•March 18, 2026•
Lake Land College is hosting its first-ever welding competition for area high school students on Thursday, March 26th, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. During the event, participating students will compete against each other in the Lake Land College welding lab, showcasing their skills and putting their proficiency to the test by completing multi-position welds.
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•March 18, 2026•
The Energy Assistance Foundation, through its Warm Neighbors Cool Friends (WNCF) program, partners with CEFS Economic Opportunity to provide energy bill payment assistance to eligible Ameren Illinois customers in Christian, Clay, Effingham, Fayette, Montgomery, Moultrie, and Shelby counties. In December 2025, Ameren Illinois contributed an additional $2 million to support Illinois households in 2026—ensuring more families can keep the lights on, stay warm in the winter, and cool in the summer. Through this program, eligible households may receive up to $500 in assistance during the heating season, and up to $400 during the cooling season.
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•March 18, 2026•
Diabetes is on the rise, but it can be a very manageable illness. If you or someone you care for has diabetes or is pre-diabetic, why not learn how to more effectively “take charge” and live an active and fulfilling life? Take Charge of Your Diabetes is designed to teach those with diabetes tools and techniques to help them become better health managers. Classes will be offered on Wednesday afternoons starting April 1st through May 6th from 1:30 to 4:00 p.m. Classes will be held at the Moultrie County Health Department at 202 South Main in Sullivan.
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•March 18, 2026•
Schlabach Farms LLC, Sullivan, is a new member of the American Angus Association®, reports Mark McCully, CEO of the national breed organization headquartered in Saint Joseph, Missouri. The American Angus Association, with more than 21,000 active adult and junior members, is the largest beef breed association in the world. Its computerized records include detailed information on over 21 million registered Angus.
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•March 18, 2026•
Lovington Grade School recently released their 3rd quarter Honor Roll, recognizing the following students for their strong performance in core subjects, good attendance, and positive behavior:
6th grade High Honors: Brentley Carnahan, Autumn Mason, and Morgan Mitchell. 6th grade Honors: Ivy Everen, Colton Harris, Annabelle Hetzel, and Cody Vancil.
7th grade High Honors: Camden Casteel, Alenna Ingram, and Mariah Plank. 7th grade Honors: Micah Burket, Jamison Helmuth, Jasleyn Helmuth, Kayla Peters, and Sofia Williams.
8th-grade High Honors: Jace Burnett, Jacoby Burnett, Jaleb Burnett, Jianna Burnett, Elijiah Fowler, and Gabrielle Hutchcraft. 8th grade Honors: Lilly Ayer, Elijah Burket, Roxanne Clark, Nevaeh Helmuth, Maranda Pratt, and Mariah Pratt.
•March 18, 2026•
The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) reminded Illinoisans to check their household plumbing fixtures and irrigation systems for leaks as a part of National Fix-a-Leak Week. “Every year, household leaks waste approximately 1 trillion gallons of water nationwide. Chasing down leaks can help Illinoisans shave up to 10 percent off their monthly water bills,” said ICC Chairman Doug Scott.
Read MoreSome More Kickapoo Stories
•March 18, 2026•
by Janet Roney
I’m not quite done telling you about the local Native Americans who were living in the Moultrie-Shelby area when the first early settlers arrived. Several more stories about their interactions with the whites before they were forced to leave in 1833 can be found in the general introduction and individual township histories in the 1881 History of Shelby and Moultrie Counties, Illinois.
The history says that the Native Americans were numerous when the Wakefield family, the first settlers in Cold Spring Township (southwest of Shelbyville), came in 1818. The two groups had friendly relations, and the Indians often provided game to the settlers and “did other acts of kindness”.
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•March 18, 2026•
3rd: Closed for Good Friday.
6th and 7th: 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, we have people who can help teach you. If you already know how and just want to hang out, come join us.
7th: Story Time from 10:00 to 10:30 a.m. We will have Easter-themed stories and a craft, and Lego Time from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
10th: Kids Craft from 3:30-4:30 p.m. We will be making an Easter craft.
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The Moultrie County Board updated sheriff’s fees and learned of changes with Central Illinois Public Transit. Coles County Regional Planning and Development Commission conducted a study of the Sheriff’s Department fee schedule, which revealed that some fees needed to be increased to cover actual costs.
The Sullivan Okaw Valley track team competed in the Decatur Area indoor Invitational, held in the Mt. Zion Firehouse. The meet was non-scored, so no team scores were calculated, but the boys had a solid start with nine personal records set.
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•March 11, 2026•
Illinois fishing licenses – among the most affordable in the nation – are now on sale for the 2026 season. Illinois fishing licenses and stamps for 2026 are available for purchase online and at department-authorized vendors. A standard, non-discounted resident fishing license costs $15. Licenses for the 2025 season remain valid through March 31. Anglers 16 and older must have a valid fishing license in Illinois. Exemptions apply to active-duty military personnel and people with disabilities.
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