On August 20th, Officer Ben Schoonover of the Findlay Police Department was awarded the ‘Life Saving Award’ for his selfless acts in helping to save a life on a recent call.
Presenting the awards was EMS Captain Shawne Martz.
The Springfield Road
•August 27, 2025•
By Janet Roney
No one knows for sure the route Abraham Lincoln’s family followed when they passed through our county in March of 1830 on their way to their new home west of Decatur.
From Paradise in western Coles County, they may have passed east of the large Kickapoo Indian winter camp site on the south side of the Shelbyville Moraine, and noted the cabins of the Whitley and Waggoner families, who had only recently settled along the ancient Whitley Point Road. At some point, they would have followed the Kaskaskia-Detroit Road that led to the young village of Nelson.
Nelson had few residents when the Lincolns may have stayed there, for it was recently platted in 1829. The next night, they camped at the edge of the timber near the Selby cabin (near the CRP prairie grass field south of Lovington, east of Route 32).
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•August 27, 2025•
1st - Closed for Labor Day
5th - Kids Craft from 3:30-4:30 p.m. This month, they will be making a fall tree with puzzle pieces.
8th - Adult Craft Club from 5-7:00 p.m. Bring whatever project you are working on and join them for the fun.
9th - Story Time at 10:00 -10:30 a.m. and 3:00-3:30 p.m. They will read a story and have an activity.
12th - Teen Craft from 3:30-4:30 p.m. This month, they will be making a standing paper tree craft.
15th & 29th - Needle Night from 5:00-7:00 p.m. If you would like to learn to crochet, knit, needlepoint, or even how to sew, they have people who can help teach you. If you already know how and just want to hang out, come join them.
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Last Saturday, the Sullivan American Legion post hosted a Bike Day during the afternoon, open to the public. Food was provided by Griffin’s BBQ Crew Catering, and drinks by the American Legion to all who attended.
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•August 27, 2025•
Peace Meal helps boost the nutritional health of older adults by providing healthy pre-cooked meals, conducting nutrition assessments and education, and sharing food safety instructions.
For reservations, call (217) 728-8521. Skim milk and desserts without added sugar are available in many locations; ask the site Supervisor for more information. Sometimes substitutions need to be made to the menus, but a nutritious meal is guaranteed. The Peace Meal Nutrition Program suggests a $4.00 donation for each congregate and home delivery meal. No older person shall be denied a meal because of their inability to contribute towards the cost of the meal. Illinois LINK cards are accepted.
Sept.1- CLOSED FOR LABOR DAY
Sept.2- Pork burger and bun, German potato salad, baked beans, and fruit.
Sept.3- Meatloaf, sour cream and chive mashed potatoes, carrots, potato salad, and a roll.
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•August 27, 2025•
Sept. 3rd, 2:00-5:00 p.m.: Crafternoon
Sept. 4th, 6:00 p.m.: Book club
Sept. 17th, 6:00 p.m.: Yarn and Friends
Oct. 1st, 2:00- 5:00 p.m.: Crafternoon
Oct. 2nd, 6:00 p.m.: Book club
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•August 27, 2025•
Submitted
Cheryl Avitts shared with the Moultrie County Genealogical and Historical Society regarding her discovery of her family’s First Nations lineage. Titled, “I am Miami,” Cheryl shared, “Our family of Nitzschke’s had no idea of our heritage until Grandpa Albert A. Nitzschke was asked questions of the when’s and where’s of their mother’s and father’s lineages. That was when we learned of his amazing journey. Since 1958, our family has journeyed into genealogy: find a grave, newspapers, court records, family letters, and such. In the U.S. Government rolls, we found the Miami connection.”
•August 27, 2025•
All residents of Lovington and the surrounding area are invited to attend a Town Meeting to be held at the Lovington Grade School on Saturday, September 6th, at 4:30 p.m. Lovington recently enlisted the help of the “MAPPING the Future of Your Community” program through the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs at Western Illinois University in an effort to take a proactive approach to planning for the future of the community.
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•August 27, 2025•
by Officer Benjamin Schoonover
I’m proud to see our community standing behind the reinstatement of the D.A.R.E. program. As a police officer and a parent, I believe one of the most vital aspects of law enforcement is drug abuse prevention and early intervention. Programs like D.A.R.E. and Safe Passage allow us to extend a helping hand through education and support, using proven strategies to guide individuals away from substance abuse before it starts. Prevention is just as important as treatment when it comes to addressing addiction.
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•August 27, 2025•
Submitted by Vicky Gemme,
Senior Care Specialist
Staying close to grandchildren in today’s screen-driven world can feel like a challenge, especially for families separated by distance. But the connection doesn’t have to fade between visits. By making small adjustments in how technology is used, grandparents can become part of their grandkids’ everyday lives - not just the occasional phone call or holiday visit.
One of the easiest ways to start is by focusing on a single method of communication. Whether it’s a video calling app, a messaging platform, or even simple texting, sticking with one tool in the beginning helps reduce confusion and builds comfort on both ends. When communication is predictable and straightforward, it becomes easier for everyone to connect without hesitation.
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