•May 6, 2026•

by Angela Hogan

Administrator - Moultrie County Health Department

As the weather warms, more people spend time outdoors working in the yard, walking trails, gardening, fishing, and enjoying local parks. That also means greater exposure to ticks. Due to an unusually warm and wet March, ticks are already quite active in central and east-central Illinois. Preventing tick exposure is an important part of health maintenance. Throughout the United States, ticks can carry a variety of diseases, some of which can cause chronic and severe illness. A few simple precautions can help protect you, your children, and your pets from this unnecessary risk.

Jonathan L. Lindley, Alamo Defender, Part 2
•May 6, 2026•

by Janet Roney

Last week, I left you with some questions. What was 22-year-old Jonathan L. Lindley, grandson of our first Moultrie pioneer John S. Whitley, doing at the Alamo in Texas in 1836? Wasn’t good old Moultrie County good enough for him? He was engaged to be married soon, so why did he go to the Alamo, knowing full well he probably was not going to survive? Let’s review some Whitley-Lindley family and early Texas history.

•April 29, 2026•

The Mid-Illinois Senior Center is located at 113 E. Jefferson Street in Sullivan. The Peace Meal Senior Nutrition program lunch is served weekdays (except holidays) at 11:30 a.m. Call (217) 728-8521 for more information on the events below or the Peace Meal.

1st: 1:00 p.m. Pool tournament.

4th: Pedicures by Robin. Must call (217) 728-8521 to register.

5th: 10:00 a.m. Exercise, 11:00 a.m. Dine w/ Doc: Sleep specialist Rodney-free home-cooked meal.

6th: 1:00 p.m. Hand and Foot; Bridge.

7th: 10:00 a.m. Exercise class, 12:00 p.m. Birthday party, 12:30 p.m. Bingo w/the Beacon and Caregiver Support Group, and 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. Grandparents Support Group.

•April 29, 2026•

On Wednesday, April 22nd, the Mid Illinois Senior Services center in Sullivan held their annual ‘Spring Fling’ fashion show, highlighting some of the wardrobe selections from their Thrift Store located on the square. This year’s models were from Sullivan High School’s FCCLA program as well as the CEFS RSVP program. There was sass, class, and brass on the runway, from animal prints, florals and pastels, to fashionable shades, leathers, bling, and bomber jackets. The models strutted their stuff down the runway, showing off some of the finest fashion and accessories available for purchase at the thrift store, which supports MISS directly. 

MISS’ 2025’s year in review was equally impressive in reflecting how many seniors were served in the area, which reflects the ongoing support and wide variety of services offered for seniors. By no means all-inclusive, a quick snapshot of what MISS contributed to the senior population in 2025:

2016

David Bowers spent the better part of his life in Lovington, reaching out to touch someone. Even though he retired from family-owned Moultrie Independent Telephone Company at the end of March, he wasn’t going to stop being involved. “When you live a full life, life is fulfilling,” Bowers said, noting his retirement as vice president and plant supervisor gave him time to concentrate on other community needs.

Country Financial Representative Elizabeth Houser of Sullivan earned a position on the Insurance group’s Distinguished All-American team. Houser was among a select group of top Country Financial agency managers and financial representatives who qualified for the award.