News From Here And There

     Macon County is in need of Republican election judges for the March 17, 2026 General Primary Election.  If you would like to become an election judge, please contact the Macon County Clerk’s Office at 217-424-1305 as soon as possible.      Election judges must:      • Be registered to vote Attend a two hour training prior to Election…

FORSYTH – On February 17, 2026 at approximately 150p Macon County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to Menards in Forsyth for the report of individual inside the store who actively committing retail theft. Menards provided a name of the individual, who was known to the sheriff’s office as a repeat offender and the suspect in multiple other…

     Today, millions of Americans serve as caregivers, supporting both young children and aging loved ones — often at the same time. Yet many lack critical lifesaving training, including how to respond in a cardiac arrest emergency. Only about one-third of U.S. adults say they feel confident and ready to act if someone goes into cardiac…

     Several area 4-H members competed in the 2026 Illinois State 4-H Horse Contest on Feb. 1 at Black Hawk College in Galva. The statewide event brought together youth from 29 Illinois counties for a day of skill development and fun.      Lexi Merriman, DeWitt County 4-H member, earned an impressive third place in the Reasons Division.…

     On February 14, 2026, at approximately 5:27 p.m., officers with the Decatur Police Department responded to a report of a gunshot victim in the 1700 block of North Summit Avenue.      Twenty-five-year-old Christian D. Luthy contacted 911 and reported that he had accidentally shot a female inside the residence. Upon arrival, officers located a 26-year-old female…

Be Cool. Take the Plunge. Register and Details at https://plungeillinois.com      Feb. 10, 2026 – Normal, Ill. – Special Olympics Illinois is proud to announce the return of the coolest event of the winter, the Law Enforcement Torch Run Polar Plunge to benefit Special Olympics Illinois. The Polar Plunge is a unique opportunity for individuals, organizations,…

Announces increase in quarterly dividend, marking 53 consecutive years of dividend growth (BUSINESS WIRE)– ADM (NYSE: ADM) has reported financial results for the fourth quarter and the full year ended December 31, 2025, and provided its current outlook for 2026. Fourth-quarter 2025 Key Takeaways: Net earnings of $456 million, with adjusted net earnings1 of $422…

  Severe blood shortage intensifies as snow, ice and extreme temperatures impact blood drives      The American Red Cross urges people to take action now to help offset the severe impact of recent winter storms on efforts to rebuild the blood supply during an ongoing blood shortage. Donors of all blood types are asked to make…

     The United States Postal Service (USPS) recently clarified how postmarks are applied to mail pieces and how Vote By Mail ballots may be affected.  As part of nationwide adjustments to postal operations under the USPS “Delivering for America” plan, the Postal Service has clarified that the date printed on a postmark may reflect when mail…

     Jump-start your spring planning at University of Illinois Extension’s half-day educational event, hosted by the Macon County Master Gardeners. Whether you’re new to gardening or have years of experience, this event offers practical, research-based knowledge to improve your growing season. Gardening Insights will be from 7:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Feb. 28 at Life…