Correction
•March 25, 2026• In the Wednesday, March 11 news item on the Lovington Junefest Parade, the date was incorrectly reported. The correct date for the parade is June 13, 2026. We regret the error. … Read More
LWC hosts Q-1 meeting, membership drive
•March 25, 2026• The newly rebranded Lovington Working Collective (LWC) invited the community of Lovington to its Quarter 1 meeting as it kicked off a new chapter of local impact and collaboration. The event was held on March 10th in the upstairs of the Shawnee Communications Building, located at 111 E State Street in Lovington. … Read More
ALAH School Board moves forward on new high school, reviews community feedback
•March 25, 2026• by Ariana R. Cherry The Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond School Board continued moving forward with plans for the new high school during its March 18 meeting, approving key financial steps and reviewing ongoing construction preparations. The board approved a resolution to issue approximately $4.67 million in alternate revenue bonds to support the high school building project. The measure marks another step in financing the district’s long-anticipated facility improvements. … Read More
State Rep. Halbrook: ‘Open Office Fridays’ in Shelbyville
•March 25, 2026• State Representative Brad Halbrook (R-Shelbyville) is announcing that he will hold open office hours from 8:00 a.m. to noon every Friday in Shelbyville to provide residents of the 107th District an opportunity to meet with his team, ask questions, and receive help with state-related issues. Rep. Halbrook’s legislative staff will be available to assist constituents with concerns about state programs, legislation, or any issues involving state government. … Read More
Moultrie County Beacon at the History Center
•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
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
•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
•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
•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
•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