Red Cross: steps to take to heat your home safely

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•November 19, 2025• As temperatures drop across the Illinois Region, the American Red Cross urges families to take several steps to heat their homes safely. “Heating equipment is a leading cause of home fires in this country,” said Kellie O’Connell, CEO of the Red Cross of Illinois. “But there are steps people can take to avoid having this happen to them. Help keep your family safe by providing at least three feet of space around all heating equipment, testing your smoke alarms monthly, and practicing your two-minute home fire escape plan.” Overall, home fires account for most of the 60,000-plus … Read More

Remembering Who We Are……84

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Traveling on the Springfield Road (Part 3) •November 19, 2025• by Janet Roney Traveling across the prairie of central Illinois on the Springfield Road in the 1830s was not easy, whether on a horse, in a covered wagon, or on foot, as seen in the last two columns. An alternative way to travel was by stagecoach. The Springfield Road was laid out by the state in 1826 specifically as a route for stagecoach travel and for the US mail. Unfortunately, stagecoach travel was not much better than going by wagon, horse, or walking. In The Sangamon Saga, one lady described … Read More

Obituaries 11-19-2025: Linda Beavers

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Linda Beavers Linda Marie Lowe Beavers passed from this world on October 12, 2025, at her residence in Chula Vista, California, surrounded by family, and entered into the Lord’s presence, where she will be reunited with her beloved husband, Roger Lee Beavers, who preceded her into heaven in 2013. … Read More

Letter to the Editor 11-19-2025

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Dear Editor, I am writing to highlight the vital work of the Sullivan Area Ministerial Association (SAMA) and to ask for the continued generosity of our community. For decades, SAMA has provided crucial assistance to those in need throughout Moultrie County, addressing a wide range of basic needs such as utility bills, rent, transportation, temporary lodging, food, fuel, and Christmas support. In just a 12-month span, SAMA distributes significant funds to help scores of individuals in our community, offering a lifeline to those facing hardship. … Read More

A Look Back…11-19-2025

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2015 People get ready, the trains comin’, you don’t need no ticket, ya just get on board. That train was bringing Toys for Tots back to Moultrie County, where they were collecting toys at Sullivan, Bethany, and Lovington locations. New Moultrie County coordinator Rick Kenney said he is eager to start working in partnership with Sullivan’s Secret Santa to help distribute toys this holiday season. The Department of Insurance (DOI), through a constituent complaint, has learned of an inadvertent data disclosure involving health care providers’ Social Security Numbers (SSNs). DOI provided unrelated filings from Blue Cross Blue Shield to the … Read More

Okay Valley celebrates Veterans Day

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Okay Valley held their Veterans Day celebration last week to honor all those who serve our country. Keynote speaker SFC Heather Colclasure spoke about her life in the military and also shared a story about weathering a storm on the ocean while out on a fishing boat with her grandfather. Instead of dropping an anchor and being tethered to one spot during the storm, he kept going and faithfully followed the compass and it guided them through. She shared how the story was relevant in her life and challenged everyone to follow the compass. … Read More

Sullivan’s Christmas Crew

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•November 19, 2025• The Christmas Crew in Sullivan is gearing up to help local families as the holiday fast approaches. An offshoot of the local “Giving Place” Facebook page created by Elizabeth Houser when she saw the needs of the community and wanted to be able to help bridge those gaps, the Christmas Crew helps local families enjoy the season by meeting the needs of those families during the holidays.  … Read More