News Progress

•August 20, 2025•

Submitted

The second of two “Broadway Boot Camps” with 30 children per session (the first held at The Little Theatre on the Square earlier this summer) was held August 4th-9th, at the First Christian Church in Sullivan, and was supported by the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation with a $5,000 grant. The instructors were Heather Dore Johnson and Zach Smith

The camp was a weeklong musical theatre experience for kids entering 1st through 5th grade. It was a high-energy, fun, and gives young performers the chance to learn songs, choreography, and basic stage skills in a welcoming environment. The focus was on music, choreography, and performance with a themed structure each day. Because of the grant, The Little Theatre was able to offer a second week of camp this year to meet demand.

Per Grant Wade, “We’re really proud to support this kind of opportunity for local kids - programs like this make a huge difference in our community by giving young people a creative outlet and a boost in confidence.”

The Lincoln Way (continued)

•August 20, 2025•

by Janet Roney

I am sure you know that Abraham Lincoln was a frequent visitor to Moultrie County when he was a young man and while he was practicing law on the Eighth Judicial Circuit. Local history nuts like me spend time researching when he was here, and where he ate and slept. So, hang in there with me.

One of the first places where he ate and slept was three miles south of Lovington near the Joshua Selby log cabin on March 13th, 1830. Joshua Selby and his father-in-law, Jacob Pea, had settled there in 1830 and were among the township’s earliest settlers. (Joshua’s 80 acres was on the east side of Route 32, and Jacob Pea’s was on the west side, just south of County Road 1850 North.) 

2015

Moultrie County is sprucing up the courthouse. On Thursday, August 20th, the Moultrie County Board proceeded with the restoration of the exterior of the courthouse with a unanimous vote, based on the recommendations of Building and Grounds committee Co-chair, Gary Smith.

Running a tight ship is a challenge for the Moultrie County Sheriff’s Department, and recent uncertainties in state funding are putting more pressure on the limited staff. “With eight Deputies covering the County 24/7, we are already running pretty close,” Sheriff Chris Simms said, noting that similar and surrounding Counties operate with up to forty percent more staff.

•August 13, 2025•

The Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Foundation will host its 18th annual SBL Hospice Binga on Tuesday, September 9th, at the Mattoon Eagles Club, 1917 Oak Avenue. Net proceeds support an endowment for SBL Willow Breeze Hospice House.

Contributions to Hospice Binga directly impact people throughout East Central and Southern Illinois by helping those with limited resources pay for their stay at Willow Breeze. “Willow Breeze has already impacted many families in the region,” SBL Special Events Officer Kim Lockart said. “Proceeds from Hospice Binga will support the endowment and ensure that we can continue to help families who need assistance.”

•August 13, 2025•

 Lake Land College will celebrate the start of the new school year by hosting Welcome Week, a week-long event designed to help new and returning students prepare for a successful year. Welcome Week will begin the week before classes start, offering students a chance to settle in at the College, meet staff and faculty, make new friends, and familiarize themselves with campus. Welcome Week activities include a range of fun and helpful opportunities, such as campus tours, information sessions, resource stations, photobooths, a scavenger hunt game, planner decorating, and more.