•September 16, 2026•

by Jamie Crosier

Three years ago, Ashley Florey was a wife, mother, coach, coworker and local park ranger. She went to work, cared for her family and continued meeting the responsibilities of everyday life.

What many people around her could not see was that Florey was struggling with her mental health. She eventually survived a suicide attempt and was hospitalized for psychiatric treatment.

Now, during Suicide Prevention Month, the lifelong Shelby County resident is sharing her experience in hopes of encouraging more open conversations about mental health and helping people recognize that someone in crisis may not always appear to be struggling.

“I wish people understood that looking okay and actually being okay are two completely different things,” Florey said. “Looking back, I wish someone had understood that being strong and being okay aren’t the same thing.”

Florey was born and raised in Shelby County and graduated from Cowden-Herrick High School. She now lives in Tower Hill and works as a local park ranger. Area residents may know her through her years of coaching high school and junior high basketball.

Her experience challenged her own understanding of what depression and suicidal thoughts can look like. Florey said someone who is struggling may still go to work, care for children, coach, make dinner and respond to messages. Asking for help can be complicated by shame, fear, embarrassment or the belief that one has become a burden.

•September 2, 2026•

by Jamie Crosier

After 26 years of answering calls and serving in roles ranging from firefighter to fire chief, Curt Robinson is preparing for his final shift with the Bethany Fire Protection District.

Robinson, who currently serves as assistant fire chief, will be recognized during a retirement gathering from 2 to 4 p.m. Sept. 4 at the Bethany Fire House.

His career began as a volunteer firefighter. Robinson later earned his EMT-Basic certification and continued his education to become an EMT-Intermediate while moving through the department’s ranks as lieutenant, captain and assistant fire chief. He served as fire chief from 2008 to 2010.

•August 19, 2026•

by Jamie Crosier

When Dave Cole began as executive director of Moultrie County Counseling Center in March 2003, the agency was serving about 100 clients a year and operating from the basement of the Fields/Wright Medical building.

More than 23 years later, Cole is preparing to retire from the leadership position of an organization that served 447 clients during its most recent fiscal year and has grown from four counselors and therapists to nine.

•August 5, 2026•

by Jamie Crosier

The Bethany Celebration and Sullivan Dash and Bash are joining forces for the first Cruisin’ for St. Jude Jeep and Bike Run Saturday, Aug. 22, beginning at The Publisher in Bethany.

Registration will open at 10:00 a.m., with the run departing at noon. The registration fee is $10 per person. Participants may preregister through the link posted on the event’s Facebook page or register at The Publisher the morning of the event.

Although the event is being promoted as a Jeep and bike run, all makes and models of vehicles are welcome.

•July 22, 2026•

by Jamie Crosier

Christmas trees, holiday decorations and live music may seem out of place in the middle of summer, but that’s exactly what visitors might find when Sparrows Unlimited hosts its annual Christmas for the Kids Auction on Saturday, July 25, in the grassy lot outside East End Tavern in Lovington. The daylong fundraiser combines entertainment, food, family activities and a silent auction, with proceeds benefiting local children and families.

For Pam Anklam, president of Sparrows Unlimited, the event represents much more than a fundraiser.

“The first thing I would want people to know is that Sparrows Unlimited is made up of ordinary, hardworking people who simply want to make a difference in the lives of others,” Anklam said. “We aren’t a large organization with paid staff—we’re volunteers who care deeply about our community and are committed to helping local children and families.”

That volunteer spirit has carried the organization for 32 years.