•April 16, 2025•
The Moultrie County Planning and Zoning Office reminds those who place temporary signs (general advertising- the following does not apply to political signs) on public property such as public thoroughfares and easements to retrieve their signs, per Zoning Code 40-4-37 (B) 1-6, which states as follows:
(5) Temporary signs not covered in the foregoing categories do not need a permit, so long as such signs meet the following restrictions:
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Preparing students for the future
•April 16, 2025•
At Okaw Valley High School (OVHS), the Job Shadow and Work Study programs provide students with invaluable opportunities to gain hands-on experience, explore careers, and develop key skills for future success. These programs go beyond traditional classroom instruction by offering hands-on experience, professional development, and personal growth. Students leave high school not only with the knowledge they need but also the skills and confidence necessary to pursue successful careers in a variety of industries.
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Emotional goodbye from colleagues, on to next chapter
•April 16, 2025•
by DM Williamee
On Friday, April 11th, Sullivan Fire Department’s Firefighter/Medic Daniel Boyer’s colleagues, friends, and family held a retirement party for him at the Sullivan Fire Department. The party was opened with prayer and the pledge of allegiance, and colleagues wished him the best in his next chapter of life after twenty years of faithful service. All extended heart-felt gratitude for his loyal service to the community, his loyalty and leadership within the fire department, and the sacrifices he made. Boyer could always be counted on to bring 100% for every shift, often working late and covering shifts. The formal ceremony ended with the presentation of an honorary plaque, the flag that flew over the fire station on his last day of service, and a traditional fire hat, ending with a radio “final call.” Afterwards, Boyer walked a procession line and individually thanked his colleagues with a handshake and a bear hug.
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Atwood Police Chief Duncan guest speaker
•April 9, 2025•
Wednesday, April 3, was the first meeting of the year for the MCRTA (Moultrie County Retired Teachers Association). Twenty-five members attended the meeting at the United Church of Atwood. President Vickie Newberry opened with the Pledge and conducted the business meeting.
Membership milestone awards were presented for 5, 10, 20, and 30 years of retirement. Six, 2025, Moultrie County new retirees were announced. Monical’s Pizza once again will work with the MCRTA on a Community Day fundraiser; Tuesday, April 15, will be the first of three. Sullivan and Mattoon’s Monical’s Pizzas will donate 20% of your bill to the MCRTA if you mention this fundraiser at the time you order. This money helps the MCRTA provide teaching scholarships and teachers’ supplies to our county schools. “Digital Dough” is a new online way to enjoy Monical’s Community Days. Using “Digital Dough” allows customers to purchase gift cards and still contribute to the MCRTA; order online from April 7th – 14th at monicals.com. A good idea for older kids’ Easter baskets!
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Low turnouts, few contested in Moultrie County
•April 9, 2025•
This year’s April 1 Consolidated Election results reflect a low turnout in Moultrie County races, with few contested and fewer surprises. Official Moultrie County statistics show just 1,596 ballots cast of the 8,807 total voters, just an 18.1% turnout. In the few contested races however, turnout was a little higher.
In the Village of Bethany trustee race, Gene Mueller, Karen Jeffers and Greg McLain were elected to fill the three available seats. The Village of Dalton City saw Shelby Hutchens defeat Michael Couch 83-48 for the mayors seat. The Village of Lovington turnout at the polls was increased by a race for Village President between April Daily and Brittany Bates. Bates took the seat with a 164-79 vote. William (Bill) Richardson was re-elected as Township Highway Commissioner in Dora with 80.8% of the vote over challenger Alex Ballweg. Dora Township also elected four trustees, Larry Crawley, Steven Smith, Bill Chandler and Jeffery Watts emerged in the seven person race.
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Free “Harry Potter” themed activities for the community
•April 2, 2025•
From now until April 17th, the Elizabeth Titus Memorial Library will be displaying the NLM (National Library of Medicine) Traveling Exhibition titled, “Renaissance, Science, Magic, and Medicine in the World of Harry Potter” which includes free activities. For those not familiar with the Harry Potter series, Harry is 11 years old when he discovers he is a wizard and can attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Readers follow Harry and his friends as he grows up and discovers the world of magic. The popular fictional book series by J. K. Rowling was also produced into 8 movies - all of which are available to check out at the library.
Read MoreFamily, humor, and gratitude key to quality of life at any age
•April 2, 2025•
by DM Williamee
"Growing old is mandatory, but growing up is optional.” – Walt Disney.
Only 0.027 percent of the US population will live an entire century, making the three centenarian ladies at Sullivan’s Heritage Woods a standout in any community. Bright, cheerful, and friendly, these ladies shared some insights into what quality of life means to them.
Lorraine Livesay, 100, referred to as the “baby of the bunch”, shared that the happiest times of her life were her 40s and 50s. She was still working, was in good health, and enjoyed the company of her children and grandchildren. Some of her happiest memories as a child and teen were visiting friends and families on their local area farms (she was a town girl), where she would see the animals and help out however she could. These days, the things that make her the happiest are good jokes and happy people. Lorraine is also a sports fan who particularly loves basketball and baseball (never having been a fan of football). “Go Cubs! Like they say, maybe next year…” she chuckled.
Read MoreReadiness for spring weather is crucial to keep yourself and your family safe
•March 26, 2025•
by Angela Hogan
Spring brings warmer temperatures, longer days, and the chance to enjoy the outdoors. However, spring weather can also bring unpredictable conditions, including severe storms, heavy rain, and even late-season cold snaps.
Here are five steps you can take to prepare for the season: Stay informed About Spring Weather Patterns -Spring weather can change quickly, often bringing thunderstorms, tornadoes, and flash floods. Here’s how you can stay aware and informed: check weather forecasts daily through reliable sources like local TV stations, the National Weather Service (NWS), or a weather app. Moultrie County residents can sign up for CodeRED, the county’s emergency warning system. Enable emergency alerts on your phone to receive notifications about severe weather. Understand weather warnings. A “Watch” means conditions are favorable for threatening weather to develop. A “Warning” means severe weather is happening or imminent.
Read More•March 26, 2025•
by DM Williamee
The Okaw Valley CUSD #302 school board held its regularly scheduled meeting on March 20th at 7:00 p.m. at the Okaw Valley Middle School in Findlay.
After a call to Order, the first order of business was the public hearing, “Conduct of Public Hearing concerning the intent of the Board of Education to sell not to exceed $2,500,000.00 School Fire Prevention and Safety Bonds” of which no public comments were offered. It was then tabled for closed discussions.
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