Photo by R.R. Best
On Sunday, December 14th, Harper Standerfer enjoys her sledding adventure on Cemetery Hill, Sullivan, despite a frigid temperature of only 2 degrees.
Cold weather temps do not dampen winter fun
Santa’s Little Helper Workshop
Photos by R.R. Best
On Friday, December 5th, Dove, Inc., in collaboration with East Central Illinois ROSC, held a free “Santa’s Little Workshop” event at Mid-Illinois Senior Services in Sullivan. With free food, crafts, activities, hot chocolate, cookie decorating, and warm holiday cheers, the event was enjoyed by many locals. Santa was also present, happily hearing the Christmas list requests of children of all ages.
Elder care fraud: financial abuse
•December 10, 2025•
by DM Williamee
Nursing and care home fraud is a growing problem that affects vulnerable populations, especially the elderly. It encompasses a diverse range of activities that exploit residents, their families, and the healthcare system. There are multiple types of nursing and care home fraud perpetrated. Here are the most common.
Billing fraud is when providers charge for services that were never rendered or overbill for services actually provided. This is the most common form of fraud in nursing homes, accounting for approximately 30% of reported cases. Kickbacks are when homes engage in illegal arrangements that involve receiving kickbacks for patient referrals or service agreements.
This type of fraud is less common but still significant, representing about 20% of cases. Next, we have resident abuse and neglect. Some caregivers exploit residents through physical, emotional, or financial abuse, which can include stealing personal belongings or financial assets. This form of fraud is responsible for approximately 25% of reported fraud incidents.
Read MoreEmbrace winter: indoor activities to boost well-being
•December 10, 2025•
by DM Williamee
As the chill of winter sets in and the selection of outdoor activities dwindles, many find themselves searching for ways to stave off boredom while maintaining mental, physical, and emotional health during the chillier winter months. Believe it or not, winter provides an opportunity to explore indoor activities that can both bust boredom and enhance well-being. From creative pursuits to physical fitness, there are options other than binge-watching television that can enhance the season.
Get crafty and unleash your creative side. Winter is the perfect time to dive into arts and crafts, for example. Engaging in creative activities not only provides a productive outlet for stress but also enhances mood and reduces that stress. Painting and/or drawing are simple examples. Experiment with watercolors, acrylics, sketching, or even just doodling. You don’t need to be a professional artist—just let your imagination take over. You can also create handmade gifts, decorations, or upcycle old items into something new. Knitting or crocheting is not only therapeutic but also functional. Both can result in cozy accessories such as scarves, hats, slippers, and lap-blankets, perfect for this chillier season.
Read MoreFood Pantry fundraiser
Last Friday, December 5th, was pick-up day for the 14th annual hand-dipped chocolate fundraiser for the Moultrie County Food Pantry. Friends of the Moultrie County Food Pantry sent out order forms to past fundraiser supporters, and the Flesor’s Candy Kitchen in Tuscola donated 20% of sales proceeds from those orders. This year’s fundraiser raised more than last year’s, reflecting both the delight in Flesor’s treats as well as the generosity of both Flesor’s and the community. The candy was delivered to the Sweet Vail Cafe in Sullivan for those who placed orders, allowing them to pick up their sweet treats locally. Pictured is Shelly Mossman picking up her goodies.
Credit card checkout: How complicated with this become?
•December 10, 2025•
by DM Williamee
In a landmark settlement that has sent ripples through both the retail and financial sectors, Visa and Mastercard reached an agreement with a coalition of merchants that will -fundamentally- alter the landscape of credit card transactions at checkout lanes beginning in early 2026. This settlement paves the way for businesses to implement tiered pricing based on the type of credit card that a consumer uses, and will no doubt lead to more complicated shopping experiences for consumers. From “ No purchases by credit card under $5” to “all purchases by credit card will be subject to a fee, depending on the card you use.” Huh? Don’t we already pay interest fees on our credit cards when we pay the bill every month? Yes. But wait, folks, now there’s more…
Read MoreIDPH fines 40 Central Illinois nursing homes, care facilities
•December 10, 2025•
by DM Williamee
When one is unable to care for themselves at home due to age, illness, or injury and lacks the requisite support system to ensure proper care on a day-to-day basis, nursing care and rehabilitation facilities exist to fill that gap. Unfortunately, not all facilities are created equal when it comes to safe, quality care, as reflected by the recent IDPH “Quarterly Report of Nursing Home Violators” report.
43 nursing homes and care facilities throughout the Central Illinois region were recently fined in the April-June 2025 “Quarterly Report of Nursing Home Violators” by the Illinois Department of Public Health. These encompassed violations of both state and federal law. Some reports included multiple violations; some facilities have multiple reports against them, and some had fines statutorily doubled.
Read MoreLights at Wyman
Photo by RR Best
On Monday, December 1st, Wyman Park in Sullivan was looking full of colorfully lit festive cheer, with the weekend’s snowfall accumulation providing the perfect backdrop for the beautifully lit displays.
Fire damages local restaurant
•December 10, 2025•
The Sullivan Fire Protection District responded to a structure fire on December 4th, 12:27 a.m. at 925 State Highway 32, at the NorthEnd Pub and Grill at the Sullivan Marina. Fire crews arrived to find heavy fire conditions present on the east side of the building. Firefighters began a fire attack and searched for victims, but no one was found inside the structure. A Second Alarm was called at 1:02 a.m., bringing additional resources and manpower to the scene. Limited access and icy conditions presented many obstacles for firefighters to overcome on this fire. There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians. Crews remained on scene until 5:06 a.m.
Read MoreHoliday safety: tips to keep your season merry and bright
Practical tips to protect your home, family, and holiday spirit this season.
•December 10, 2025•
By Angela Hogan
As we enter the Christmas season, our lives fill with the excitement of decorations, traditions, delicious food, and long-awaited gatherings and events. However, the holidays also bring a faster pace, extra expectations and stress, and more than a few perils we often overlook. As a result, the rate of accidents and injuries typically increases during this time of year.
Let’s consider how a nod to safety in our homes, kitchens, and during holiday travel can help support our holiday cheer.
Make home safety a priority
Walkways: Clear exterior walkways of snow and ice. Secure loose rugs and electrical cords, and keep interior pathways free of holiday clutter, and keep all walkways and stairways well-lit.
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