•January 21, 2026•

During Radon Action Month, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS), along with the American Lung Association in Illinois, encourage families and schools to discuss radon and its harmful effects. One way to spur the conversation is to ask school-age students to enter artwork into the statewide awareness poster and video contests. “Radon is an invisible threat that poses a very real danger to our communities. As the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, it’s critical that we continue raising awareness and encouraging proactive testing,” said IEMA-OHS Director Ted Berger. “The creativity and passion we see in these student contests are truly inspiring. When young people take the lead in educating others through their creativity, they help shape a healthier future for generations to come.”

•January 21, 2026•

Straight A Honor Roll: Seniors: Riane Bear, Danica Bell, Kate Bushue, Anyssa Coffer, Emily Crosier, Mae Dawkins, Logan Fleener, Meriem Garrett, Jenna Herschberger, Josie Herschberger, Johnathan Iacobazzi, Landon Jesse, Kharli Kelly, Evan Loy, Lillian Moxley, Devon Richardson, Marshall Robison, Gabriella Rubush, Caden Saul, Madilyn Shonkwiler, Carson Swinford, Jnai Webb, Kolton Wiley, Nevaeh Wilson, Drew Woolen, and Tristan Wright. Juniors: Adalyn Cruitt, Mya Dyer, Gracelyn Johnson, Emma Lawrence, Ellie Lehman, Grant Martin, Julia Moody, Kaylee Smith, and Gavin Wade. Sophomores: Weslee Allen, Madeline Anderson, Piper Conlin, David Eaton, Gavin Finn, Alexander Fultz, Carter Honchell, William Miller, Joanna Rickelman, and Andrew Toner. Freshmen: Dallas Brey, Tenley Campbell, Emma Drake, Asher Hendry, Addyson Martinez, Tenley Stollard, Karen Szachnitowski, Hannah Taylor, Easton Wickline, and Jillian Woods.

Salt
•January 21, 2026•

by Janet Roney

Last week I said that an interesting welcome awaited the very first pioneers who settled in Moultrie County and the Sand Creek area in Shelby County in the late 1820s, but before continuing, let’s review the situation on the western frontier.

Even though the British won the French and Indian War in 1763 and took control of the land beyond the mountains, settlers were slow to move there because the Indians did not quit fighting. Led by Chief Pontiac, they kept raiding frontier settlements in Virginia, the Carolinas, and Kentucky. The British had tried to stop new settlers with the Proclamation Line of 1763, a “do not cross line” drawn down the crest of the mountains. However, try telling a stubborn Scotsman, like my own ancestor or men like James Herrod and Daniel Boone, to stop coming over that line into Kentucky to hunt. Even after Pontiac’s War ended in 1765 with a truce, the Indian menace continued.

Crosby Joseph Graven was born at Sarah Bush Lincoln Hospital on January 1st, 2026, at 4:17 a.m., the first area newborn of 2026, to parents Megan and Tyler Graven. Although 4 weeks early, Crosby weighed 6 pounds, 8 ounces, and was 19.5 inches long. He joins the family as their third son, with brothers Gibson, age 6, and Macklin, age 2.

Says mom Megan, “It was definitely a whirlwind start to our new year, having our baby 4 weeks early, and having the delivery end in an emergency c-section, but baby Crosby is happy and healthy, and we are all so grateful for him!”

On December 7th, Sullivan Fire Protection District Firefighter/EMT basic Cody Taylor received his certification for Basic Operations Firefighter (BOF). This accomplishment took 300 hours to achieve. “This is a great milestone moving forward in my career.” In the future, he plans to pursue his Paramedic certification. L-R: Cody Taylor and SFPD Captain Kenny Graven.