News Progress

•May 20, 2026•

As the weather warms up and more people head outside, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is reminding everyone to leave young birds and other animals alone when they encounter them in the wild. Well-intentioned people may believe they’re helping nature by taking possession of young rabbits, fawn deer, baby birds, and other animals that appear to be orphaned or abandoned. However, in nearly all cases, human intervention does more to hurt animals than to help. Young birds and animals are still being fed and cared for by their parents, who usually stay away from nests and dens if humans are nearby. “The most helpful thing people can do for wildlife is to enjoy the animals through observation, not interference,” said IDNR Director Natalie Phelps Finnie. “If you really care about the animals, just leave them alone when you come across them in nature.” 

The Illinois Wildlife Code provides legal protection for wildlife. Keeping wild animals as pets or raising wild animals believed to have been abandoned is prohibited. Additionally, agency responses to incidents involving illegal captive wildlife can be costly and divert time from other important work. Most wild birds are protected by the Wildlife Code. This includes protection of eggs, nests, and feathers. Migratory birds are also protected by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service through the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. 

“The Immortal Thirty-two”

•May 20, 2026•

by Janet Roney

It’s been one hundred and ninety years since March 6, 1836, when Moultrie County’s Jonathan Lindley became the only Illinois man to die at the Alamo.

At age twenty-two, Jonathan had everything to live for. After coming to Texas in 1833 from Moultrie County, Illinois, with his father, Samuel Washington Lindley, he owned 80 acres of land, a small herd of cattle, some pigs, and a cozy little cabin near Gonzales where he and his sweetheart, Sarah, would soon start their married life. What more could a young man ask for? But Jonathan had been born with a strong sense of right and wrong, like his Whitley and Lindley grandfathers.

Texians were outraged when the Mexican “Napoleon of the West,” Santa Anna, jailed Stephen Austin after refusing his request to make Texas an independent Mexican state. He also stopped legal American immigrants and seized their weapons, even though he had been inviting them to settle in the land of “smiling prairies” for the previous decade. Soon, ready or not, the Texians wanted complete independence from Mexico.

•May 20, 2026•

A botanical evening  Master Gardeners have announced a ‘Botanical Evening in the Garden’, Thursday, June 18th, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. The event will be held in the Idea Garden at Sarah Bush Lincoln Hospital.  Participants are invited to stroll through the garden and learn about the plants, design, and care behind this special space from the Master Gardeners who tend it and enjoy samples of botanical teas and garden-inspired snacks—infused with herbs, fruits, and edible flowers grown right in the garden. See what’s new in the garden; even if you joined us last year, you’ll notice some exciting changes. Some of the spaces have been redesigned with new features and fresh ideas to inspire, making this year’s experience not to be missed. Whether a plant enthusiast, casual gardener, or looking for a peaceful way to spend your evening, this event offers a perfect blend of education, flavor, and community. The Idea Garden is located near the emergency department entrance on the west side of the hospital, 1000 Health Center Drive, Mattoon. Register for this free event at https://go.illinois.edu/BotanicalEvening by June 12th.

On Wednesday, May 6th, April Daily, Office Manager and Closer for Allied Capital, right, presented a $300 donation to Kathi Garvey of the Mid-Illinois Senior Center in response to a request from MISS for financial assistance for roof repairs. “Every quarter, Allied Captial donates $300 to a local non-profit,” shared April Daily. 

•May 13, 2026•

Moultrie‑Douglas 4‑H is gearing up to welcome young explorers to Cloverbud AgVenture Camp, a lively, hands‑on learning event designed especially for children ages 5–8. The camp will take place on Tuesday, June 23rd, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Arthur United Methodist Church, offering an afternoon packed with discovery, creativity, and farm‑themed fun. The camp will be led by Moultrie-Douglas Emerging Leaders 4-H Club members and 4-H staff, with the Illinois Farm Bureau Ag in the Classroom curriculum being utilized. 

The AgVenture Camp introduces youth to the exciting world of agriculture through movement‑based games, science activities, and interactive stations led by caring adults and teen 4‑H volunteers. Each station is designed to spark curiosity and help youth connect with nature in meaningful, age‑appropriate ways.