in Saint Joseph, Missouri. The American Angus Association, with more than 21,000 active adult and junior members, is the largest beef breed association in the world. Its computerized records include detailed information on over 21 million registered Angus.