News Progress

•December 17, 2025•

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has issued an updated standing order that adds Illinois public libraries to the list of locations that are permitted to keep a supply of opioid overdose reversal agents on hand, and to allow trained staff to administer them in the event of a suspected overdose on their premises. The revised standing order will make it easier for libraries to comply with new provisions of the Illinois Local Library Act, which will take effect on January 1st, 2026.

Kaskaskia Whitewater
•December 17, 2025•

by Janet Roney

A loud roar came from the churning whitewater dead ahead. I had expected paddling upstream on the Kaskaskia River to be difficult, but I did not expect rapids to block our way. 

These were not just little riffles in the water like submerged logs make. These rapids extended up and beyond a bend in the river and were making serious whitewater. (Well...not serious as in Alaska or Idaho, but it was white, it was water, and from my view sitting just a few inches above the water line in my dinky little sit-on-top kayak, it looked and sounded serious enough to me.)

•December 17, 2025•

Allied Capital Title (ACT) offices of Charleston, Mattoon, Shelbyville, Tuscola, and Sullivan recently donated $720 to the Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Foundation to support patients receiving care at the SBL Regional Cancer Center (RCC) who struggle to pay for costs associated with their care.

During the month of October, the offices donated a portion of ACT’s closing costs to the SBL Regional Cancer Center. Each office also collected other donations to contribute. ACT has donated a total $1,890 to the RCC in the past 3 years. “Allied Capital Title has generously donated to the SBL Regional Cancer Center over the years, and we are grateful for their continued support,” SBL Special Events Officer Kim Lockart said. 

For more information about donating to the SBL Regional Cancer Center, contact the SBL Health Foundation at 217-258-2511. 

•December 17, 2025•

The winter holidays can turn deadly, as research shows that more people die from heart attacks during the last week of December than at any other time of the year. While being aware of the signs of a heart attack and taking steps to reduce your risk are important all year long, the American Heart Association, devoted to changing the future to a world of healthier lives for all, says that’s especially critical during the next few weeks. And, in rural communities, where EMS responses can be delayed and minutes matter, it’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms and seek treatment quickly.

2015

The final Moultrie County Food Pantry delivery from Hydro-gear’s annual drive was made on Wednesday, December 9th. Hydro Gear employees not only responded with food donations but also generated substantial cash donations to help the food pantry.

The Lady Knights were too much for the Blue Devils, winning 62-47 in a December 10th home game. The Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond team got a slow start, scoring eight to Villa Grove’s fourteen points. At the end of the first half, the Lady Knights were down 28-18.