Category Archives: News Briefs

Lovington Grade School honor roll

News Progress Posted on by


•March 18, 2026•

Lovington Grade School recently released their 3rd quarter Honor Roll, recognizing the following students for their strong performance in core subjects, good attendance, and positive behavior:

6th grade High Honors: Brentley Carnahan, Autumn Mason, and Morgan Mitchell. 6th grade Honors: Ivy Everen, Colton Harris, Annabelle Hetzel, and Cody Vancil.

7th grade High Honors: Camden Casteel, Alenna Ingram, and Mariah Plank. 7th grade Honors: Micah Burket, Jamison Helmuth, Jasleyn Helmuth, Kayla Peters, and Sofia Williams.

8th-grade High Honors: Jace Burnett, Jacoby Burnett, Jaleb Burnett, Jianna Burnett, Elijiah Fowler, and Gabrielle Hutchcraft. 8th grade Honors: Lilly Ayer, Elijah Burket, Roxanne Clark, Nevaeh Helmuth, Maranda Pratt, and Mariah Pratt.

ICC water conservation: Fix-a-Leak Week

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•March 18, 2026•

The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) reminded Illinoisans to check their household plumbing fixtures and irrigation systems for leaks as a part of National Fix-a-Leak Week. “Every year, household leaks waste approximately 1 trillion gallons of water nationwide. Chasing down leaks can help Illinoisans shave up to 10 percent off their monthly water bills,” said ICC Chairman Doug Scott. 

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Remembering Who We Are……101

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Some More Kickapoo Stories


•March 18, 2026•

by Janet Roney

I’m not quite done telling you about the local Native Americans who were living in the Moultrie-Shelby area when the first early settlers arrived. Several more stories about their interactions with the whites before they were forced to leave in 1833 can be found in the general introduction and individual township histories in the 1881 History of Shelby and Moultrie Counties, Illinois.

The history says that the Native Americans were numerous when the Wakefield family, the first settlers in Cold Spring Township (southwest of Shelbyville), came in 1818. The two groups had friendly relations, and the Indians often provided game to the settlers and “did other acts of kindness”.

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April Programs at the Lovington Public Library

News Progress Posted on by


•March 18, 2026•

3rd: Closed for Good Friday.

6th and 7th: Needle Night from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. If you would like to learn to crochet, knit, needlepoint, or even how to sew, we have people who can help teach you. If you already know how and just want to hang out, come join us.

7th: Story Time from 10:00 to 10:30 a.m. We will have Easter-themed stories and a craft, and Lego Time from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

10th: Kids Craft from 3:30-4:30 p.m. We will be making an Easter craft.

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A Look Back…3-18-2026

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2016

The Moultrie County Board updated sheriff’s fees and learned of changes with Central Illinois Public Transit. Coles County Regional Planning and Development Commission conducted a study of the Sheriff’s Department fee schedule, which revealed that some fees needed to be increased to cover actual costs.

The Sullivan Okaw Valley track team competed in the Decatur Area indoor Invitational, held in the Mt. Zion Firehouse. The meet was non-scored, so no team scores were calculated, but the boys had a solid start with nine personal records set.

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Springtime is fishing time: get your IL license 

News Progress Posted on by


•March 11, 2026•

Illinois fishing licenses – among the most affordable in the nation – are now on sale for the 2026 season. Illinois fishing licenses and stamps for 2026 are available for purchase online and at department-authorized vendors. A standard, non-discounted resident fishing license costs $15. Licenses for the 2025 season remain valid through March 31. Anglers 16 and older must have a valid fishing license in Illinois. Exemptions apply to active-duty military personnel and people with disabilities.

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CEFS Food Pantry 61st celebration

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•March 11, 2026•

CEFS will celebrate its 61st birthday with birthday kit donations to the food pantries. During March, the food pantries are requesting donations of the following items to help make birthdays special for families when budgets are tight. All donations are appreciated.

March’s donation request: cake mix, canned icing, cans of soft drinks (lemon-lime, orange, strawberry, cola), 9x13 aluminum pans with lids, and birthday candles.

Moultrie County donations can be dropped off during business hours at the CEFS Food Pantry in Sullivan, located at 114 East Harrison Street. For more information, call (217) 728-7721.

Historic arms and crafts show

News Progress Posted on by


•March 11, 2026•

The Prairieland Frontiersmen will be holding their 37th annual Historic Arms and Craft show on Friday, March 13th, from noon to 5:00 p.m., and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Sullivan American Legion, 8 East Strain Street in Sullivan. Traders and artisans representing colonial, fur trade, Civil War, and Indian War eras will have guns, knives, and accoutrements as well as clothing, jewelry, and other interesting items. Entry fee is $5, with those fifteen years of age and under free.

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WIC expands food options for families 

News Progress Posted on by


•March 11, 2026•

by Angela Hogan

Administrator of the MCHD

When a family walks into the grocery store with WIC benefits, every choice matters. The foods they bring home shape the mealtime experiences that help children grow. That’s why the recent updates to the WIC program are such welcome news for families across Illinois. These changes give parents more flexibility, more culturally familiar options, and more ways to support healthy eating at home.

The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) announced these updates on February 25th, expanding the variety of nutritious foods available through WIC. For families in Moultrie County, the changes mean easier shopping, more choices that fit their preferences, and stronger nutritional support during pregnancy, infancy, and early childhood.

What ss WIC? WIC is a federal nutrition program that supports the health of pregnant women, postpartum and breastfeeding mothers, and infants and children under age five. The program provides monthly benefits for nutritious foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to health care and community services. More than 175,000 Illinois residents rely on WIC each month, making it one of the most impactful public health programs in the state.

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