•February 16, 2022•
With statewide COVID-19 hospitalization rates declining faster than any other point in the pandemic, Illinois is on track to lift the statewide indoor mask requirement on Monday, February 28, 2022. Mask requirements will continue where federally mandated, such as on public transit and in high-risk settings including healthcare facilities and congregate care. Masking requirements will also continue to apply in all daycare settings. The state intends to continue masking requirements in P-12 schools subject to pending litigation which impacts a number of schools. As the CDC reaffirmed just today, masks remain a critical tool to keep schools safe and open. Read More

•February 16, 2022•
9th grade Straight A’s: Grey Brault, Annabelle Cheatham, Regan Coleman, Keegan Collins, Chase Creviston, Aly Douglass, Seth Forlines, Reese Nichols, Lindsey Ozier, Maddox Petrucha, Jorja Plummer, Ella Roley, Amelia Shonkwiler, Grady Sparks, Ivy Williams.
9th grade High Honorsa: Benjamin Brown, Zachary Duran, Hayden Foster, Cameron George, Ulrich Harshman, Robert Himes, Luke Jones, Jaylynne O’Dell, McKenna Phelps, Landyn Porter, Alex Ravellette, Carson Rucker, Reagan Russell, Parker Spellman.
9th grade Honors: Kalie Alsup, Rase Bennett, Chase Cole, Daisy Cribbet, Riely Duran, Jazmynn Hubbell, Destini Jacobs, Raeleigh Mills, Camden Mitchell, Sydney Reynolds, Alayna Roe, Julia Schrock, Autumn Shinn, Lydia Webner. Read More

•February 16, 2022•
Applications are now available for the 2022 Irrevocable Scholarship program which offers one $1,000 four year, annually renewable scholarship. The scholarship is open to high school seniors who will be graduating from public high schools in Moultrie County and high school seniors that are descendants of members in good standing of the Sullivan American Legion Post 68. You may request a copy of the application packet from your high school counselor, contact the Sullivan American Legion Post 68 at 217-728-4612 or Michael Keown, secretary, Irrevocable Scholarship Trust at 217-855-1949. Application deadline is March 23, 2022.

•February 16, 2022•
The upcoming 12th annual Spring into Gardening event will offer gardening education speakers, a silent auction, and a sales booth to help community members start the growing season.
The University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners of Coles, Cumberland, Douglas, Moultrie and Shelby counties will present this workshop from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, March 5 at Broadway Christian Church, 1205 S. Ninth St., in Mattoon. The doors will open at 8 a.m. for check-in. The cost for the event is $30 per person, including resources and refreshments.
Master Gardener volunteers plan and present Spring into Gardening each year to provide a continuing education opportunity for area gardeners, homeowners, and landowners. In addition, revenue from the event helps these volunteers present workshops and other learning opportunities to the community throughout the year. Read More

•February 16, 2022•
With thousands of Illinoisans missing out on the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and state Earned Tax Credit (EIC) each tax season, Governor JB Pritzker is reminding qualifying taxpayers to take advantage of these benefits.
“The Earned Income Tax Credit is a huge benefit and puts thousands of dollars in the pockets of low to moderate income families each year,” Governor JB Pritzker said. “Even if an individual does not owe any taxes, they may still be eligible for the credit and receive critical funding that can be used for bills and necessities.” Read More