•January 14, 2026•

Notice to the elderly and persons with disabilities for the March 17 general primary election  Citizens who are not registered to vote and cannot leave their home or Nursing Home/Assisted Living Facility because of a permanent physical disability can arrange for voter registration and voting by contacting the Moultrie County Clerk’s office. The last day of regular registration for voting before the March 17, 2026, General Primary Election is Tuesday, February 17, 2026. Grace Period registration, transfer of registration, and voting are February 18, 2026, through Election Day. Anyone can register at the County Clerk’s office, Moultrie County Courthouse, 10 S. Main, Suite 6, Sullivan, Illinois, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. However, if a person is unable to come to the Courthouse, they may call the County Clerk’s office to arrange for registration. All polling locations in Moultrie County are accessible to the elderly and persons with disabilities. Voting aids and assistance are available, if needed, in marking the ballot. If for some reason a person is unable to go to the polls on Election Day, they may call the Clerk’s office and arrange for a Vote by Mail ballot. The last day a Vote by Mail ballot can be mailed out is THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2026.  The last day to Early Vote in person at the County Clerk’s office is March 16, 2026, with the exception of Grace Period Registration and Voting. For further information concerning polling locations, Vote by Mail, Early Voting, or Grace Period Registration/Voting, please contact the Moultrie County Clerk’s office at 728-4389.

•January 7, 2026•

by Angela Hogan

Moultrie County Health Dept. Administrator

This winter has brought a noticeable rise in respiratory illnesses. Flu and COVID‑19 are circulating widely across Illinois and much of the country. There is still meaningful value in getting vaccinated now. Updated vaccines remain one of the most effective tools for reducing the risk of severe illness. Late-season vaccinations can still help protect you, your family, and our Moultrie County communities.

Choosing to get vaccinated now is a practical step to safeguard your health and support the well‑being of your loved ones and your community. Getting vaccinated now still matters because the flu doesn’t follow a set schedule. Many people get their flu shot in early fall, but that isn’t a deadline. Flu season routinely stretches well into winter and sometimes early spring. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people who haven’t been vaccinated can still benefit from getting a flu shot later in the season.

•December 24, 2025•

by DM Williamee  

In what can only be described as heartbreaking, a Lovington family was displaced last week, the week before Christmas, after their home was destroyed by a fire on the afternoon of December 15th. 

Local support efforts began immediately to assist them, with a call to action by the community of Lovington. A Facebook post shared that clothing items were the immediate need of the family. In addition, gifts were accepted for the family at the ‘Breakfast with Santa’ event, allowing the family to have a Christmas celebration.  

A “GoFundMe” page was set up as well, and can be found at https://gofund.me/608412d9a. The Page articulates the following: “Today, Sonja and Tony’s family faced a devastating loss as their home was destroyed by fire, leaving them with nothing just days before Christmas. Their heartbreak is unimaginable, and they need our support now more than ever. Sonja and Tony are wonderful parents who have always been there for others, and it’s time for us to rally around them. Every donation, no matter the size, will help them rebuild their lives and find hope in this difficult time. Please like, comment, and share this post to spread the word and show them they are not alone. Thank you for your kindness and generosity.” 

Photo by R.R. Best

•December 24, 2025•

This holiday season, every Moultrie-Douglas 4-H Club came together for a heartwarming community service initiative: the Ainsley Acts of Kindness Birthday Bag collection. Youth across the two counties assembled special bags filled with everything a child needs to celebrate a birthday—cake mix, icing, a present, and festive decorations.

•December 17, 2025•

by DM Williamee

“Uh, his name is RAAAAAALPH, man.” - Richard Anthony Marin, as Cheech Marin in the 1978 film, “Up in Smoke.” While many find this scene funny, research has identified it as a real consequence of cannabis use. 

Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) is a condition characterized by recurrent episodes of severe nausea and vomiting in individuals who regularly consume cannabis. Initially identified in the early 2000s, CHS has gained increasing recognition as cannabis use has become more widespread, especially in states where both medicinal and recreational use have been legalized.