•May 20, 2026•
by DM Williamee
After school ended for the week on Thursday, May 15th, the SES track meet began, and the vibe was one of carefully controlled chaos and excitement, managed exceptionally and expertly by all who helped keep things on ….track!
Read More
•May 20, 2026•
by DM Williamee
With winter finally in the rear-view mirror, the allure of crackling flames and the cozy ambiance of backyard fire pits are growing increasingly more popular for both renters and homeowners alike. Whether creating an expanded indoor/outdoor space aesthetic or simply wanting to enjoy the campfire without traveling to a campground, more individuals are embracing fire pits in their back yards. Regardless of the motivation, constructing a fire pit should be thoughtfully planned out, with adhering to safety guidelines and local ordinances.
Read More
•May 20, 2026•
by Sharon Barricklow
Money and future projects were up for discussion at the Sullivan City Council meeting with a side discussion about stray cats.
The council heard the first reading of a $54 million appropriations ordinance. “This is different from the budget ordinance, Mayor Mike Mossman said. “This is larger than the budget but it does not reflect what we’re going to spend but gives us some room beyond the budget if we need to spend.”
Read More
•May 20, 2026•
by Dave Cole
Executive Director Moultrie Counseling
May is recognized as “Mental health Awareness” month, a time dedicated to raising awareness, reducing stigma, and promoting resources for mental and emotional well-being. Established in 1949, it emphasizes that ‘no one struggles alone’ and encourages self-care and support for those with mental health conditions.
Read More
•May 13, 2026•
Op-Ed by DM Williamee
I have written in one form or another most of my life. From poems and short stories in first grade on grocery bags, compositions in high school, keeping a journal, multiple forms of writing taught in college, legal writing, and writing for professional publications, I have always loved putting thoughts to paper. Writing for a newspaper was a pivot for me, but one I welcomed and continue to try to become more skilled at each day. I read voraciously, and while I do own a Kindle and spend a lot of time in front of screens, I, like many others, prefer having a book, magazine, or newspaper in my hand and on my shelves. Why scroll endlessly when you can turn real pages, smell the scent of paper, and pause to consider the content? In today’s busy world, any opportunity to slow down feels like a luxury.
In this digital age, many people suffer from information overload and the resultant stress. Is what is being read real news or fake news, and was it written by a human or artificial intelligence? With a newspaper, you can set these questions and stressors aside, put up one’s feet, sip one’s coffee, and experience your news more slowly and with a decided measure of confidence. Reading a newspaper is a tactile experience. The feel of the paper, the sound of turning pages, and the smell of ink on paper all create a sensory engagement that digital media can’t replace. The physical interaction can enhance comprehension and retention, and studies have shown that people can absorb more information from print than can from screens. With paper, you can get out your pen and scissors and highlight points, do puzzles, or save information in a way you can’t from a screen.
Read More
•May 13, 2026•
The Illinois Department of Agriculture has designated the Shuman farm as a Sesquicentennial Farm. To qualify as a Sesquicentennial Farm, a straight or collateral line of descendants must own the agricultural property for at least 150 years. The family received this historical distinction to their farm after their application for designation as a Sesquicentennial Farm was approved.
Read More
Okaw Valley High School’s Prom was held on April 25th at the Mt. Zion Conventions Center. Reese Bruns was crowned Queen, and Ames Drollinger King.
•May 6, 2026•
by Sharon Barricklow
Recent rains notwithstanding, Sullivan water users are still under water restrictions as drought conditions continue in Central Illinois. Sullivan City Council member Chuck Woodworth said last Monday night that the area remains under drought conditions. “I know we’ve had a lot of rain, but down deep, there’s still drought,” he said. Woodworth said Sullivan is taking steps to address water shortages with a test well in a new location looking very promising for the city. “We’ll be building on that,” he said.
He also thanked the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers for posting notices about water restrictions at the Forrest “Bo” Woods campground. “They’ve been very considerate and good to work with,” he said. Mayor Mike Mossman said working with the Corps benefited the city. “We draw a lot of visitors each summer from the lake,” Mossman said. “The campground generates a lot of revenue for the community.”
Read More
•May 6, 2026•
by DM Williamee
The BEACON (Behavioral Health Care and Ongoing Navigation) system, designed for Illinois youth mental health services, officially launched in January 2025. This centralized portal was developed by the Illinois Children’s Behavioral Health Transformation Initiative and Google Cloud to streamline access to care across multiple state agencies. It is currently fully operational and was rolled out to system partners, including the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS-manages health benefits and state-funded programs), the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), and the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice (IDJJ).
Read More
•May 6, 2026•
Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia is one of the most demanding roles a person can take on. It impacts emotionally, physically, and mentally. The Senior Resource Center at Family Services and the Moultrie County Health Department are teaming up to offer a free resource designed specifically for family caregivers. In other words: you don’t have to do this alone.
Read More