HICF gives grant to the Life Center of Sullivan

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Submitted Just before Christmas, one of Santa’s elves stopped by the Life Center of Sullivan to deliver a $1,500 food insecurity grant from the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation. Pictured is Reverend Grant Wade, on behalf of the HICF, presenting the grant to Debra Dolan of LCS.This grant was designated specifically for the Life Center food pantry, which continues to serve families in Moultrie County with consistency, compassion, and care. Dedicated volunteers and leaders ensure shelves are stocked, and neighbors are fed, not just during the holidays, but all year long. HICF has partnered with the Life Center before, and … Read More

Music bingo fundraiser

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•January 7, 2026• The Empower Academy Competition Team, parents, and the 5678 Booster Club will be hosting a music bingo fundraiser on Saturday, January 10, at Willow Ridge Winery. With help from the Prairie Fire DJ Service, the event will start at 6:00 p.m. Tickets can be purchased from participating dance team parents. The event is 18 years of age and over only. Tables for 8 can be purchased for $200, or individual seats for $30. For more information, contact Ginger Voegel at (217) 549-3877 or email sdsboosterclub@gmail.com. … Read More

Sampling of Illinois laws in effect as of Jan. 1st

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•January 7, 2026• Beginning January 1st, 2026, new laws take effect in Illinois, with many focusing on issues such as privacy, immigration, and education. Illinois also gains an official state bean, and of course, there are a few that impact roadways and youth employment. A Senate Bill also addresses aid in dying. Below are a few of the highlights. House Bill 3773, introduced by lawmakers in 2023, regulates employer use of artificial intelligence. An amendment to the Illinois Human Rights Act, this bill makes it a civil rights violation for employers to use AI tools that result in discrimination based … Read More

Remembering Who We Are………91

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Thirteen Generations Plus Five Hundred•January 7, 2026• by Janet Roney Generation after generation of people have found everything needed for life here in central Illinois. The first historic people were the French who  passed through Moultrie over three hundred years ago. At twenty-five years per generation, that’s at least thirteen generations ago. My Uncle Cliff used the same Jonathan Creek fishing holes as those who built the ceremonial mound in the corner of his cow pasture. The shell casings left from our son-in-law Craig’s deer hunt mingle with arrowheads waiting to be found  along the eroded banks of the Kaskaskia. … Read More

Moultrie County ‘Year in Review’continued

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•January 7, 2026• March Continued from 12.31.25 Issue The City of Sullivan Fire Department provided free smoke detectors and installed them for local homeowners in their fire district. They also provided free smoke detectors to renters if the landlord contacted the fire department on behalf of the tenant. The United Women in Faith were taking orders for their homemade chocolate Easter eggs. Decorated peanut butter and vanilla eggs were available for purchase for family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors. … Read More

Is it too late to get your flu and COVID vaccines?

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•January 7, 2026• by Angela Hogan Moultrie County Health Dept. Administrator This winter has brought a noticeable rise in respiratory illnesses. Flu and COVID‑19 are circulating widely across Illinois and much of the country. There is still meaningful value in getting vaccinated now. Updated vaccines remain one of the most effective tools for reducing the risk of severe illness. Late-season vaccinations can still help protect you, your family, and our Moultrie County communities. Choosing to get vaccinated now is a practical step to safeguard your health and support the well‑being of your loved ones and your community. Getting vaccinated now still … Read More

Learning to love yourself

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•January 7, 2026• On February 20th at the Mid-Illinois Senior Services Center in Sullivan from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. The Moultrie County ROSC Council is partnering with Dove, with celebrity speaker Shawn Woods, on the topic, ‘Learning to Love Yourself.’ Shawn will be sharing his personal experience with learning to love himself through the process of recovery. He has made appearances in a number of well-known full-featured films and television shows. He has appeared in ‘Sons of Anarchy’ and full-length feature films such as ‘Charlie’s Angels’. This will be a family-friendly event, featuring activities for children to create their own … Read More

MoCo Quarter Madness 

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•January 7, 2026• Moultrie County Monthly Quarter Madness will hold its first 2026 Quarter Auction on Wednesday, January 14th. The event will be held at the Sullivan American Legion. Sullivan Legion Riders is the organization of the month. They are not a motorcycle club. Instead, they are a group of like-minded people who love riding motorcycles and are an extension of the American Legion. Their mission and values are keeping with the American Legion values, to serve their fellow veterans and their community. All of their fundraising efforts are donated back to help in any way they can. At the … Read More

Bethany Chili cook-off

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•January 7, 2026• On Saturday, January 17th, at the Bethany American Legion Post No. 507, located at 112 IL-121, Bethany Celebration will be hosting a chili cook-off, which will be open to the public. The evening promises to be a fun-filled one, with bold flavors and friendly competition. The categories for the chilis are traditional, spicy, and unique. The entry fee is $10 per chili category entry. Judging will be done by a panel of three judges between 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. Awards will be presented at 7:45 p.m. Doors open to the public at 7:00 p.m., and chili options … Read More