•February 11, 2026•
Angie Hogan
Moultrie County Health Administrator
Foods containing fat were often blamed for weight gain and heart disease. As a result, many people tried to eat “low-fat” foods whenever possible. Today, health experts understand something important: Some fats are not only healthy, but they’re also essential and have a positive impact on overall health.
Why do healthy fats matter? Fat plays several important roles in the body. It provides energy, protects organs, and helps your body absorb certain vitamins. For example, vitamins A, D, E, and K require fat for proper absorption. Without enough healthy fat, your body may not get the full benefit from nutritious foods. Healthy fats also help you feel full after eating. This can reduce overeating and help with weight management.
What types of healthy fats should you include in your diet? The healthiest fats are called unsaturated fats. These fats are usually liquid at room temperature and come from plants and fish. Monounsaturated fats, when used in place of saturated fats, can help our bodies lower “bad” LDL cholesterol and support heart health. High blood levels of LDL can lead to plaque buildup in artery walls, significantly increasing the risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.
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•February 11, 2026•
Moultrie‑Douglas 4‑H has announced that Kate Bushue, of Sullivan, is the recipient of the 2026 Illinois 4‑H Gardening, Agriculture & Food Access Scholarship, sponsored by the Illinois 4‑H Foundation. This prestigious award includes a $1,250 scholarship, which Kate will receive at the Illinois 4‑H Celebration of Excellence Awards Banquet on April 10 at the I‑Hotel in Champaign.
Kate is a sophomore at Sullivan High School, a 10‑year 4‑H member, and an active participant in the Moultrie County Shining Stars 4‑H Club in Sullivan. Her 4‑H leader is Erica Lehman. She is the daughter of Jill and Josh Bushue, both of Sullivan.
Her dedication, leadership, and long‑standing commitment to 4‑H have made her a standout among youth across the state.
•February 11, 2026•
by DM Williamee
On Tuesday, February 3rd, the Mid-Illinois Senior Services hosted their monthly ‘Dine with a Doc.’ Their guest speaker was Jake Lehr, Senior Program Manager for the Central Illinois Alzheimer’s Association, Illinois Chapter. This highly engaging guest informed attendees about dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, from early detection and warning signs, therapies, and other forms of support, to healthy brain habits. Lehr clarified that dementia is an umbrella term for loss of memory and other thinking abilities severe enough to interfere with daily life, including the following: Alzheimer’s, vascular, Lewy body, frontotemporal, others, such as Huntington’s, and mixed dementia, which may have more than one cause. Lehr shared that everyone experiences Alzheimer’s differently and that Illinois is the first state in the nation to enact legislation mandating both state-regulated and private insurance plans to cover FDA-approved treatments, medications, and necessary diagnostic testing for Alzheimer’s disease.
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•February 4, 2026•
by DM Williamee
Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow on February 2nd, 2026, predicting six more weeks of winter. The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club confirmed that the groundhog saw his shadow at 7:25 a.m. EST in Gobbler’s Knob, Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, signaling a continuation of cold weather.
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•February 4, 2026•
by Sharon Barricklow
Sullivan residents are restricted in some areas of water usage through February after the Sullivan City Council declared a Water Emergency at their January 26th meeting. A water emergency means non-essential water usage, specifically turf irrigation, filling swimming pools, and personal car washing during the emergency are punishable by a $750 fine.
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•February 4, 2026•
by DM Williamee
As if the recent snowfall, wind, and colder temperatures were not sufficient to get everyone’s attention as we rang in the New Year, it is being predicted that the frigid weather will continue despite a warmer forecast over the next week to ten days. According to the National Weather Service, NOAA, and as cited by Accuweather, February is expected to bring with it an intense polar vortex, chilling weather patterns. A polar vortex refers to a large area of low pressure and cold air surrounding the Earth’s poles. When it weakens or shifts, it can push frigid air into lower latitudes. One is expected to impact the Midwest with another round of cold temperatures, brought down even colder with wind chills factored in
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•February 4, 2026•
by DM Williamee
Beginning on February 1st, SNAP benefits changes were put into motion by H.R. 1, or the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill Act’, signed into law last July 4th. This legislation enacted major changes to federal taxes, Medicaid, and other programs, becoming Public Law 119-21. The primary impact on SNAP is the changes to the work requirements. Adults aged 18 to 64 without dependents under age 14 must work, participate in employment and training programs, or volunteer at least 80 hours each month to receive benefits.
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•February 4, 2026•
by DM Williamee
Beginning on January 1st through to June 2026, Sullivan’s First United Methodist Church has an interim pastor, Mike Smith, a busy man. Pastor Smith is a retired UMC pastor with over fifty years of pastoral experience in local churches, serving in numerous conference leadership roles through the years. After retiring in 2020, he was appointed by three different bishops to serve several churches that needed short-term, transformative leadership. He has also developed an innovative/experimental program for churches to turn their stories around, with five churches currently engaged. He is also a part-time professional (certified) tour guide for Chicago, writes a blog, speaks at conferences, and has published a book (with more writing in the works) titled “Teaching the Preacher to Curse.” His wife Jie is the pastor of the Mansfield United Methodist Church, and they have three daughters and four grandchildren.
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