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SHS/SMS library gets a revamp
by DM Williamee
L- R: Grant Wade and Andrea Gerhard from HICF, Principal Nathan Ogle, and Library Aide Julie Parrish.
Sullivan High and Middle School students will notice some changes when they return to school after this summer, most notably a modernized revamp of their library. The library is currently a small, utilitarian space compared to what students will find when they return to classes this fall. Principal Nathan Ogle, lead of the project, shared the new floor plans, layout, furniture, and modernization in the design of the coming space, which were all impressive and reflected a great deal of detailed planning.
Read MoreThe humble newspaper
•May 13, 2026•
Op-Ed by DM Williamee
I have written in one form or another most of my life. From poems and short stories in first grade on grocery bags, compositions in high school, keeping a journal, multiple forms of writing taught in college, legal writing, and writing for professional publications, I have always loved putting thoughts to paper. Writing for a newspaper was a pivot for me, but one I welcomed and continue to try to become more skilled at each day. I read voraciously, and while I do own a Kindle and spend a lot of time in front of screens, I, like many others, prefer having a book, magazine, or newspaper in my hand and on my shelves. Why scroll endlessly when you can turn real pages, smell the scent of paper, and pause to consider the content? In today’s busy world, any opportunity to slow down feels like a luxury.
In this digital age, many people suffer from information overload and the resultant stress. Is what is being read real news or fake news, and was it written by a human or artificial intelligence? With a newspaper, you can set these questions and stressors aside, put up one’s feet, sip one’s coffee, and experience your news more slowly and with a decided measure of confidence. Reading a newspaper is a tactile experience. The feel of the paper, the sound of turning pages, and the smell of ink on paper all create a sensory engagement that digital media can’t replace. The physical interaction can enhance comprehension and retention, and studies have shown that people can absorb more information from print than can from screens. With paper, you can get out your pen and scissors and highlight points, do puzzles, or save information in a way you can’t from a screen.
Read MoreSchumann Farm designated a Sesquicentennial
•May 13, 2026•
The Illinois Department of Agriculture has designated the Schumann farm as a Sesquicentennial Farm. To qualify as a Sesquicentennial Farm, a straight or collateral line of descendants must own the agricultural property for at least 150 years. The family received this historical distinction to their farm after their application for designation as a Sesquicentennial Farm was approved.
Read MoreHelmeth receives Amtryke
River Helmeth received an Amtryke from the Sullivan AMBUCS at their fundraising cookout last Saturday, May 9th, in the Kirby Foods parking lot. River rode her new Amtryke for the first time like a pro as her mom Stephanie, looked on. With a big smile and look of determination, River showed everyone how well she could ride.
Agri-Fab donates to Regional Cancer Center expansion
•April 15, 2026•
Agri-Fab of Sullivan has donated $30,000 to the Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Foundation’s Expanding Hope Campaign to support the expansion of the Regional Cancer Center. “This donation ties into our values,” said Deacon Patient, President of Agri-Fab. “At Agri-Fab, we are all about community, and this Cancer Center is important to our community. We all know someone who has been affected by cancer. I am personally inspired by these three employees who have battled cancer at Sarah Bush Lincoln.”
Read MoreActor Shawn Woods speaks on ‘Loving Yourself’
•February 25, 2026•
Actor Shawn Woods shares his insights into recovery and self-love with those in attendance.
by DM Williamee
On Friday, February 20th, actor Shawn Woods, known for his roles in Charlie’s Angels and Sons of Anarchy, made a special speaking appearance at the invitation of Moultrie County’s ROSC and Dove programs at the Mid-Illinois Senior Services Center. The theme was ‘Loving yourself.’ This free, family-friendly event also included treats, as well as provided an opportunity for those in attendance to make their own valentines to themselves, as an expression of self-love. Mr. Woods also provided photo opportunities as well as autographs.
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SBD 2025–2026 team banquet recap
•April 15, 2026•
On Friday, April 10th, the Sullivan Blue Dolphins hosted their 2025–2026 Team Banquet. All team members were awarded a team medal, recognizing their commitment and achievements throughout the season. The evening also celebrated the contributions of the coaching staff, board members, and swim officials who support the team year-round.
Summer and Winter Regional Championship Teams received certificates for their accomplishments. Additionally, the Summer and Winter State Championships were award their achievements.
Read MoreLady Redskins nab second at LPC Meet
•May 13, 2026•
by E. Scott England
The Lincoln Prairie Conference track meet was scheduled for last Friday and nothing was going to stop that from happening. It was billed as a rain or shine event. And the sun never made an appearance. But the rain, the wind, and the cold made sure their presence was known throughout the entire meet.
Still though, as all the LPC teams gathered in Cerro Gordo, the Sullivan Lady Redskins track team had their eyes set on success. Success, they found. When the last runner crossed the line and the last field event was measured, the Lady Reds wound up in second place with 134 points behind an ever strong ALAH team with 142 points.
Read MoreSenior Night
Okaw Valley Softball senior night was held on April 30th. Girls honored were Lena Hildebrandt (German Foreign Exchange Student), Gracie Plummer, Ava Harshman and Riley Gentzyel.
Obituaries 5-13-2026: Glen Righter
Glen Righter
Glen Righter, 89, of Sullivan, passed away Friday, May 8, 2026 in Barnes Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, Missouri.
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