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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 you caught up on everything happening around the county this week!
🌤️WEATHER OUTLOOK
5-DAY WEATHER FORECAST
Monday, November 24
High: 53°F | Low: 48°F
Areas of Dense Fog in the morning, then Chance of Rain
Drive carefully during morning commute
Tuesday, November 25
High: 59°F | Low: 34°F
Chance of Rain, then Mostly Cloudy
Mild day before temperatures drop
Wednesday, November 26
High: 41°F | Low: 24°F
Mostly Sunny and Breezy
Significant temperature drop - bundle up!
Thursday, November 27 - THANKSGIVING DAY 🦃
High: 38°F | Low: 20°F
Sunny
Cold but beautiful holiday weather!
Friday, November 28
High: Low 40s°F
Partly Cloudy
Great day for Black Friday shopping
Weather forecast courtesy of National Weather Service
✨ FEATURED EVENT: MATTOON LIGHTWORKS
The holiday season is HERE!
🎄 Mattoon Lightworks is now OPEN for the 2025 season at Peterson Park (500 Broadway Avenue)
Hours:
Sunday-Thursday: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Friday-Saturday: 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Runs through December 28, 2025
Experience over 100 animated and standard holiday light displays as you drive through beautiful Peterson Park. This beloved FREE community event attracts over 15,000 visitors each year!
Special Features:
Live Nativity Scenes every Friday in December (6:00-8:00 PM)
"Stretchy the Elf" hidden somewhere different each Monday night
3D light glasses available (limited supply)
Tyler Ross Jones Santa House open during walkthrough events
🎁 Support Local: Mattoon Lightworks sweatshirts available at Mattoon Tourism and Arts Office
📞 Info: 217-258-6286 or email [email protected]
🎬 NEW IN TOWN: VIP MATTOON 10 THEATER REOPENING
Great news for movie lovers! The former AMC Classic Mattoon 10 theater has opened under new ownership as VIP Mattoon 10.
10 screens with NEW projection equipment
Updated facilities and fresh paint throughout
Expanded hours including late shows on weekends
10 AM matinees throughout the week
All recliner seating coming by Summer 2026
Located at Hurst Drive. Follow VIP Mattoon 10 on social media for the latest updates!
🏈EIU PANTHERS FOOTBALL FALLS TO ALABAMA
The Eastern Illinois University football team competed against the 10th-ranked University of Alabama Crimson Tide on Saturday, November 22nd, in Tuscaloosa, finishing the season with a 0-56 loss. Despite the difficult matchup against an SEC opponent, the Panthers' appearance at historic Bryant-Denny Stadium represents a significant opportunity for the program and its student-athletes.
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🎓EDUCATION & YOUTH
Mattoon CUSD #2 Recognizes New Administrative Appointments
Mattoon Community Unit School District #2 has announced the hiring of three new administrators who will transition into their new roles ahead of the 2026-27 school year. This leadership expansion comes as the district continues to focus on improving educational outcomes for all students in the community.
Local College Thanksgiving Break Hours
EIU is on Thanksgiving Break! Most campus buildings will have limited or modified hours November 24-28. Students, faculty, and staff should check department-specific schedules.
Lake Land College is closed for Thanksgiving Break on Thursday, November 27, 2025, and the campus will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday. Classes will resume on Monday, December 1, 2025.
🎄UPCOMING EVENTS
CELEBRATE MATTOON'S DOWNTOWN CHRISTMAS
Friday, December 5, 2025 | 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM Downtown Mattoon
Mark your calendars for one of Mattoon's most magical holiday events!
Event Highlights:
Local Food Trucks
Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus
Candlelight Service
Costume Characters
Lighted Christmas Parade
NEW! Ice Skating Rink
Downtown transforms into a sparkling winter wonderland, overflowing with joy, laughter, and festive cheer- the perfect way to kick off the holiday season with family and friends!
📞 More Info: 217-258-6286 or visit celebratemattoon.org
🦃 HAPPY THANKSGIVING, COLES COUNTY!
From all of us in the community, we wish you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with gratitude, good food, and cherished moments together. Thank you for being part of what makes Mattoon and Charleston such a special place to call home!
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