News Progress

•November 26, 2025•

1st, 8th, and 29th - Needle Night from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. If you would like to learn to crochet, knit, needlepoint, or even how to sew, there are people who can help teach you. If you already know how and just want to hang out, come join everyone. 

2nd - Story time from 10:00 to 10:30 a.m. The Lovington Public Library will read Christmas-themed books and have a craft for the little ones. 

5th - Kids Craft time from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. This month, we will be making a poinsettia.

8th - Craft Club from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Bring whatever project you are working on and join everyone for the fun.

9th - Tyke Time from 10:00 to 10:30 a.m. There will be Christmas-themed activities for the little ones.

The Howling Wilderness
•November 26, 2025•

by Janet Roney

The yelping black and white fur ball sliding down our bedroom window screen woke us from a sound sleep. Our farm dog was trying to jump into the room with us, something he had never done before.

“Ernie Bob! Stop that!” I yelled as he bounced off the screen a second time and landed in a whimpering ball under the bush beneath the window.

Then, I saw movement on the other side of the bush. A large coyote, with two more behind him, had locked his eyes on Ernie Bob, ready for the kill. A half dozen more skulked at the field edge, yipping and yapping in hungry anticipation of midnight morsels of Ernie bob. I screamed.

•November 19, 2025•

This December, the Moultrie-Douglas 4-H program is inviting all area youth—whether they’re 4-H members or not—to take part in two exciting, hands-on events designed to spark creativity, curiosity, and community spirit.

The ‘Greenery and Glitter Holiday Workshop’ will be held on Saturday, December 13th, from 10:30 a.m. until noon at the Arthur United Methodist Church, 128 E Illinois Street in Arthur. This is geared for those 5 through 18, with 4-H and non-4-H youth welcome. The ‘Greenery and Glitter Holiday Workshop’ is a free event where youth can craft festive decorations, sip hot cocoa, and enjoy cookies in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. Attendees are encouraged to wear their favorite holiday gear and enter to win fun Christmas door prizes. Pre-registration is required by December 1st at go.illinois.edu/GreeneryandGlitterWorkshopFor questions or accommodations, contact 4-H Coordinator Rachel Stenger at rstenger@illinois.edu or call (217)543-3755. This event is made possible thanks to the support of Dr. Christina Edmonds Berhend, Darla Chouinard, the Moultrie-Douglas Emerging Leaders 4-H Club, and the Moultrie-Douglas Foundation.

•November 19, 2025•

On Tuesday, November 11th, in the Okaw Valley High School Gymnasium, Okaw Valley put on its annual Veterans Day Program. The Master of Ceremonies, Jack Scott, welcomed everyone to the program, and the opening was presented by Mr. Kent Stauder, Superintendent of Okaw Valley CUSD #302, who thanked the Veterans in the audience for their service.

Traveling on the Springfield Road (Part 3)

•November 19, 2025•

by Janet Roney

Traveling across the prairie of central Illinois on the Springfield Road in the 1830s was not easy, whether on a horse, in a covered wagon, or on foot, as seen in the last two columns. An alternative way to travel was by stagecoach. The Springfield Road was laid out by the state in 1826 specifically as a route for stagecoach travel and for the US mail.

Unfortunately, stagecoach travel was not much better than going by wagon, horse, or walking. In The Sangamon Saga, one lady described riding in a stagecoach on a trail in Sangamon County as “one prolonged torture.” The body of the stage was suspended on leather straps between the wheels, which acted as a crude form of springs, but gave little relief from bouncing along on the rough, rutted trail.

“When she got into the stage at noon, she found her traveling companions included an elderly woman and six young men. The latter were all going west to seek their fortunes. The roads were so tough that the harness was broken twice that afternoon and had to be mended before they could continue.”

Somewhere in Sangamon County, they stopped at an inn, “which seemed about ready to fall down. For supper, there was greasy side meat, soggy and ill-smelling saleratus biscuits, and coffee made from parched corn. Flies swarmed the table unnoticed by the host.”