•April 1, 2026• The Okaw Valley High School Student Council is sponsoring a blood drive with the American Red Cross on Friday, April 10th, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the high school gym at 709 S. St. John Street in Bethany. For an appointment, call 1(800) 733-2767 or visit RedCrossBlood.org. By donating at this blood drive, you are helping one or more graduating seniors earn a scholarship. … Read More
Photo submitted On March 19th, Okaw Valley shared their new National Honor Society inductees, pictured Left to Right: Alivia Garvin, Luci Barringer, Aubree McBride, Ames Drollinger, Katie Livingston, Reese Bruns, Braden Montgomery, Parker O’Dell, Kaydence Johnstone, and Sophia Tice. Not pictured: Kate Stauder, Ava Harshman, and Kevin Howard. … Read More
On March 21st, Sullivan High School student and FFA member Kolton Wiley competed at the State Awards Day at Mt. Zion, showcasing his skills in Agriculture Mechanics Repair and Maintenance, Entrepreneurship, as well as STAR in Agribusiness. Kolton earned the title of State Winner in his proficiency area and will be recognized at the State Convention. … Read More
•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
•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
•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
•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
•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
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
•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