News Progress

•July 29, 2026•

The Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) has published the 2026 prevailing wage rates for construction trades in every county across Illinois.

The updated rates took effect Wednesday, July 15, 2026, following IDOL’s annual statewide survey conducted in June pursuant to the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act.

The Act requires workers on publicly funded construction and infrastructure projects to be paid wages that reflect local standards. By ensuring workers receive locally prevailing wages, the law helps protect good-paying jobs, promotes fair competition among contractors, and keeps taxpayer investments supporting Illinois workers and communities.

•July 29, 2026•

Inhale. Exhale. Repeat. When was the last time you took a truly deep, refreshing breath without a second thought? If you or a loved one are tired of feeling winded, local seniors and veterans are invited to take a breather from their routine and catch a wave of great health tips. Senior Education Ministries, Inc. is bringing its high-energy Dine with a Doc^® program to town on Tuesday, August 4, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Moultrie County Senior Center.

•July 29, 2026•

3rd & 17th: Needle Night from 5:00-7:00 p.m. If you would like to learn to crochet, knit, needlepoint, or even how to sew we have people that can help teach you. If you already know how and just want to hang out come join us.

4th: Story time from 10:00-10:30 a.m. Bring the little ones in for a story and a craft. 

7th: Kids Craft time will be from 3:30-4:30 p.m. We will be making a school themed craft.

•July 29, 2026•

COUNTRY Financial Representative Elizabeth Houser of Sullivan has earned a position on the insurance groups distinguished All Star team for the 7th time.

Houser is among a select group of top COUNTRY Financial Agency Managers and Financial Representatives who qualified for the award. COUNTRY Financial has more than 2,000 agency managers and financial representatives in 17 states. Houser is ranked in the top 10% of agents as of 05/31/2026.

All Star is awarded each year by COUNTRY Financial to Agency Managers and Financial Representatives who have excelled in identifying insurance products and financial solutions that fit the needs of their customers. Agency Managers and Financial Representatives who receive the award provide outstanding service to their clients.

Elizabeth, with her son Kyler, Agent, Beretta Black, Associate Agent, and their assistant Jeslyn Scott, serve their clients at the Houser Agency at 1102 W Jackson St., Sullivan.

Kings of the Mountain

•July 29, 2026•

by Janey Roney 

Some of the bratty boys at Jonathan Creek country school used to play “King of the Hill” on a large grass covered mound in the corner of the huge playground. Their shoving matches didn’t impress us girls much for their reign lasted only until noon or the next recess when another “king” claimed the title.

“I’ll be King of the mountain!” shouted British Major Patrick Ferguson to his British loyalist militia gathered at the top of Kings Mountain, South Carolina in October of 1780. Likewise, the patriot militia surrounding Kings Mountain were not impressed either. James Patterson, one of our county’s Revolutionary War veterans, was among those patriot militiamen.