•August 12, 2026•
State Treasurer Michael Frerichs recently announced the winning photographers for the 2026 Cream of the Crop Photography Contest, which provides Illinois students with a creative opportunity to share their vision of agriculture in our state. Among the winners, was a first place photograph titled ‘Cutting Wheat’ by Carter Storm of Windsor. Storm won in the 11-14 age bracket and will receive a $1,000 Bright Start 529 scholarship.
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•August 12, 2026•
by R. Lawson
If you missed seeing Come From Away at the Little Theater on the Square last week, you missed not only a powerful story but also an incredible show.
Directed and choreographed by the gifted Clint Hromsco, the show tells the story of what happened in Gander, Newfoundland, in the aftermath of 9/11 and touched audiences with its powerful performances.
The opening numbers “Welcome to the Rock” and “38 Planes” started the show strongly. The small cast seamlessly switched between characters well and their skills with changing accents quickly and simple costume changes helped the audience follow along.
The scene which had the airplane pilots communicating with each other and air control was particularly impressive with the rapid lighting changes focusing on the different pilots as they talked.
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•August 12, 2026•
Jennifer Crowder and Kala Cesar attended the Psi Iota Xi National Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana, June 26-28. The theme for convention was “Psi Iota Xi Sisters are Different Flowers from the Same Garden”. They celebrated the accomplishments of this charitable organization led by Taffy Day, National President.
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•August 12, 2026•
On July 18, the General Projects Show was held at Arthur Christian School, where 120 youth presented 206 project exhibits in what was a fantastic day celebrating the learning, creativity, and accomplishments of Moultrie-Douglas County 4-H members. Thirty exhibitors have committed to represent Moultrie-Douglas 4-H at the Illinois State Fair General Projects Show on Sunday, August 16. The following are our results from the day.
Agronomy: Champion (State Fair Promotion) Maddox Reedy, Reserve Champion (State Fair Promotion) Huck Kuhns
Aerospace: Champion (State Fair Promotion) Caden Kerner
Animal Science: Champion Brentley Carnahan, Reserve Champion Isabella Spencer
Read MoreThe Arrival of the Pattersons
•August 12, 2026•
by Janey Roney
James Patterson, one of three Revolutionary War veterans buried in Moultrie County, joined his local Carolina Patriot militia when he was 16 years old. His very detailed 1836 pension application showed that he kept re-enlisting until the end of the war. He was a man who took action to rectify wrongs. Even after the war was officially over, James was involved in some continued fighting between the Tories and Patriots near his home in the Carolinas. But when local Tories burned down Patterson’s father’s house in the early 1790s, Patterson, his new wife, Mary Nelson, and his extended family decided to move west to Muhlenberg County, Kentucky.
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Route 121 was closed for traffic August 22 until the following fall for construction of a new bridge across the West Okaw. Cost of the construction was paid by the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers as part of the development of the Kaskaskia River Reservoir project. The State of Illinois supervised the work.
Two teachers were hired by the Sullivan School Board. They were Mrs. Wilma Hollonbeck, who would teach in the junior high school, and James H. Bales, who would teach business courses.
Two insects, the corn leaf aphid and the bean leaf beetle had been causing Moultrie County farmers problems on certain corn and soybean fields.
W. M. Lane was notified by the Illinois Property Assessment Institute that he passed the written examination and successfully completed all requirements for the Certified Illinois Assessing Official designation.
Read More10 everyday habits that secretly increase stress
•August 5, 2026•
by Lauren Edwards
Community Outreach Coordinator at Virginia Recovery Centers
August is National Wellness Month, a time dedicated to prioritizing healthy habits and finding ways to improve overall well-being. While many people associate stress with major life events, such as work pressures, financial challenges, or personal struggles, everyday habits can also quietly contribute to feelings of tension, exhaustion, and burnout.
The good news is that small changes can make a meaningful difference. By recognizing common behaviors that may be increasing stress levels, it becomes easier to replace them with healthier routines that support mental, emotional, and physical wellness. Here are 10 everyday habits that may be adding unnecessary stress to your life (and what you can do instead).
1. Using alcohol to relax after a long day
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•August 5, 2026•
Moultrie County Monthly Quarter Madness will hold its August Quarter Auction on Wednesday, August 12. The event will be held at the Sullivan American Legion Post #68. Eastview Healthcare & Senior Living Activity Department is the organization of the month.
The home accommodates up to 59 residents and is dedicated exclusively to individuals living with cognitive impairments related to Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Approximately 60 staff members are employed to provide compassionate, high-quality care and support for the residents. The activity department offers a variety of engaging programs, including arts and crafts, cooking club, and games of all kinds. Their goal is to provide two activities each day, along with snacks and beverages, to encourage social interaction, mental stimulation, and enjoyment. Funding for the activity department is raised independently through donations and fundraising efforts, as there is no designated operating budget for this program.
Read MoreMore About Cowpens
•August 5, 2026•
by Janey Roney
Cowpens...what a strange name! It’s a town in northwestern South Carolina. During colonial times, cattle were gathered, pastured, and branded there. The Battle of Cowpens was fought there during the Revolutionary War in January of 1781 and was a resounding victory of Col. Daniel Morgan’s Patriot American militias over the British regular army led by Maj. Banastre Tarleton. It was one of the most significant American victories in the southern theater of the Revolutionary War and led to our victory at Yorktown. Our James Patterson, one of three Revolutionary War veterans buried in Moultrie, was there.
One of James Patterson’s descendants, Andrew Patterson, wrote about his ancestor’s participation in the Battle of Cowpens in his book, The Love of a Father; Memoirs of Clyde Patterson Sr.
Read MoreWhat parents need to know as a new school year begins
•August 5, 2026•
By Angela Hogan
If you have a child in preschool through early elementary school, there’s a good chance you’ll deal with head lice at some point. It’s common, frustrating—and often misunderstood.
Recent local observations have highlighted this concern. Unfortunately, many families are unaware of the prevalence of head lice and how to prevent or eliminate them. Let’s break down this issue and what you can do to reduce your risk of exposure.
What To Know About Head Lice and “Super Lice”
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