Senior Expo a success
Photo Submitted
On Friday, September 4th, Mid-Illinois Senior Services (MISS) was abuzz with activity and a good time was had by all during MISS’ yearly Senior Expo. Local businesses attended to provide helpful information to local seniors, and the staff of MISS was on hand to answer questions, sign people up for services (including Medicare Part ‘D’ enrollments which are fast approaching), as well as provide a free lunch. Many local businesses and individuals donated a wide variety of goods to be sold at the Expo, with all funds raised going directly back into the services MISS provides to local seniors and a much-needed roof repair.
Meet the Machines offers hands-on experience in Windsor
•September 16, 2026•
by Jamie Crosier
Children and families will have the opportunity to get up close to emergency vehicles, trucks, tractors and other machines during Meet the Machines from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, outside the Windsor Storm Memorial Public Library, 102 S. Maple St.
The Windsor Storm Memorial Public Library and The Red Barn are co-hosting the free, all-ages event, which will give children and families an opportunity to climb inside vehicles, ask questions and explore different machines.
Read MoreLove Where You Live aims to connect Lovington community
•September 16, 2026•
by Jamie Crosier
The Lovington Working Collective is planning a Sept. 17 event aimed at helping residents learn more about their community and ways to become involved.
According to information provided by the Lovington Working Collective, “Love Where You Live: Get Involved in Lovington” is planned for 5 to 7 p.m. in the park during the final farmers market of the season. The event is being organized as LWC’s third-quarter meeting.
The Lovington Working Collective, or LWC, is a community-driven network focused on connecting residents, organizations and local leaders with funding opportunities, resources and ideas. Its work includes grants, youth programs, community events and economic development, with an emphasis on keeping investment local and supporting Lovington schools, nonprofits, businesses and families.
Read MoreSHS Honors English: Letters to the Editor
•September 16, 2026•
Letters to the Editor,’ written by Cami Badman‘s Honors English III students at Sullivan High School, explored controversial subjects with inquisitive minds and logic as well as emotion-based arguments. Badman opened the school year by challenging these 28 students to present well-rounded arguments for student-selected controversial subjects in the format of a ‘Letter to the Editor’.
Read MoreSuicide Prevention Month brings focus to struggles that are not always visible
•September 16, 2026•
by Jamie Crosier
Three years ago, Ashley Florey was a wife, mother, coach, coworker and local park ranger. She went to work, cared for her family and continued meeting the responsibilities of everyday life.
What many people around her could not see was that Florey was struggling with her mental health. She eventually survived a suicide attempt and was hospitalized for psychiatric treatment.
Now, during Suicide Prevention Month, the lifelong Shelby County resident is sharing her experience in hopes of encouraging more open conversations about mental health and helping people recognize that someone in crisis may not always appear to be struggling.
“I wish people understood that looking okay and actually being okay are two completely different things,” Florey said. “Looking back, I wish someone had understood that being strong and being okay aren’t the same thing.”
Florey was born and raised in Shelby County and graduated from Cowden-Herrick High School. She now lives in Tower Hill and works as a local park ranger. Area residents may know her through her years of coaching high school and junior high basketball.
Her experience challenged her own understanding of what depression and suicidal thoughts can look like. Florey said someone who is struggling may still go to work, care for children, coach, make dinner and respond to messages. Asking for help can be complicated by shame, fear, embarrassment or the belief that one has become a burden.
Read MoreArthur Cheese Festival brings community together despite the heat
•September 9, 2026•
by Ariana R. Cherry
The 53rd Annual Arthur Cheese Festival returned to downtown Arthur Friday and Saturday, Sept. 4–5, bringing two days of food, contests, vendors and family activities to the community.
The festival has traditionally taken place over three days on Saturday, Sunday and Monday of Labor Day weekend. This year, organizers introduced a shorter Friday-and-Saturday format.
Read MoreOn display
Photo by R.R. Best
The Sullivan Street Machine Association Labor Day weekend cruise-in car show brought car enthusiasts to the Sullivan square Saturday afternoon.
Food Myths and nutrition
Photo courtesy Mid Illinois Senior Services
On September 1st, Certified Health Coach Larry Wetnight presented to a packed house at Mid Illinois Senior Services for their monthly ‘Dine with a Doc’ free luncheon, discussing Food Myths and nutrition. The Q&A portion was especially lively, with a great number of productive takeaways for all.
The Busy Woman’s Guide: You only need the next step
•September 9, 2026•
by Jamie Crosier
There are some problems you can solve with a list.
What needs to go in the kids’ backpacks? Make a list. What needs to happen before company comes over? Make a list. What needs to get done before Monday morning? Definitely make a list.
But the bigger decisions in life rarely cooperate quite so nicely.
Read MoreCEFS announces the start of the Energy Assistance Program
•September 9, 2026•
CEFS announces the start of the Energy Assistance Program CEFS Economic Opportunity Corp, as administrator of the Energy Assistance Program in the counties of Christian, Clay, Effingham, Fayette, Montgomery, Moultrie and Shelby recently announced that funds are available to assist income-eligible households with their natural gas, propane and/or electric bills and furnace assistance for inoperable heating systems.
The program will begin taking applications on October 1, 2026, for older adults (60+ years), individuals with a disability, families with children age 5 years and under, and households that are disconnected from their utilities, have a disconnection notice or have less than 25% in their propane tank. All other income eligible households can start applying November 2, 2026. Applications will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis through August 13, 2027, or until funding is exhausted. Households that receive a one-time benefit may return during the program year for a Reconnection Assistance or Furnace Assistance benefit(s), if needed.
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