•October 7, 2020•
IAHCE (Illinois Association Home, Community and Education) or a few years ago known as Home Extension is celebrating their week October 11-17. IAHCE is a volunteer organization group working to improve the quality of life for families and communities through leadership development, volunteer service and education.
The office for Moultrie-Douglas counties is in Arthur at 304 E. Progress, east of the Community Center. Cheri Burcham is our education leader in charge of the program. Read More

•October 7, 2020•
The 3 W’s still apply – Wash your hands. Watch your distance. Wear your mask.
As we head into the holiday season, starting with Halloween, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is issuing guidance to help people celebrate safely as we continue to battle the COVID-19 pandemic. Guidelines include following the 3 W’s – Wash your hands. Watch your distance. Wear your mask.
“One of the hallmarks of holidays and celebrations is gathering with friends, family and loved ones,” said IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike. “We are still in a pandemic, and unfortunately, this year, that means the safest way to celebrate is to stay home and plan virtual gatherings. That said, IDPH recognizes that some who will choose to gather together anyway, and instead of denying that reality, we are issuing guidance and recommendations for safer ways to celebrate together in person. Remember, we know what our best tools are: wearing our masks, keeping our distance, limiting event sizes, washing your hands, and looking out for public health and each other.”
If you think you could have COVID-19 or have been exposed to someone who has COVID-19, do not participate in any in-person Halloween activities. Read More

Submitted photo
Avery and Oliver Florey leave the Okaw Valley Orchard with their Slushie and apple courtesy of the Orchard and Moultrie County Ag in the Classroom.

•October 7, 2020•
Submitted by Stephanie Naylor

Despite the many changes this year due to the Covid pandemic, Moultrie County Ag in the Classroom continues lessons for area elementary students. Coordinator Stephanie Naylor decided to think outside the box and provide a lesson to the students in September as well as partner with some area businesses this fall to promote education as well as business opportunities. Read More

•October 7, 2020•
By Ted Walk
Sullivan CUSD #300

As Sullivan Schools planned for the return of students during the summer, no one knew exactly what this fall would look like. While there are still a number of unknowns, it is clear that In-Person learning is going better than many people expected. We have approximately 90% of our students who have chosen In-Person instruction, with about 10% of students choosing our Remote Learning option.
After seven weeks of In-Person instruction, we have 0.07% of students and 0.00% of staff currently positive for Covid-19. There are also 0.87% of students and 0.00% of staff at home per Illinois Department of Public Health guidelines for possible exposure. Read More

•September 30, 2020•

On October 5 at 2:00 PM, Cheri Burcham, Family Life Educator for the University of Illinois Extension, will be facilitating “Wits Fitness Brain Exercise Class” virtually using the videoconferencing platform Zoom. Wits Fitness is designed to help participants exercise their brains to maintain and enhance cognitive function and memory. This class has been happening monthly in several locations for many years, but due to the pandemic, must be delivered virtually at this time. There is no cost to attend, but those interested must contact Burcham by e-mail at cburcham@illinois.edu to receive the instructions to log into the class. Read More