Category Archives: News Briefs

Remembering Who We Are………63

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More Big Kitties


•June 18, 2025

by Janet Roney

Cala Sawyer Graham’s story about panthers screaming all night long from the top of the old well at their Half-Way House Inn on the old Charleston Road captivated me, especially after hearing more and more stories about recent cougar sightings in the county like this one from my friend, Sue. 

One early morning in 2005, Sue watched a cougar for two or three minutes as it moved along a deer trail in a wooded area across the road from her house. When it turned so she could see its full length, there was no doubt. Its long tail stretched behind it “in full glory”. Sue lives near where muddy big cat and baby cat footprints were seen on the road. 

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SBL Hospice hosting volunteer training classes

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•June 18, 2025•

Sarah Bush Lincoln Hospice will host three volunteer training classes to inform and educate volunteers on how to assist people in SBL Hospice care and their families.

Each class will last from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the following dates: Friday, July 18th; Friday, August 15th; and Friday, September 26th. The classes will be held at the SBL Willow Breeze Hospice House, located on the north side of the Health Center at 10660 CR 800N, Mattoon.

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Cass Concepts celebrates 20 years of helping businesses grow

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Photo submitted Cassie Yoder talks with Chris Bullock during the party.


•June 18, 2025•

On Wednesday, June 11, Cass Concepts celebrated two decades of creativity, strategy, and community impact with an unforgettable 20th Anniversary Party and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at their downtown Decatur headquarters. With a packed house of clients, community leaders, partners, and friends, the evening captured everything the firm stands for—innovation, connection, and storytelling that moves people.

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Mo-Do car show

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•June 18, 2025•

On Saturday, August 2nd, at the Moultrie-Douglas County Fair, there will be a car show, with registration beginning at 9:30 a.m. and judging beginning at noon. Categories are Top 25 Cars, Top 3 Trucks, Top 3 Jeeps, Top 3, and Top 3 Bikes. The registration fee is $10.00. 50/50, carnival, People’s Choice award, and Queen’s Choice award. Vendors available. Questions? Contact Robbie@rscarter3488@gmail.com.

State Champs!

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Photo submitted

The Windsor Stew-Stras High School Bass Fishing Team has brought home the State Championship after two days of intense competition at the IHSA State Tournament. The duo competed against 60 schools from across Illinois at Lake Shelbyville for the win. 

Pictured left to right are junior Myles Verdeyen, coach Pat O’Dell, and junior Hayden Porter. 

Elder abuse awareness

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•June 18, 2025•

With reports of elder abuse on the rise in Illinois since 2022, Department on Aging Director Mary Killough is reminding community members to learn the warning signs and speak up about suspected abuse of older adults.

“Elder abuse is sadly more common than many people realize, but it is largely preventable,” said IDoA Director Mary Killough. “By understanding what elder abuse is, recognizing the signs, and taking steps to prevent it, we can create safer and more supportive communities for older adults.” 

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Sullivan CUSD #300 personnel report

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•June 18, 2025•

At the June 9th Sullivan School Board meeting, the below Personnel Report was presented.

Transfer: Micah Wiley, Social Worker, effective 7/1/25; New hires: Jake Haegen, JV Volleyball Coach, effective 6/9/25; Neil Floor, SES teacher, effective 7/1/25; Notice of retirement: Lori Kirk, Special Education teacher, end of 2027-2028 school year. 

A Look Back…6-18-2025

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2015

Sullivan Kiwanis Club President presented Cindi Reed the club’s gavel by Jim Dooley as part of the charter ceremony. 

Hilari Elzy of Sullivan performed a mentorship at Mustang Public Schools, Mustang, Okla., June 6 – July 18, through a fellowship she received at Eureka College.

Winners of the tug-of-war competition between the Sullivan Fire Department and the Jackson Family of Dealerships team, who won, were Alexis Nattee, Alicia Pettyjohn, Dustin Stutzman, Josh Roe, and William Flexser. Other award winners included Best Grub Award-Solid Rock Chapel, Best Tent Award-Miller’s Heavenly Angel (”Wipe Out” cancer decorations complete with toilet paper), and Scott State Bank-Youth Involvement Award.

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Sullivan’s Community-wide Yard Sales draw crowds

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•June 11, 2025•

Last weekend’s community-wide yard sales resulted in both locals and non-locals descending on Sullivan, looking for deals and ready to dicker. On offer ranged from high-ticket items (vehicles) to T-shirts for a quarter, comics for a nickel, and there were even some free bins. The best-attended were those with clear signage, balloons, and other markers, making them easy to find. Friday’s rain did not deter the bargain hunters nor the sellers. Sales were set up in driveways, garages, front yards, inside homes, and even churches. Said one Bethany resident on Saturday, “ I really did not intend to come both days, but a deal’s a deal- now I have to have my own yard sale!”

Arthur-Atwood Lions Club Tractor and Truck Pull

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•June 11, 2025•

The Arthur-Atwood Lions Club is partnering with the Moultrie-Douglas County Fair to present tractor and truck pulling on Friday, August 1st at 6:00 p.m. in Arthur. The dates for the fair have moved to July 24th to August 2nd. The Fair Board agreed to partner with the Lions Club to present the Tractor and Truck Pull during the 2025 fair.  

The event will feature six ITPA classes and two local truck classes. The ITPA classes are Classics, 6,850 Pro Farm, 2-wheel drive trucks, 9,500 Limited Pro Stock, Pro Stock, and 11,000 Pro Farm.  

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