News Progress

MCHD offers Powerful Tools for Caregivers to support individuals

•September 3, 2025•

by Angela Hogan

The Moultrie County Health Department (MCHD) is pleased to sponsor a Powerful Tools for Caregivers curriculum at the Jonathan Creek Christian Church near Sullivan, IL. The six-week course will be offered from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. every Wednesday beginning September 24th through October 29th. Powerful Tools for Caregivers is an evidence-based program that focuses on the special needs of caregivers for persons living with dementia. During the six-week curriculum, caregivers learn new ways to identify and address the physical, mental, and emotional stresses of caregiving. 

Who are the Caregivers?: Caregivers help individuals meet their daily needs. These needs may include assistance with household tasks, managing financial and personal affairs, or completing personal care needs such as bathing, meal preparation, and transportation. 

•August 27, 2025•

On Saturday the 23rd, crowds gathered in the community of Bethany to enter and admire cars, trucks, and motorcycles of all years, makes, and models entered in the BASO car show. With a beautiful and balmy afternoon, it was the perfect day for a car show, as many in attendance commented. Entrants came from near and far for the opportunity to show their appreciation for the automobile and their craftsmanship in both restoration and showing. Both young and young at heart appreciated the wide array of beautiful autos being showcased. Awards are as follows:

•August 27, 2025•

Op-Ed by DM Williamee

A new Illinois law (SB1560) will mandate that all students in 3rd through 12th grade have annual mental health screenings beginning the 2027-2028 school year. (105 ILCS 5/2-3.203)

The Illinois State Board of Education has until September 1st, 2026, to develop its guidelines, such as how these screenings will be conducted, how any follow-ups/referrals will be implemented, and how they plan to protect students’ privacy as well, as the information gathered will be done so digitally. Parents can opt out of the screenings, but the process for doing so, as well as any consequences for opting out, if they exist, are still unclear. As many already know, educators are mandatory reporters of suspected child abuse, and while it is widely accepted that more resources are needed for mental health services for all ages, is implementing a program like this (with the word “mandatory”) in our schools 1) necessary, 2) wise, and 3) an overreach of the State? How will this mandatory screening impact mandatory reporting?

Photo Submitted

‘Christmas for the Kids’

Sparrows Unlimited, of Lovington, held its popular (31st annual now) “Christmas for the Kids” fundraiser last Saturday. Supporters filed in throughout the day to bid on silent auction items, listen to live music by Cash Hale, with Sons of the American Legion providing the ‘pork chop on a stick’ concessions. Many came out for the event and, forgoing the auction portion, donated to the cause with cash donations and enjoyed the socialization, music, and food. Pictured are members representing the Keystone Chapter of the Widows Sons, who presented a check to Sparrows president, Pam Anklam.

•August 20, 2025•

DM Williamee

This year’s 128th (a most impressive number) Windsor Harvest Picnic drew crowds to the small community, despite ongoing record-high temperatures. Beginning on August 14th, the 3-day fete included events such as dinners, ice-cream socials, live musical performances from the Kentucky Headhunters and tribute band Fleetwood Gold, auctions, a 5k run, pedal tractor pulls, Bessie Bingo (sponsored by Windsor’s FFA chapter), inflatables (brought by 25/8 Extreme), ‘Little Miss Harvest’ picnic, and of course, a parade.