News Progress

The Declaration of Sarah’s Cousin
•July 1, 2026•

by Janey Roney

One of our home movies from the 1970s captured our daughter squirting water from a hose into a growing puddle in the lane. When her big brother splashed through her puddle, she burst into tears and screamed, “He’s stepping in my stream!!!”

We all step in someone’s stream now and then, but for most of the last 250 years, we Americans have managed to live in peace with one another. Among notable exceptions, of course, are the Civil War, the black civil rights struggle, and that awful year, 1968, but unlike other parts of the world, we usually live in harmony. Why?

A lot of credit goes to a document written by the cousin (twice removed) of Sarah Waugh Farrar Vaughan Rankin. You’ve never heard of her? She and her husband Robert Rankin moved into Ash Grove Township in Shelby County in 1828, and you might be related. She left many descendants who still live in the Findlay and Bethany area. Her great grandmother was Judith Jefferson Farrar, the aunt of Thomas Jefferson. If you are one of her descendants, you share some of Thomas Jefferson’s DNA. So, on this special 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, let’s look again at what Jefferson (who is maybe your or your neighbor’s distant cousin) wrote.

•July 1, 2026•

In the rush of our daily routines, it is a rare gift to simply pause, take a deep breath, and let the quiet beauty of the world wash over us. Imagine sitting outdoors on a warm summer morning, the gentle scent of seasonal blooms drifting through the air, while the soft, melodic song of a backyard bird reminds us to be completely present in the moment.

It is in this spirit of peace, renewal, and gentle connection that Senior Education Ministries, Inc. invites local seniors, veterans, caregivers, and community members to a tranquil afternoon of fellowship. This special Dine with a Doc® gathering will take place on Tuesday, July 7, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Moultrie County Senior Center, located at 113 E. Jefferson St. in Sullivan.

•June 24, 2026•

On Saturday, August 22nd, the ‘Cruisin’ for St. Jude’s Jeep and Bike run will be held. Entries are $10 per person, and registration begins at 10:00 a.m. at The Publisher in Bethany with a noon departure. There will be raffles, a 50/50 drawing, a scavenger hunt, and the party will continue after the event at the Publisher with DJ Ponch from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. The route this year is as follows: The Publisher in Bethany, the Sullivan American Legion in Sullivan, Old No. 1 in Windsor, Arches Brew and Pizza in Findlay, The Shamrock Club in Dalton City, and ends back at The Publisher.

•June 24, 2026•

Moving from June into July, the Elizabeth Memorial Library does not disappoint, with a full slate of events planned, groups meeting, and the popular Summer Reading Program continuing. Starting things off, there are the Story times, held every Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. The bounce house will be available after the story and craft. 

•June 24, 2026•

The class of 2026 Farm Credit agriculture scholars was recognized during a scholarship luncheon at Carriage House Event Center in Altamont, Thursday, May 21st. A total of $75,000 of scholarships was awarded to 30 high school seniors. Each scholar receives $2,500 from FCI to pursue a degree within the field of agriculture. 25 of the students attended the recognition program. This marks the 22nd year of the Farm Credit Agriculture Scholarship Program, which has awarded over $938,500 to 566 students in central and southern Illinois since 2004. Scholarship selections are based on participation and leadership contributions within school and community organizations, a genuine passion for farming and/or agriculture, and a commitment to pursuing an agriculture-related career.