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

February: ongoing polar vortex activity?

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•February 4, 2026• by DM Williamee As if the recent snowfall, wind, and colder temperatures were not sufficient to get everyone’s attention as we rang in the New Year, it is being predicted that the frigid weather will continue despite a warmer forecast over the next week to ten days. According to the National Weather Service, NOAA, and as cited by Accuweather, February is expected to bring with it an intense polar vortex, chilling weather patterns. A polar vortex refers to a large area of low pressure and cold air surrounding the Earth’s poles. When it weakens or shifts, it … Read More

SNAP benefits change now in effect

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•February 4, 2026• by DM Williamee Beginning on February 1st, SNAP benefits changes were put into motion by H.R. 1, or the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill Act’, signed into law last July 4th. This legislation enacted major changes to federal taxes, Medicaid, and other programs, becoming Public Law 119-21. The primary impact on SNAP is the changes to the work requirements. Adults aged 18 to 64 without dependents under age 14 must work, participate in employment and training programs, or volunteer at least 80 hours each month to receive benefits. … Read More

Watershed Steward Training: improve water quality

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•February 4, 2026• Emily Steele Media Comm. Manager, U of I Extension Every day, rain nourishes fields of growing crops, and rivers steadily flow through natural areas and communities until, eventually, drinking water trickles out of faucets into our homes, schools, and businesses. The health of a watershed is tied to the health of a community, and understanding where water comes from, how it moves, and what impacts its quality and quantity is crucial to maintaining safe and sustainable water resources now and in the future.  … Read More

Winter weather and extreme cold bring increased fire and carbon monoxide risks

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•February 4, 2026• As winter weather brings extreme cold across Illinois, fire safety officials are urging residents to use extra caution when heating their homes. Frigid temperatures often lead people to rely more heavily on heating systems and alternative heat sources, which can increase the risk of home fires and carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning if proper safety precautions are not followed. … Read More

‘Spring into Gardening Conference’ prepares for growing season

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•February 4, 2026• Gardening enthusiasts and beginners alike are invited to the sixteenth-annual ‘Spring Into Gardening Conference’. This year’s program is Saturday, March 14th, in Charleston. Enjoy a day filled with gardening advice, creative ideas, and hands-on guidance.   Expert-led breakout sessions led by Illinois Extension Horticulture Educators will cover topics such as soil health, composting, pollinator gardening, vegetable gardening, and debunking DIY garden products. The Green Team from Wesley United Methodist Church will lead a tour of their community garden, sharing ideas and tips with participants. Hands-on activities like flower arranging, plant propagation, and creating nesting balls are available … Read More

Illinois Treasurer: check for missing money, unclaimed property

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•February 4, 2026• Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs is encouraging people to visit the ICash missing money website to see if they have money or other unclaimed property waiting for them. An estimated one-in-four adults who check ICash discover they have missing money or other unclaimed property, shared Frerichs, who recommends checking the website at least a couple of times a year. “It’s a good idea to check the names of family members and friends, as well as your own name, because you might find some unexpected treasures. If you find something for your relatives or neighbors, you can use … Read More