•January 21, 2026•

by DM Williamee

Below is a compilation of what I have heard people say and/or what I have read in the past year that I have found both funny and ironic. These gave me a chuckle, and I think we all could use one about right now.

When one door closes, and another opens, you are probably in prison.

60 may be the new 40, but 9:00 p.m. is the new midnight.

When I say, “The other day,” I might actually be referring to something that happened yesterday or 20 years ago. That whole millennium thing really throws me for a loop. 

•January 21, 2026•

by Sharon Barricklow

Homeowners in Sullivan will have a chance for their homes to receive needed maintenance assistance after the city received a $650,000 Housing Redevelopment Grant through the Coles County Regional Planning Commission. Mayor Mike Mossman announced the grant at the city’s first meeting of 2026 on January 12. “This grant doesn’t have any limitations as far as parts of town,” Mossman said. “We’ll need to get a plan in place for applications.” 

The housing grants can be used for weatherization, heating and cooling systems, and other improvements or repairs for needy homeowners. Other grant applications are being processed, including Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program grants and Open Spaces Land Acquisition and Development grants that could provide parking and walking trails to the city park. “We hope we can make those happen,” said council member Abby Sherwood.

Submitted

Mirror Images is a prevention theatre group in its 36th year at Sullivan High School. SHS students write, direct, and perform a play focused on spreading positive messages to students about current issues teens are facing while educating them on the best way to deal with these situations. The show will be performed for the students of Sullivan High School, and then a free community show will be offered on January 30th at 6:00 p.m. at the Little Theatre on the Square.

This year’s show, titled “Anonymous”, is about a group of high school students who find themselves targeted by cruel posts and rumors from an anonymous online account. What begins as digital drama quickly fractures friendships and erodes trust as the group of friends tries to discover the identity of the anonymous poster. The show is directed this year by senior Cora Emel. “We felt like cyberbullying is a topic that all high school students can relate to,” shared Cora. The production is made possible by a grant from the Gary Emel Foundation.

•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.