Stations of the Cross

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Stations of the Cross
The “Stations Of The Cross” event was held on Good Friday in Bethany. This is an annual community event sponsored by the Bethany Ministerial Alliance.  Approximately 70 community members came out to honor and commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus by walking as a group up Main Street and stopping at various points to share scripture, readings, prayer and songs. The Ministerial Alliance consists of the following churches: Cumberland Presbyterian, Elim Springs Church of Jesus Christ, United Methodist, Saint Isidore, First Christian and Free Methodist.

A Look Back…

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2014

Nathan Riley is 12 years old. He’s been fishing for only a couple years. He is mostly self-trained too, having watched dozens of YouTube videos on the sport. And it was he who was by himself at little ol’ Wyman Lake when he caught a 20-inch, 5-pound., 7-ounce large mouth bass on a cold March morning.

Earlier this month Shelby County residents passed a new one percent sales tax aimed at helping area schools maintain their often-aging buildings. The referendum, which passed on March 18 and goes into effect April the following year, could bring Okaw Valley schools as much as $50,000 in increased revenue according to district superintendent Kent Stauder. Read More

Remembering who we are…. 3

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•April 3, 2024•

by Janet Roney

In Robert Frost’s poem, Fire and Ice, he wonders whether fire or ice will destroy our world. He thought fire would, but “…I know enough of hate to say that for destruction ice is also great…” 

Yes, ice certainly destroys, but the last glacier that came down from Wisconsin and Canada during our current ice age did some very good things to Moultrie County. Let’s review. 

It left a flat surface with a fresh new covering of glacial drift that filled in old river valleys that are the aquifers that give us water. Because it stopped just beyond Gays at the southern edge of the county, our soil has weathered for just 18,000 years instead of the 300,000 years of weathering of soils to the south. Our growing season is longer than anywhere else on earth the glacier covered. All of this contributed to making some of the most valuable farmland in the world here in Moultrie County.   Read More

Angler’s Tribute to Veterans

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•April 3, 2024•

The annual Angler’s Tribute to Veterans Crappie Tournament will be held this Saturday on Lake Shelbyville. Early registration will take place Friday at the Sullivan VFW beginning at 5 p.m.. Take-off and weigh in will take place at the Bo Woods Ramp. Saturday registration will be at 5:30 a.m. with lines in at 7. Weigh-in will begin at 2:30 p.m.

Senior Peace Meal

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•April 3, 2024•

For Reservations 

Call 1-800-543-1770

The Peace Meal Senior Nutrition Program suggests a donation of $4.00 for each congregate and home delivered meal. We accept the Illinois Link Card.

April 8 - Breakfast Casserole, Warm Michigan Fruit, Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Fruit Juice, Muffin or Cinnamon Roll

April 9 - Fried Chicken, Twice Baked Mashed Potatoes, Honey Glazed Baby, Carrots, Kidney Bean Salad, Bread/Roll      

April 10 - Lasagna, Green Beans, Romaine Side Salad, Berry Crisp

April 11 - BBQ Riblet, Parmesan Roasted, Potatoes, Creamed Corn, Coleslaw, Mini sub Roll

April 12 - Chicken Strips, Mashed Potatoes with, White Gravy, Garlic Vegetables, Fruit or Salad, Bread/Roll

Lake Land College to Host Commencement Ceremony

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•March 27, 2024•

Lake Land College will celebrate with graduates during a Commencement ceremony on Friday, May 10, 2024 at 6 p.m. in the Field House.

“All of our graduates have accomplished so much, and we are excited to celebrate this milestone with them at this year’s Commencement Ceremony,” Lake Land College President Josh Bullock said.

The ceremony will be livestreamed via the Internet from the college’s homepage at LakeLandCollege.edu. In addition to seating in the Field House, overflow seating showing the livestream on a large screen will be available throughout campus. A recording will also air on local cable channels in the days following.

The deadline to file an Intent to Graduate is Friday, March 15. The deadline to measure for a cap and gown is Friday, March 29.

A Look at Nature Photo Contest

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•March 27, 2024•

Prairie’s Edge Master Naturalists announce the launch of the “A Look at Nature Photo Contest,” inviting amateur photographers to immerse themselves in the beauty of spring and showcase their photography skills. The contest, part of the Explore Nature series, will run from April 1st to May 10th, providing participants ample time to capture the vibrant essence of the season.

The primary theme of the contest is “A Look at Nature,” encouraging entrants to explore and photograph the captivating elements of spring in the natural environment. Whether it’s blossoming flowers, picturesque landscapes, or playful wildlife, participants are urged to let their creativity blossom and share their unique perspective on the season’s awakening. Read More

Remembering Who We Are…2   

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•March 27, 2024•

What Did a Trillion Tons of Glacial Ice Do to Moultrie County?

by Janet Roney

Well, duh…it flattened it, of course. But, that’s not all it did.  

When the Wisconsin Glacier came down from Canada 30,000 years ago or so, it brought tons and tons of dirt, gravel, rocks, and sand with it that it picked up along the way. When global warming began 14,000 – 18,000 years ago and melted the ice, it left up to 200 feet of this debris, called glacial till, on top of everywhere the glacier reached.  

The weight of the ice and glacial drift depressed the earth’s crust, and shifted the viscous mantle below it. Like a teeter-totter, its weight pushed up the surface of the ice-free areas south of it. When the ice melted, post-glacial rebound began and continues to this day. Every century, the elevation of northeastern and central Illinois is rising from 3 to 4 feet, while land to the south is lowering. Bridge builders have to pay attention to that fact.        Read More

A Look Back…

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2014

The city council Monday moved forward with combining computer networks across the City of Sullivan’s departments. As a follow up on the discussion and recommendation made by the council at the Feb. 24 meeting, the city moved forward to have QNS combine the computer networks of the different departments into one that can be monitored, tracked, and protected as a unit.

The Sullivan school board approved three types of measures Monday evening in a special meeting concerning reduction in force. Faced with potentially steeper cuts in state aid payments for the next school year, the board approved nine resolutions totaling approximately $65,000 in cuts, including the honorable dismissal of Brent Weakly, a physical education teacher at Sullivan Middle School. Read More

Nathan Shirley Receives Friends of Master Gardener Award 

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•March 20, 2024•

The Master Gardeners in Coles, Cumberland, Douglas, Moultrie, and Shelby recently announced Nathan Shirley as the recipient of the esteemed Friends of Master Gardener Award. This recognition honors Nathan’s exceptional dedication and contribution to our local Master Gardener program. Nathan’s significant volunteer efforts, particularly in helping construct the new greenhouse, have made a profound impact on our community. His commitment exemplifies the spirit of community support and collaboration that is fundamental to our gardening initiatives. “His hard work and passion have been instrumental in the success of our program. We extend our sincere appreciation to Nathan for his outstanding contributions,” said Jenny Lee, Master, Gardener Program Coordinator. The Friends of Master Gardener Award celebrates individuals like Nathan Shirley, whose dedication enhances the vibrancy and sustainability of our local green spaces. We commend Nathan for his commitment to making our community a greener and more connected place.