Area News Highlights
A Life Well Lived: Celebrating My Grandmother’s 95 Years
Charlene Smith holds just one of the cards she has received this past year. Written by Brianne Hoehn-Conour Ninety-five years is more than a birthday. It’s a celebration of a life filled with hard work, love, sacrifice, and an impact that reaches far beyond one family. My grandmother, Charlene Smith, has never sought recognition, yet…
Read MoreLynchCo Construction Donates $20,000 to Bement CUSD #5 Weight Room Renovation
Brian Lynch of LynchCo Construction presents a $20,000 donation on behalf of Brian and Lacey Lynch and LynchCo Construction to Bement CUSD #5 Superintendent Mary Vogt in support of the district’s newly renovated weight room. Bement CUSD #5 is proud to recognize the generosity of Brian and Lacey Lynch and LynchCo Construction for their extraordinary…
Read MoreA-H LIBRARY ANNEX PROGRESS
The Atwood-Hammond Library Annex continues to improve each week. The outside was done last week and looks so professional. The color compliments the existing library building. I haven’t checked inside recently, but I hear it is coming along as well. This will be such an excellent addition to our downtown area and add a lot…
Read MoreALAH’s Brown doing well in pro softball
By Mike Monahan PORTLAND – On May 29, Kenzie Brown, a 2021 Arthur Lovington Atwood Hammond grad, signed with the Portland Cascade of the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL). Thus making the former Knight, who was coached by the late Jerry Lane, a professional softball player. She was picked in the third round by the…
Read More95th Moultrie-Douglas County Fair Set for July 26-August 2
The 95th Moultrie-Douglas County Fair will celebrate its milestone year July 26 through Aug. 2 at the fairgrounds in Arthur, offering a full week of livestock shows, carnival rides, pageants, entertainment, motorsports and family-friendly activities. The fair officially opens Sunday, July 26, with the Sheep Show at 10 a.m., followed by the Goat Show at…
Read MoreBraxton Keith headlines Moultrie-Douglas County Fair
Braxton Keith, known for his modern take on country and his roots in Texas Honky Tonks, will be the headliner for the 2026 Moultrie-Douglas County Fair. The concert is set for Saturday, August 1 at the fairgrounds in Arthur. Braxton’s energetic shows and fresh spin on tradition have earned him a fast-growing fanbase. His single,…
Read MoreOutstanding women to be honored at inaugural event
Green Family: Jerelyn Green (l to r), Monica Green, and Makenna (Green) Frantz represent the three living generations of the four generation Heritage Family Farms, Arthur, Illinois, selected as an Illinois Agri-Women Award Winning Generations of Women in Agriculture Across America Legacy Family. The Illinois Agri-Women are proud to Introduce the three Legacy Farm Family…
Read MoreCELEBRATING JULY 4TH IN HAMMOND
HAMMOND 4TH OF JULY PARADE GRAND MARSHAL. Peggy Yeakley was chosen as the 2026 Hammond July 4th Parade Grand Marshal. She is pictured with her son, Ken Yeakley. Additional July 4th photos on Page 5. Kim Gee photo
Read MoreCELEBRATING JULY 4TH IN HAMMOND
50/50 RAFFLE WINNER. Mary Ellen Baer was the winner of the Hammond Fire Department 50/50 drawing that was held during their annual July 4 pancake and sausage breakfast. Mary Ellen won $105 and donated $100 back to the department. Pictured are Chief Roger Sebens, Mary Ellen Baer and Assistant Chief Gary Gee. Kim Gee photo
Read MoreCELEBRATING JULY 4TH IN BEMENT
BEMENT HONORS VETERANS. In honor of America’s 250th members of Bement American Legion, Albert Parker Post #620, served as grand marshals for the annual July 4 parade leading the procession through downtown as the community honored their service and sacrifice. Additional July 4th photos on Page 4.
Read More