Moultrie County Beacon at the History Center

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•March 25, 2026• Submitted by Tonya Frevert Photo SubmittedWith over 40 people in attendance, Brittney Collins, Education and Training Development Coordinator, answers audience questions about the Moultrie County Beacon. In recognition of Developmental Disabilities Month, Brittany Collins presented the history of the Moultrie County Beacon to an engaged audience at the Moultrie County History Center on Thursday, March 19th. Now in its 58th year, the MCB arose in response to the changing political and social landscape surrounding disability rights in the 1960s. As the law and public opinion of disability rights continued to evolve over the last several decades, so too … Read More

Crosier signs letter of intent

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Photo by DM Williamee On March 24th, Sullivan High School student and Sullivan Blue Dolphin Emily Crosier signed her letter of intent to attend Grand Valley State University, which she selected in large part because the community reminds her of Sullivan. She is most looking forward to building team and community relationships, and her best memory of her SHS career was breaking the school’s record on the relay. Emily plans to study Physical Therapy.  Pictured L-R: father Kevin Crosier, brother Elijah Crossier, Emily Crosier, Logan Hochstetler, and mother Jamie Crosier. … Read More

4-H youth shine: multi-county public speaking 

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•March 25, 2026• Photo SubmittedPictured left to right are Moultrie-Douglas 4-H speech competition participants Jenna Welsh, Sophia Horst, Connor Swango, and University of Illinois Communications Professor and competition Judge, Laura Stengrim. Confidence took center stage as youth from Cumberland, Douglas, and Moultrie counties gathered for the Multi-County 4-H Public Speaking Contest, held at the Sarah Bush Lincoln Education Center on Saturday, March 21st.  Three outstanding Moultrie-Douglas youth stepped up to the microphone, showcasing their communication skills, creativity, and courage.  Moultrie-Douglas participants included Jenna Welsh, member of the Arthur Prairie Dogs 4-H Club, Connor Swango, member of the Arcola Purple Ribbon … Read More

HS swim team banquet celebration of successes

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•March 25, 2026• The High School Swim Team held its annual banquet on March 23rd at the Sullivan Country Club, celebrating a successful year in and out of the pool. The team competes in the highly competitive Sectional meet in Champaign, facing more than 24 schools from across the region. The girls’ season, which takes place in November, is celebrated alongside the boys’ season at the combined spring banquet. This year, Juniors Emerson Risley and Cadence Schmohe were honored with the Most Improved Award. Both swimmers proved versatile across multiple events, and each scored 14 points at Sectionals. Senior Emily … Read More

Lovington Easter egg hunt

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•March 25, 2026• The Lovington Park Board will hold its annual Easter egg hunt on April 12th at the Lovington Grade School. At 12:00 p.m., there will be a free lunch provided consisting of hot dogs, chips, cookies, and drinks. At 1:00 p.m., the hunt begins.  Magoody’s Coffee truck will be on site for coffee and treats to purchase. … Read More

Disaster prep essentials

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•March 25, 2026• by DM Williamee Living in tornado alley poses its own unique set of challenges. Thunderstorms, hail, high winds, flooding, and of course, tornadoes. Preparation is also a vital component of personal safety, particularly in relation to natural disasters. Knowledge of storms and weather-related events can be lifesaving, and various government agencies encourage adults and children alike to learn what they can do to stay safe should a storm strike. But it’s equally vital to personal safety to assemble a disaster supplies kit. Ready.gov, the official website of the United States Department of Homeland Security, recommends individuals gather … Read More

Drought lawncare: conservation

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•March 25, 2026• by DM Williamee With increasing instances of drought and water shortages affecting communities across the country, and now with a formal declaration here in Sullivan, homeowners are faced with the challenge of maintaining their lawns while adhering to water usage restrictions and avoiding costly fines. Below are some strategies to keep your lawn as healthy and sustainable as possible. Choose a drought-resistant seed variety. Select and plant grass species that are naturally more drought-tolerant. Varieties such as Bermuda grass, Buffalo grass, and Zoysia grass are known for their ability to withstand dry conditions with minimal water.  … Read More

Illinois spring trout season opens April 4th

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•March 25, 2026• The 2026 Illinois spring trout fishing season will open Saturday, April 4th, at 58 ponds, lakes, and streams throughout the state. An early opportunity at select trout sites – the spring catch-and-release fishing season – opened Saturday, March 21. No trout may be kept during the catch-and-release period, but anglers can keep trout after the opening of the regular season, beginning April 4th. The daily harvest limit for each angler is five trout. … Read More

Dementia-Friendly: A Moultrie County designation

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•March 25, 2026• By Angela Hogan Administrator of the MCHD What does Dementia Friendly Moultrie County mean to our residents, communities, and our county? Being designated as a dementia-friendly county is more than just a title. It means our communities, businesses, organizations, and residents support an environment where individuals experiencing cognitive decline can live with dignity, connection, and purpose.  Characteristics of a dementia-friendly community: The following two key characteristics are typical of a dementia-friendly community: awareness and understanding. Community members need to know what dementia is, recognize its signs, and respond with patience and respect. In Moultrie County, training sessions … Read More