Healthy fats: choosing what’s beneficial to your health

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•February 11, 2026• Angie Hogan Moultrie County Health Administrator Foods containing fat were often blamed for weight gain and heart disease. As a result, many people tried to eat “low-fat” foods whenever possible. Today, health experts understand something important: Some fats are not only healthy, but they’re also essential and have a positive impact on overall health.  Why do healthy fats matter? Fat plays several important roles in the body. It provides energy, protects organs, and helps your body absorb certain vitamins. For example, vitamins A, D, E, and K require fat for proper absorption. Without enough healthy fat, your body … Read More

Sullivan 4‑H member Bushue earns scholarship

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•February 11, 2026• Moultrie‑Douglas 4‑H has announced that Kate Bushue, of Sullivan, is the recipient of the 2026 Illinois 4‑H Gardening, Agriculture & Food Access Scholarship, sponsored by the Illinois 4‑H Foundation. This prestigious award includes a $1,250 scholarship, which Kate will receive at the Illinois 4‑H Celebration of Excellence Awards Banquet on April 10 at the I‑Hotel in Champaign. Kate is a sophomore at Sullivan High School, a 10‑year 4‑H member, and an active participant in the Moultrie County Shining Stars 4‑H Club in Sullivan. Her 4‑H leader is Erica Lehman. She is the daughter of Jill and Josh … Read More

Sullivan seniors ‘Dine with a Doc’: Alzheimer’s

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•February 11, 2026• Photo by DM WilliameeJake Lehr, Senior Program Manager for the Central Illinois Alzheimer’s Association, Illinois Chapter. by DM Williamee On Tuesday, February 3rd, the Mid-Illinois Senior Services hosted their monthly ‘Dine with a Doc.’ Their guest speaker was Jake Lehr, Senior Program Manager for the Central Illinois Alzheimer’s Association, Illinois Chapter. This highly engaging guest informed attendees about dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, from early detection and warning signs, therapies, and other forms of support, to healthy brain habits. Lehr clarified that dementia is an umbrella term for loss of memory and other thinking abilities severe enough to … Read More

Habitat application deadline

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•February 11, 2026• Moultrie County Habitat for Humanity is now accepting applications for their 2026 house build. Applications can be picked up at the MCHFH Office located at 8 South Washington Street, Suite 102 in Sullivan, or during operating hours at the Habitat ReStore located at 401 South Hamilton Street also in Sullivan, during operating hours.  Applicants must be in need of safe, affordable housing, have the ability to pay an affordable monthly mortgage payment, and be willing to partner with Habitat, providing “sweat equity” hours during the building of the home. The application deadline is March 15th, 2026. For … Read More

Shrove Tuesday pancake feast

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•February 11, 2026• All are invited to enjoy festive music and delicious pancakes with sausage, free of charge, at the Sullivan First United Methodist Church on Tuesday, February 17th, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the church, located directly across the street from the Sullivan fire station, in their annual celebration of Shrove Tuesday. Tuesday, February 17th, is the final day of Mardi Gras, also known as Shrove Tuesday. Historically, Shrove Tuesday, also referred to as ‘Pancake Day’, is the final day before Lent (Ash Wednesday on the 18th). Lent is a Christian period of fasting and reflection leading to … Read More

Scholarship open house

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•February 11, 2026• On Thursday, February 12th, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., the OVHS Career Exploration Center will be holding a Scholarship Open House in their new Career Exploration Center. This event is open to high school seniors and juniors, looking to get a jump start on the scholarship application process. Parents and guardians are encouraged to attend. Available scholarships and important deadlines will be shared, as well as tips on how to prepare for the scholarship application process. For more information, contact Bonnie Scott at acott@okawvalley.org. … Read More

Recent Obituaries: Janette McReynolds

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Janette Kay (Beals) McReynolds, 81, of Bethany, passed away 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at Heritage Woods of Sullivan. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. Sunday, February 15, 2026, at McMullin-Young Funeral Home, Bethany. Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Monday, February 16, 2026, at McMullin-Young Funeral Home, Bethany. Burial will be in Marrowbone Township Cemetery, Bethany. Memorials may be made to the Bethany Cumberland Presbyterian Church: 219 S. Lincoln St. Bethany, IL, 61914 or to Heritage Woods of Sullivan Activity Fund. Jan was born on February 2, 1945, in Coles County; the daughter of Hubert … Read More

Recent Obituaries: Betty Born

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Betty Born Betty J. Born, 99, of Lovington, passed away 7:15 a.m. Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at Bridle Brook Assisted Living & Memory Care Community in Mahomet. Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at McMullin-Young Funeral Home, Lovington. Visitation will be held an hour prior to the service at the funeral home in Lovington. Burial will be in Keller Cemetery, Lovington. Memorials may be made to Lovington First Christian Church. Betty was born on October 1, 1926, in Lovington; the daughter of Glen and Mary (Snyder) Gladville. She married William Delton Born on February 24, … Read More

Groundhog Day 2026: six more weeks of winter

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•February 4, 2026• by DM Williamee Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow on February 2nd, 2026, predicting six more weeks of winter. The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club confirmed that the groundhog saw his shadow at 7:25 a.m. EST in Gobbler’s Knob, Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, signaling a continuation of cold weather.  … Read More

City declares water emergency 

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•February 4, 2026• by Sharon Barricklow Sullivan residents are restricted in some areas of water usage through February after the Sullivan City Council declared a Water Emergency at their January 26th meeting. A water emergency means non-essential water usage, specifically turf irrigation, filling swimming pools, and personal car washing during the emergency are punishable by a $750 fine.  … Read More