Let’s plant a tree!

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•May 6, 2026• Pictured front row (l to r): Audrey McDonald, Sawyer Wheeler, Lindy Hubner, Tucker Hubner, Leo Hickman. Second row (l to r): Ashlyn Hunter, Emma Hickman, Nathan Hickman. Third row (l to r): Ryder Wheeler, Andy Schumacher, Aidan Schumacher. (Not pictured: Resmiranda Small, Archer Miller, Teddy Miller, Ollie Miller, Brady Rivas, and Alicia Rivas. Shelby and Moultrie County Soil & Water Conservation Districts and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers partnered with 14 Shelby County 4-H members and two Cloverbuds on Friday, April 3, for a hands-on tree planting project. Together, the group planted a total of 50 … Read More

Local 4-H members unite for Regional Livestock Clinic

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•May 6, 2026• Moultrie-Douglas 4-H members who participated in the Regional Livestock Clinic, L-R: Hope Whitlow, Myles Gingerich, Aubrie Stenger, Joslynn Steffens (not pictured, Ellie Stewart). Thirty-three 4-H members from Coles, Cumberland, Douglas, Moultrie, and Shelby counties gathered on April 18th at the Shelby County Fairgrounds for a multi-county Livestock Clinic and Skill-a-thon centered on hands-on learning, youth development, and the strength of community. Five Moultrie-Douglas 4-H members participated, including Hope Whitlow, Myles Gingerich, Aubrie Stenger, Joslynn Steffens, and Ellie Stewart. Guided by the 4-H motto “make the best better,” the event brought together families, volunteers, and agricultural partners who … Read More

MCHGS begins genealogy workshop series

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•May 6, 2026• On May 19th at 6:00 p.m., the Moultrie County Historical and Genealogy Society (MCHGS) in Sullivan will be presenting the first in a series of workshops to help build research, documentation, and organizational skills to build a family genealogical history. Each session will introduce practical strategies, essential tools, and resources.  … Read More

May is mental health awareness: alcohol

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•May 6, 2026• Lauren Edwards Community Outreach Coordinator Virginia Recovery Centers After a long, stressful day, it’s tempting to reach for a drink. For many, that glass of wine or cocktail can feel like a fast track to unwinding, taking the edge off, or briefly quieting anxious thoughts. It’s a ritual that’s widely normalized (and even encouraged). But this May Mental Health Awareness Month, it’s worth taking a closer look at the connection between alcohol and emotional well-being (and why self-medicating with alcohol often backfires). As Community Outreach Coordinator at Virginia Recovery Centers (an alcohol and drug rehab in Virginia), I’ve … Read More

ETML May happenings

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•May 6, 2026• Story times are every Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. The bounce house will be available after the story and craft.  Every Monday at 9:00 a.m., the ETML hosts a Memory Café. This is a social gathering for individuals with dementia and their caregivers. Get helpful information and support from others who also have loved ones who struggle with memory loss.   Crochet Group is on Tuesdays, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Join fellow crafters to learn new stitches and patterns in a relaxed, welcoming setting. Beginners and experienced crochet artists are welcome. Those interested in learning how to crochet … Read More

Steps to prevent tick bites in warmer months

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•May 6, 2026• by Angela Hogan Administrator – Moultrie County Health Department As the weather warms, more people spend time outdoors working in the yard, walking trails, gardening, fishing, and enjoying local parks. That also means greater exposure to ticks. Due to an unusually warm and wet March, ticks are already quite active in central and east-central Illinois. Preventing tick exposure is an important part of health maintenance. Throughout the United States, ticks can carry a variety of diseases, some of which can cause chronic and severe illness. A few simple precautions can help protect you, your children, and your pets … Read More

OVHS Royalty

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Okaw Valley High School’s Prom was held on April 25th at the Mt. Zion Conventions Center. Reese Bruns was crowned Queen, and Ames Drollinger King. … Read More

Senior Night

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Okaw Valley Softball senior night was held on April 30th. Girls honored were Lena Hildebrandt (German Foreign Exchange Student), Gracie Plummer, Ava Harshman and Riley Gentzyel. … Read More

LLC teen summer camps

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•May 6, 2026• LLC has announced its 2026 ‘Teens With Tools Summer Camps’ for 2026. From hands-on building projects and creative art experiences to career exploration and skill-building adventures, these camps are designed especially for Jr. High students who are ready to learn, try something new, and have a blast while doing it. Whether your student loves to create, build, explore, or discover future career paths, there’s something for everyone. Each camp is led by passionate instructors who are ready to inspire confidence, creativity, and curiosity in every camper. Benefits of the camp include making new friends, learning real-world skills, … Read More

“Still a drought”: Sullivan water restrictions continue

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•May 6, 2026• by Sharon Barricklow Recent rains notwithstanding, Sullivan water users are still under water restrictions as drought conditions continue in Central Illinois. Sullivan City Council member Chuck Woodworth said last Monday night that the area remains under drought conditions. “I know we’ve had a lot of rain, but down deep, there’s still drought,” he said. Woodworth said Sullivan is taking steps to address water shortages with a test well in a new location looking very promising for the city. “We’ll be building on that,” he said. He also thanked the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers for posting … Read More