Mattoon & Charleston Newsletter

Happy Monday, Coles County! We’ve got plenty lined up in today’s edition so grab your morning coffee or tea, settle in, and let’s get to it.

The City of Mattoon's 2025 Tree Planting Program kicks off Monday, November 17, when Bloomfield Garden Center begins auguring holes for trees throughout the community. Crews will augur approximately 50% of the locations in the first day or two, creating holes approximately three feet in diameter, before starting to plant the first batch of trees. Work will begin in the northeast and northwest sections of town, followed by the southwest and southeast portions, with all trees expected to be planted before Thanksgiving. The program is funded by the Lumpkin Family Foundation, and once trees are planted, recipients will be responsible for their care.

Mattoon's drinking water continues to show non-detectable levels of harmful algal bloom toxins, with the most recent sample showing 0.059 ppb, well below the EPA's 0.30 ppb advisory level. Regular testing continues per EPA guidelines.

The Charleston Police Department has earned Illinois Law Enforcement Accreditation Program accreditation, joining an elite group as only a small percentage of agencies in the state have achieved this recognition.

🍎 SNAP Benefits Update

The Illinois Department of Human Services announced that residents who received partial or delayed SNAP funds in November will begin receiving full benefits for the month.

❤️ Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign Kicks Off

A Battle of the Badges bell ringing competition between Mattoon firefighters and police officers kicked off the Salvation Army's Red Kettle Campaign, which continues through December 24.

The best HR advice comes from people who’ve been in the trenches.

That’s what this newsletter delivers.

I Hate it Here is your insider’s guide to surviving and thriving in HR, from someone who’s been there. It’s not about theory or buzzwords — it’s about practical, real-world advice for navigating everything from tricky managers to messy policies.

Every newsletter is written by Hebba Youssef — a Chief People Officer who’s seen it all and is here to share what actually works (and what doesn’t). We’re talking real talk, real strategies, and real support — all with a side of humor to keep you sane.

Because HR shouldn’t feel like a thankless job. And you shouldn’t feel alone in it.

Sign Up Free

The Eastern Illinois volleyball team travels to Tennessee Tech for two crucial Ohio Valley Conference matchups this week, with games scheduled for Tuesday, November 18 at 6 PM and Wednesday, November 19 at 4 PM. The Panthers, currently riding a 12-game winning streak and sitting in first place in the OVC with a 14-2 conference record, need just one win to clinch the 1-seed and secure home court advantage for the OVC tournament. After going undefeated at home this season (9-0), the Panthers will look to maintain their momentum on the road.

Have a local sports event we should spotlight? Reply to this email with the details and we’ll integrate it into our ongoing coverage.

🌟 Opening Night: Thursday, November 21 The annual Mattoon Lightworks festival begins at Peterson Park (500 Broadway Ave, Mattoon)!

Opening Night Details:

Season Schedule:

This beloved tradition features animated displays, festive scenes, and the famous tunnel of lights. Perfect for families, friends, and even furry companions!

Tuesday, November 25, 6 PM - Event at 1000 Health Center Dr, Mattoon.​

Wednesday, November 26, 9 AM - Kids' Thanksgiving cooking camp at 2204 Dewitt Ave E, Mattoon.​

Wednesday, November 26, 9 PM - Annual event at 1828 Olive Ave, Mattoon.​

Thursday, November 27 (Thanksgiving morning) - Annual road run in Mattoon.​

Thursday-Friday, November 27-28 - EIU will be closed in observance of Thanksgiving.

Support your local businesses this season! Both Mattoon and Charleston offer diverse dining options, from classic American fare to international cuisine. Cross County Mall provides convenient shopping, while downtown Mattoon and Charleston feature unique local retailers perfect for holiday shopping.

We're committed to keeping this newsletter completely free for our Mattoon and Charleston community. To make this possible, we need your support in three simple ways:

Forward this newsletter to friends, family, and neighbors who care about our community. The more readers who open and engage with our emails, the stronger our local news network becomes.

Have an upcoming event, community initiative, or local story you'd like us to cover? We want to hear from you! Submit your news tips and event information to help us keep our finger on the pulse of what matters most to our neighbors.

Local businesses: Partner with us to reach engaged community members while supporting independent local journalism. Sponsors receive a featured spot in our newsletter, connecting your business with readers who care about supporting local. Contact us to learn more about sponsorship opportunities.

Together, we can keep our community informed and connected.