Reducing holiday stress: tips to support your well being

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•December 10, 2025• Submitted What can you do to prevent a holiday season that starts with high expectations from ending in stress and exhaustion? Why are holidays stressful? While the holiday season is portrayed with warmth and connecting with loved ones, it can also bring about stress, anxiety, and a wide range of other emotions. The pressures of social events, religious functions, travel, and family commitments can overwhelm even the most resilient individuals. Moreover, feelings of loneliness and isolation can exacerbate these challenges. Given that most holiday activities occur within 10-15 days, a higher stress level is understandable, even under … Read More

Obituaries 12-10-2025:

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D. Michele Wunderle D. Michele (Stearns) Wunderle, 86, formerly of Sullivan, passed away peacefully Monday, December 8, 2025, in Bloomington. Michele was the oldest of six children born to Sylvester and Doris Matheson Stearns. She was a granddaughter to John Matheson, niece to Jack Matheson and Buddy Stearns and cousin to Sonny Stearns. She graduated from Sullivan High School in 1957. Services will be held at Carmody-Flynn Funeral Home, Bloomington, IL. The full obituary can be viewed at www.carmodyflynn.com. … Read More

A Look Back…12-10-2025

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2015 Moultrie County’s updated Animal Control Ordinance will allow easier enforcement of violations. State’s Attorney Jeremy Richey presented the changes to the Public Health and Safety Committee, explaining that the changes clarify what procedures the sheriff’s department must follow to issue citations. State Senator Dale Righter (R-Mattoon) voted in support of Senate Bill 2039 on December 7th, legislation that releases the state’s portion of the motor fuel tax (MFT) money and included funding for 911 call centers, fire prevention, veterans’ homes, lottery winners, utility bills, and other programs. … Read More

Holiday safety: tips to keep your season merry and bright

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Practical tips to protect your home, family, and holiday spirit this season. •December 10, 2025• By Angela Hogan As we enter the Christmas season, our lives fill with the excitement of decorations, traditions, delicious food, and long-awaited gatherings and events. However, the holidays also bring a faster pace, extra expectations and stress, and more than a few perils we often overlook. As a result, the rate of accidents and injuries typically increases during this time of year. Let’s consider how a nod to safety in our homes, kitchens, and during holiday travel can help support our holiday cheer. Make home … Read More

Sparrows receives 1K grant received from Heart of Illinois Community Foundation

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•December 10, 2025• HICF Philanthropic Advisor for Moultrie County, Grant Wade, presents a check to Pam Anklam and representatives of Sparrows Unlimited, Inc. Lovington residents saw a familiar story of kindness continue the weekend before Thanksgiving as Sparrows Unlimited delivered 173 fruit boxes to seniors throughout the community. The effort came on the same day the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation presented the organization with a one-thousand-dollar grant to support its ongoing work. The gift was part of a larger celebration within the Foundation. As the Foundation surpassed 5,000 followers on social media, $5,000 in grants were awarded across Macon, … Read More

Christmas Eve service in Allenville

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•December 10, 2025• On December 24th at 7:00 p.m., there will be a Christmas Eve service at the Allenville Christian Church, located at 201 Allen Street in Allenville. They will be portraying the Christmas Story as well as serving communion. All are welcome to attend. For further information, contact Pastor Bob Vail (217) 254-3433. … Read More

Christmas Dinner

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•December 10, 2025• Solid Rock Chapel, located at 1213 E. Jackson Street in Sullivan, will be providing a free Christmas Dinner to all who are interested on December 25th from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. This meal is available to be eaten at the church or for pickup/delivery between 4:00 and 5:00 p.m. for residents of Sullivan. The meal is ham, green beans, scalloped potatoes, a roll with cinnamon butter, and a dessert. RSVP’s are requested by calling (217) 259-6736 by December 19th. … Read More