•July 15, 2026•
The Moultrie‑Douglas 4‑H program invites the public to attend a full week of exciting 4‑H Fair events celebrating the achievements, talents, and hard work of local youth. Community members of all ages are encouraged to come out, enjoy the activities, and support 4‑H members throughout the week.
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•July 15, 2026•
by E. Scott England
It’s fun. It’s competitive. It’s for a good cause. The Second Annual Moultrie County First Responder softball game is scheduled to take place on Saturday, July 18 starting at 6:00 p.m. The event will be held at Crowder Park in Bethany.
Organized by Moultrie County Deputies Alec Ballinger, Bryce Farris, Jesse Scribner; Sullivan Fire Captain Kenny Graven; and Bethany Fire Chief Mike Jennings, this fundraiser is for school supplies for local schools. “We split the money raised between Sullivan, Bethany, and Lovington elementary schools,” said Deputy Farris.
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Photo by R.R. Best
The annual Fourth of July parade kicked off a fun filled day of celebration hosted by the Sullivan American Legion Saturday. Wyman Park was the next destination for the always entertaining watermelon eating contest, turtle races and sack races. At dusk, an amazing fireworks display capped off the festivities. More photos can be found on page 12.
•July 8, 2026•
by Jamie Crosier
The Sullivan Community Unit School District 300 Board of Education approved several major financial and facility decisions Monday night, June 29, including a balanced amended budget, a contract for the district’s long-awaited track replacement project and the purchase of property that could support future transportation needs.
The board unanimously approved the district’s amended fiscal year 2026 budget following a public hearing. Superintendent Dr. Walk reported the district finished the year with a budget surplus of approximately $111,900 while maintaining a balanced operating budget.
Walk said the district experienced its first year in nearly a decade in which state and federal funding declined from the previous year. Transportation funding was particularly affected after the state reduced reimbursement payments.
Even with those reductions, Walk said the district remains in stable financial condition.
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•July 8, 2026•
by Ariana R. Cherry
Despite steamy temperatures and heavy July humidity, thousands of visitors poured into Arthur on Saturday, June 27, transforming Jurgens Park into a sea of lawn chairs and patriotic pride for the community’s annual Freedom Celebration. According to members of the Arthur Rotary, the event appeared to draw a record-breaking crowd, as residents and tourists alike gathered for what has become one of Central Illinois’ premier Independence Day traditions.
This year’s celebration carried extraordinary significance as Arthur joined the nation in commemorating the 250th anniversary of America’s founding. The semiquincentennial milestone was woven into every aspect of the day, from the flags lining the boulevards to the community-wide “Fly Our Flag for Freedom” initiative. The sense of hometown hospitality was palpable as local merchants and neighbors welcomed the influx of visitors with the warmth Arthur is known for.
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•July 1, 2026•
by Sharon Barricklow
Is your shrubbery looking jagged? Is your garden not producing? Are their hoof prints in the mud and something on the ground bigger than any dog business? If so, you may have been visited by Moultrie County’s resident deer.
Believe it or not, in 1900 the white tail deer population in Illinois was virtually extinct. Obviously, in the last 126 years that has changed, with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources estimating the state’s deer population at 660,000 in 2025. Moultrie County doesn’t have the largest deer population, that honor goes to Joe Davies County, but in 344 square mile Moultrie County, more than 700 are harvested annually during hunting season.
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•July 1, 2026•
by Sharon Barricklow
A new addition to Sullivan’s well field is under construction last week after the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency issued a drilling permit.
Sullivan has been under water restrictions since earlier this year due to low water levels in the aquifer that supplies the city with water. City council members said the new well will not entirely alleviate the water shortage but is a step forward.
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There is corn well above knee high by the Fourth of July in Moultrie County as the patriotic Lisa Shuman and Nancy Moore shows us. The photo was taken in a field east of Sullivan.
•July 1, 2026•
Submitted by Tonya Frevert
MCHGS Publicity Chair
Have you been to the Moultrie County History Center yet? Founded in 1973, the Moultrie County Historical and Genealogical Society is a nonprofit volunteer organization that strives to bring together people of all ages interested in the history and genealogy of Moultrie County and central Illinois. In addition to our library and museum, we host monthly public programs to illustrate the history of the area and its people. Our programs showcase the variety of stories and lived experiences that our diverse community has to share with one another.
Most recently, our June program showcased the history of local radio in Moultrie County. Moultrie County natives Larry Oathout and Scot England recounted the creation of Sullivan radio station WFWA in 1974, tracing its journey through multiple owners and name changes over the years. While recalling some of the notable on-air radio personalities—such as Gerald “Griz” England—Scot and Larry shared humorous recollections of their own journeys working in small-town radio and highlighted the rewards and challenges, both past and present.
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