Comets and “Cousin” Tecumseh
•January 28, 2026•

by Janet Roney

The term “peaceful” is seldom used to describe the Kickapoo tribe in history, for it was one of the most warlike tribes in Illinois and western Indiana. Yet, the 1881 history of our county said the Native Americans (the Kickapoo) living here when the first settlers arrived in Moultrie in the 1820s were peaceful.

Although some Kickapoo helped George Rogers Clark retake Vincennes from the British during the Revolutionary War, forty years before, they generally supported the British against the Americans after the war. They also helped Tecumseh unify the tribes of the Northwest Territory against the Americans.

2016

Dick’s Pharmacy, a well-known establishment on Vine Street in Arthur, recently came under the ownership of Cindi Reed, who owns the Oakwood Apothecary in Sullivan. It’s part of an expansion of her business, Reed Pharmacies, LLC. “We closed on it on November 2nd,” Reed said.” In June of last year, I got wind that Dick’s was on the market again.”

Objections to presidential candidates’ petitions will delay official general primary ballot release past the first day of voting in Illinois, February 4th. Moultrie County Clerk, Georgia England, announced the presidential candidates’ petition objections to the State Board of Elections are not anticipated to be resolved before the first day of voting in the general primary election, since the names on the questioned petitions will have to undergo individual review.

•January 21, 2026•

A new law requiring guns to be locked up in Illinois’ homes and mandating lost or stolen firearms be reported within 48 hours took effect January 1, 2026. Signed by the Illinois Governor in July 2025, this law mandates secure storage unless the firearm is under the owner’s direct control, aiming to prevent accidental shootings, suicides, and intentional harm. 

•January 21, 2026•

The Illinois Department on Aging has released EngAging Illinois: A Comprehensive Plan for Living Well, a landmark multisector plan addressing the needs of older adults and caregivers. The plan establishes a decade-long blueprint to ensure the growing population of older Illinoisans can live dignified, engaged, productive, and meaningful lives at every stage of life. “EngAging Illinois embodies the engagement and thoughtful people from across Illinois, representing the best of our state,” said the Governor. “This bold plan reflects the priorities of the people we serve and the role that state government should play in creating an age-friendly Illinois. We all want to be part of a thriving, multigenerational society, and EngAging Illinois is a smart, strong step in that direction.”

•January 21, 2026•

The Illinois Department of Transportation is reminding drivers about roadway and plow safety during the winter months, particularly when sharing the roadways with snowplows. 

Don’t crowd the plow. Don’t follow a plow or stop too closely to it. Snow plows move slowly, make wide turns, stop often, overlap lanes, and exit the road frequently. De-icer spread by the snowplow could hit your vehicle. Snow clouds thrown up by plows can reduce visibility to zero and conceal other vehicles and hazards. An operator’s field of vision is restricted. If you cannot see them, they cannot see you. Stay at least five car lengths behind the snow plow. The roadway behind an active plow is safer to drive on. Stay behind it and use caution when passing.