What is measles, and why are we concerned about the illness and its spread?

•March 19, 2025•

by Angela Hogan

Why are we talking about measles? Recently, the CDC and several states have reported measles cases, with many news stories focusing on the outbreak in Texas. Let’s consider what you need to know about measles and how to protect yourself and your loved ones. 

What is measles, and how is it dangerous? Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by the measles virus. It typically causes a cough, red eyes, high fever, and rash. However, measles can also lead to more severe health problems, including pneumonia, encephalitis, brain damage, and pregnancy complications. Below are some additional facts currently associated with measles.

•March 12, 2025•

by D.M. Williamee

The City of Sullivan Fire Department will provide free smoke detectors and install them for local homeowners in their fire district. They will also provide free smoke detectors to renters if the landlord contacts the fire department on behalf of the tenant. Landlords are required to have both smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in rental units. Sullivan Fire Chief Chris Wright stated, “natural gas detectors are also a great idea if you have natural gas appliances in the home, as people can become “nose blind” to the smell over time.”

•March 5, 2025•

There is comfort in knowing that your last wishes are taken care of. Have you ever felt overwhelmed when you heard the words, “estate planning”? 

An “Estate Planning 101: Know the Basics” webinar will be held Wednesday, March 19th at 9:00 a.m. at the Moultrie-Douglas Extension office at 304 E. Progress in Arthur. This workshop is a previously recorded webinar that will be provided free of charge, but advance registration is required. To register, call Illinois Extension at 217-543-3755, or email your name, postal address, and phone number to cburcham@illinois.edu. If you need reasonable accommodations to participate in this program, please call by March 12th.   During this program, we hope participants become less fearful of estate planning, learn some basic concepts and terms related to estate planning, and gather some resources to aid in getting your affairs in order. 

School bleachers in need of repair or replacement

•February 26, 2025•

by Ariana R Cherry

“It is becoming challenging to replace and hire new staff in the district.” commented Superintendent, Shannon Cheek at the most recent ALAH School Board meeting held at Lovington Grade School on February 19, 2025. Currently, several positions are open in the district. Some of those positions include two openings for Junior High Science, School Psych, Band, Chorus/Music, High School History, elementary education positions, and ELA at LGS. Job descriptions can be found on the district website under job vacancies. (https://www.cusd305.org/page/job-vacancies). 

•February 19, 2025•

by Sharon Barricklow

The Moultrie County Board heard a report on public transportation, an update on a child care plan and dispatched several measures during a 31 minute meeting Thursday night.

The board learned that Central Illinois Public Transit had provided 747 rides for citizens in the last year. Manager John Althoff said CIPT had traveled more than 22,000 miles for Moultrie County residents.