•May 6, 2026•

by Sharon Barricklow

Recent rains notwithstanding, Sullivan water users are still under water restrictions as drought conditions continue in Central Illinois. Sullivan City Council member Chuck Woodworth said last Monday night that the area remains under drought conditions. “I know we’ve had a lot of rain, but down deep, there’s still drought,” he said. Woodworth said Sullivan is taking steps to address water shortages with a test well in a new location looking very promising for the city. “We’ll be building on that,” he said.

He also thanked the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers for posting notices about water restrictions at the Forrest “Bo” Woods campground. “They’ve been very considerate and good to work with,” he said. Mayor Mike Mossman said working with the Corps benefited the city. “We draw a lot of visitors each summer from the lake,” Mossman said. “The campground generates a lot of revenue for the community.” 

•May 6, 2026•

Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia is one of the most demanding roles a person can take on. It impacts emotionally, physically, and mentally. The Senior Resource Center at Family Services and the Moultrie County Health Department are teaming up to offer a free resource designed specifically for family caregivers. In other words: you don’t have to do this alone. 

•April 29, 2026•

by DM Williamee

On April 13th, the Village of Lovington held its regular monthly meeting, with Lovington locals in attendance who were armed with questions ranging from water bill payments to liquor licensure, and whether ordinance changes to the liquor ordinance were legal and/or ethical. Before the regular meeting, a brief appropriations meeting was held. Appropriations remained unchanged through to 2027, with no dissenting votes by the village board.

Resident Carolyn Trower spoke, requesting that the Village create an online payment and billing portal for utilities, specifically the water bill. Mrs. Trower advised the board that bills sent via U.S. Mail were frequently lost in transit, requiring her to call the Village to find out what she owed so she could make the payment on time and avoid late fees. She contended that, based on her previous banking and finance experience, for the cost the Village spent on postage, an online/ ACH system could be implemented to access utility bills and online payment. These missed utility bills had become so prevalent for her that she spoke to the local post office and was advised by them that the best remedy for missed mail was to rent a PO box for an annual fee of $72, which was a cost she did not feel she should have to shoulder. “It’s the 21st century, and it’s convenient,” she stated. In closing, Mrs. Trower shared her list of positives and negatives for implementing her suggestion with the board, closing with, “Jeff and I did not come to this meeting this evening to create disruptions, but to bring this issue to your attention. It’s just been such a problem to monitor and get our water bill…. We look forward to hearing your decision concerning this issue.”