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Moultrie County celebrated two exceptional community initiatives recently as part of the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation’s Impact200 Grant Program. In partnership with Decatur Earthmover Credit Union, the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation awarded $200,000 to local nonprofits at a special reception recognizing the transformative power of philanthropy. The event highlighted the foundation’s commitment to empowering changemakers across Central Illinois. 

Among the recipients honored were two organizations from Moultrie County, each receiving grants to support their critical programs. The Sullivan AMBUCS Chapter was awarded $10,000 to expand its Ramp Building & AmTrykes Program, providing mobility solutions to residents in need. The Sullivan Community Unit School District No. 300 (CUSD #300) also received $11,200 for its innovative “Buster the School Bus” School Bus Safety Program, an initiative designed to promote safety and awareness among young students. 

The $10,000 grant for the Sullivan AMBUCS Chapter will support the construction of wheelchair ramps and the distribution of AmTrykes—customized tricycles that offer mobility to people with disabilities. The chapter’s work has transformed lives across the community by enhancing accessibility and independence for individuals facing mobility challenges. This funding will allow AMBUCS to reach even more residents in need, fulfilling its mission of creating a more inclusive, accessible community.  Sullivan CUSD #300’s “Buster the School Bus” School Bus Safety Program was granted $11,200 to bolster school bus safety for elementary students. The program, centered around Buster, a robotic school bus, will engage students in interactive learning sessions about bus safety rules, encouraging lifelong habits of safe transportation.

•November 13, 2024•

by Ariana R Cherry

An executive session of the board was held to discuss the hiring and compensation of a full-time officer for the Arthur Police Department Sergeant position  Candidate Skyler Sieving was approved for the position at an hourly rate of $33/ hour. He was sworn in before the board. 

The board also approved a 50/50 economic development grant to the Arthur Association of Commerce in the amount of $1,432.50. This grant will help fund a WCIA/WCIX TV advertising package of 56 30-second commercials to encourage holiday shopping in Arthur. The chamber is working on a slogan and may shoot video and locate stock photos for Christmas scenes.

•September 11, 2024•

by Megan Russell

The Village of  Lovington held their monthly meeting Monday, September 9th starting off with the community members comments. A returning project made its way into the meeting once again, covering the topic of active and deceased honor veteran signs for the streets or welcome signs of Lovington. Last meeting, it was discussed that it would be difficult to fit a number of signs on light poles that the village owns, considering Ameren owns all the poles in Lovington but a small few which are owned by the city. To solve the problem of signs not having enough space for enough active duty and fallen veteran signs, “Finding a spot we own is the issue - We own the welcome signs” stated village board president Dennis Garmon on the subject of moving the memorial signs to the welcomes signs. 

This was furthered when Dennis asked the community member about other families or potential residents who may be interested in the project, in response however, the community member has not started fundraising or soliciting stating “We would rather be proactive than reactive...”, continuing forward to explain how they wish to only move forward with this part of their project after they have been cleared to do so by the council.  Read More

•September 4, 2024•

by Morgan Jones

Moultrie-Douglas 4-H is announcing the launch of the “Mindful Me” program, a research-based health and wellness initiative designed for young children in grades K-2. This program, hosted by Moultrie-Douglas 4-H and the Villa Grove Camargo Township District Library, aims to introduce basic mindfulness concepts to youth through engaging children’s literature and hands-on activities.

“Mindful Me” focuses on helping young participants develop essential life skills, including goal setting, emotional regulation, stress management, time management, and mindful eating. Through these activities, children will build a strong sense of self and well-being, laying a foundation for healthy habits that will benefit them throughout their lives.  Read More