2026 Moultrie-Douglas 4-H State Fair General Project Show results

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•September 2, 2026• Aaliyah Osborn receiving reserve grand champion in leadership 2.  Aaliyah is a member of the Moultrie Shining Stars 4-H Club, Sullivan. Submitted Thirty-one Moultrie-Douglas 4-H members competed at the Illinois 4-H General Project Show on August 16 at the Orr Building on the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield. The Illinois 4-H General Project Show is one of the state’s most competitive youth exhibitions, featuring outstanding project work selected from county-level shows across Illinois. Youth earn the opportunity to exhibit at State Fair through excellence in their project areas and outstanding performances at their local 4-H shows. … Read More

EIU to host fall Open Houses 

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•September 2, 2026• by Joshua Reinhart Eastern Illinois University will welcome prospective students and their families to campus this fall for three dedicated Open House events designed to provide high school students, transfer students, and their families with an opportunity to explore EIU, learn about academic programs and connect with members of the campus community. Fall Open Houses at Eastern Illinois University are scheduled for Saturday, September 12; Monday, October 12; and Friday, November 13. Prospective students can sign up for any of these events at eiu.edu/openhouse. … Read More

Remembering Who We Are….

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Rattlin’ Some Marrowbones •September 2, 2026• by Janey Roney Marrowbone Township, Moultrie County, has to be the only place on earth with that name! In the 1820s, when Jacob McCune and his hungry companion named their hunting camp Marrowbone after feeding on their latest deer kill there along the West Okaw River, bone marrow and all, they had no idea that someday the name would be carved in granite along a busy highway, written on maps and deeds, or mark the birthplace of a future US Senator.   … Read More

Central Illinois Lions celebrate leadership and service

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•September 2, 2026• Lions International marked several key milestones at the 108th Lions International Convention held in Hong Kong, China, in July 2026. More than 18,000 Lions from 140 countries gathered for this premier event to reconnect with fellow members from around the globe. Participants were excited to explore new strategies for strengthening and expanding clubs and to celebrate another impactful year of service to communities in need. … Read More

A Look Back…9-2-2026

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1966 Four teacher education scholarships were awarded to Moultrie County residents according to Delmar Elder, county superintendent of schools. Recipients were Linda Hall, Donna Purvis, Greg Lane, and Fred Martin. Mr. and Mrs. John George Hardy and Mr. and Mrs. John Mosser attended the Windsor Homecoming. A used 1964 Buick Wildcat, 4 door Sedan with power steering and brakes, white tires, and tinted glass, was $1,966 at Stubblefield & Son in Sullivan. … Read More

Sullivan Backyard Bluegrass Festival grows from front-yard idea to national draw

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•September 2, 2026• by Jamie Crosier When Ed Herschberger first considered holding a bluegrass festival at his family’s Sullivan property, he thought a couple hundred people would make the first event a success. About 800 showed up. Eight festivals later, the Backyard Bluegrass Festival has grown into a two-day event that Herschberger estimates draws 1,200 to 1,500 people each day, with visitors traveling from neighboring states and across the country. The festival will return Friday and Saturday, Sept. 11-12, at 790 Souther Road in Sullivan. Admission is free, although donations are accepted. This year’s event will be the final festival … Read More

Bethany firefighter Curt Robinson to retire after 26 years

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•September 2, 2026• by Jamie Crosier Photo by R.R. BestFrom left: Assistant Chief/Paramedic Curt Robinson, Fire Chief/Paramedic Michael Jennings and Assistant Chief/Paramedic Student Markus Deel. After 26 years of answering calls and serving in roles ranging from firefighter to fire chief, Curt Robinson is preparing for his final shift with the Bethany Fire Protection District. Robinson, who currently serves as assistant fire chief, will be recognized during a retirement gathering from 2 to 4 p.m. Sept. 4 at the Bethany Fire House. His career began as a volunteer firefighter. Robinson later earned his EMT-Basic certification and continued his education to … Read More