Story Time welcomes young children at Sullivan library

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by Jamie Crosier

Wednesday mornings at Elizabeth Titus Memorial Library begin with a welcome song, followed by a choice made by some of the library’s youngest visitors: what to sing next.

Children can shake bells or play rhythm sticks during the songs before settling in for a story. Some weeks include a game or activity tied to the book. Afterward, children move to the library’s back room for a craft, then can spend time in the bounce house, play with hopper balls or explore the sensory table.

The library’s weekly Story Time begins at 10 a.m. each Wednesday and is designed primarily for children who have not yet started kindergarten, although children outside that age group are not turned away.

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Sullivan school board adopts 2026-27 budget, reviews track progress

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•September 23, 2026•

by Jamie Crosier

The Sullivan Community Unit School District 300 Board of Education adopted its 2026-27 budget Monday, Sept. 14, with district officials reporting a balanced overall budget despite declining state and federal funding and rising transportation costs.

Superintendent Dr. Ted Walk said the final budget remains very similar to the tentative version presented in July, with only minor adjustments. While some individual funds are expected to operate at a deficit this year, he said those decreases are planned, including spending connected to previously scheduled capital projects.

Walk said the district has maintained balanced budgets for the past 10 years, but future budgets may require additional discussion as revenues tighten.

State and federal funding received by the district declined last year and is expected to be lower again this year. Transportation is one area creating additional pressure. State transportation funding has remained relatively flat while districts’ actual costs continue to increase.

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Moultrie County Board addresses budget, salaries and county business

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•September 23, 2026•

by Jamie Crosier

The Moultrie County Board handled a full slate of county business during its Sept. 10 meeting at the Moultrie County Courthouse, approving funding requests, salary adjustments, property matters and other items while discussing plans for the coming fiscal year.

The board approved $12,000 in funding for CEFS for fiscal year 2027 following a presentation from Crystal Edwards.

Edwards said CEFS had requested $8,000 in each of the past couple of years but increased its request to $12,000 this year. Of that amount, $8,000 will support outreach services, $3,000 will go toward transportation needs and $1,000 will support the RSVP program.

Outreach assistance can include fuel vouchers for work or medical appointments, rental and hotel assistance, auto repairs and utility assistance. Edwards explained that documentation is required for certain assistance, including work schedules for employment-related fuel vouchers and documentation for medical appointments.

The board unanimously approved the funding request.

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Senior Expo a success

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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

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•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.

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Love Where You Live aims to connect Lovington community

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•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.

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SHS Honors English: Letters to the Editor

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•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’.

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Suicide Prevention Month brings focus to struggles that are not always visible

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•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.

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Arthur Cheese Festival brings community together despite the heat

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•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.

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