First Mid Bank & Trust (First Mid) has once again been recognized on Forbes’ list of America’s Best Banks, earning a ranking of #2 in Illinois and #24 nationwide for 2026. The annual list, compiled by Forbes in partnership with S&P Global Market Intelligence, evaluates U.S. banks based on key financial performance measures, including growth,…

SPRINGFIELD, IL, – Both Moultrie and Piatt counties have been issued a final property assessment equalization factor of 1.0000, according to David Harris, director of the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR). The property assessment equalization factor, often called the “multiplier,” is the method used to achieve uniform property assessments among counties, as required by law.…

The 2026 Miss A.L.A.H. Pageant will be held this Saturday evening, Feb. 21, at Penn Station in downtown Arthur. The pageant begins at 6 p.m. with the doors opening at 5:30. Those age 4 and under will be admitted for free (See ad on page B12). The current Little Miss A.L.A.H. Caroline Fleming will make…

Submitted The City of Arcola announced its intent to apply for a Community Project Funding (CPF) grant through the office of Congresswoman Mary Miller, who represents Illinois’ 15th Congressional District. The proposed project would fully reconstruct Egyptian Trail Road and Bob King Drive, which serve as vital connectors for the Arcola Industrial Park. The $1.25…

By Nolan Morse The Arcola School Board deliberated on whether to provide students with summer school or not during Wednesday night’s meeting. It was mutually understood that summer school may provide multiple benefits to students who are in need of extra help, but possible staffing shortages may hinder their ability to offer the program. The…