News Progress

•March 18, 2026•

by DM Williamee

New Medicaid rules arising from the hotly debated, often criticized H.R. 1 (the 2025 federal budget reconciliation law) require that beginning January 1st, 2027, the majority of adults aged 19 to 64 who receive Medicaid also work or participate in ‘community engagement activities’ such as paid work, volunteering with a non-profit, enrollment in higher education or trade schools, and approved forms of training for at least 80 hours per month to maintain coverage. 

•March 18, 2026•

by DM Williamee

On Monday, March 9th, the Sullivan School District held its monthly regular meeting. All were present, except Mr. Grooms.

NHS/NEHS highlights: Maddie Shonkwiler presented and shared that in the last month, they signed and delivered letters and treats to staff for school staff appreciation days. They will have their club photo for the yearbook on Thursday, March 12th, with all members expected to wear their club shirts. She shared ongoing efforts for school clean up, indoors as well as on the property. At their last meeting, members made sure they had worked enough events to gain their board’s approval on decision day, explaining that every member has to work at least one minor event. Event examples shared were a concession shift, one to two school beautification days, and the annual pork chop dinner, as well as ‘Breakfast of Champions’, wrapping gifts when adopting a family, working the SCEF teacher appreciation dinner, or hiding Easter eggs. The monies raised this year will go to Post Pom.

•March 11, 2026•

Nearly 75% of individuals report a fear of public speaking, but 22 courageous 4-H youth from Coles, Cumberland, Douglas, Moultrie, and Shelby counties chose to face that fear head-on during the recent Confident Communicators Workshop hosted at the University of Illinois. Twelve participants were from Moultrie-Douglas County 4-H, including Aubrie Stenger, Bria Hershberger, Raegan Hershberger, Roxy Clark, Ben Stutzman, Sophia Horst, Perla Juarez, Lola Fifield, Emma Hostetler, Ellie Hensley, Jenna Welsh, and Gabby Welsh. The hands-on workshop was led by Dr. Laura Stengrim and two University of Illinois Speech Communication students. Throughout the day, participants engaged in interactive sessions designed to strengthen public speaking skills, boost self-confidence, and enhance message delivery.