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Sparrows Unlimited auction brings Christmas spirit to Lovington in July
•July 22, 2026•
by Jamie Crosier
Christmas trees, holiday decorations and live music may seem out of place in the middle of summer, but that’s exactly what visitors might find when Sparrows Unlimited hosts its annual Christmas for the Kids Auction on Saturday, July 25, in the grassy lot outside East End Tavern in Lovington. The daylong fundraiser combines entertainment, food, family activities and a silent auction, with proceeds benefiting local children and families.
For Pam Anklam, president of Sparrows Unlimited, the event represents much more than a fundraiser.
“The first thing I would want people to know is that Sparrows Unlimited is made up of ordinary, hardworking people who simply want to make a difference in the lives of others,” Anklam said. “We aren’t a large organization with paid staff—we’re volunteers who care deeply about our community and are committed to helping local children and families.”
That volunteer spirit has carried the organization for 32 years.
Read MoreSullivan school board approves tentative budget, property purchases
•July 22, 2026•
by Jamie Crosier
At its board meeting held Monday evening, July 13, the Sullivan Community Unit School District No. 300 Board of Education approved a tentative budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year, giving the district an initial financial framework while officials await final state funding figures expected later this summer.
Superintendent Dr. Ted Walk said the tentative budget is intended to provide a general outline for the coming year. Because the district has not yet received its state funding allocations, a more complete budget with updated revenue projections will be presented for board approval in September.
The board unanimously approved the tentative budget.
Capital projects included in the tentative budget primarily focus on the district’s track project, though Walk said transportation-related projects may be added before the final budget is adopted. Updated figures related to payments for the new high school are expected to be included in the September budget as well.
The board approved the purchase of two residential properties to support future transportation operations.
Read MoreMid-Illinois Senior Services celebrates America’s 250th birthday
•July 22, 2026•
by Jamie Crosier
Patriotic decorations, American flags and familiar songs welcomed guests Thursday, July 16, as Mid-Illinois Senior Services Inc. hosted a celebration honoring America’s 250th birthday.
Mid-Illinois Senior Services serves as the Aging and Disability Resource Center and Coordinated Point of Entry for the East Central Illinois Agency on Aging. The celebration featured guest speaker Becky Lawson, followed by a free lunch of Blackstone-grilled hamburgers, sides and dessert. Entertainment was provided by the American Patriots Band.
Read MoreMoultrie-Douglas Contestants
The Moultrie-Douglas County Fair Pageant will be held Monday, July 27th at 6:00 p.m. for Little Miss Fair Queen and 7:00 p.m. for Miss and Junior Miss Fair Queen located at the south track on the Mo-Do Fairgrounds. Vying for the title of Miss Moultrie Douglas Fair Queen are: Abigail Meyer of Tuscola, Addee Mulligan of Arcola, Sarah Rogers of Atwood, Ava Whitson of Tuscola, Addisyn Wilson of Villa Grove, Emma Spillman of Tuscola, Aymara Leal of Arcola and Katilyn Kirby of Sullivan.
Vying for the title of Jr Miss Moultrie-Douglas are: Harper Hale of Arthur, Brooklyn Bates of Sullivan, Sofie Reifsteck of Tuscola, Sophia Wilson of Arcola, Miley Rennels of Tuscola, Ava Warren of Sullivan, Tatum Faust of Pesotum, Maggie Meyer of Tuscola and Audrey Warren of Sullivan, pictured 2025 Jr Miss Moultrie-Douglas Quinn Chapman of Villa Grove.
Vying for the title of Little Miss Moultrie-Douglas are: Everleigh Allen of Tuscola, Emelia Shelmadine of Tuscola, Arabella Butterick of Arthur, Josslyn Leigh Brown of Sullivan, Athalia Juliet Sanchez of Arcola, Myla Ro Oye of Arthur, Sophie Elliott of Sullivan, Rosie Smith of Villa Grove, Tinley Eads of Arthur, Alayna Guadiana of Arcola and Alexandria Brackemyre of Lovington, pictured with 2025 Little Miss Moultrie-Douglas Joslynn Steffens of Tuscola.
Students shine in Holocaust Education Center contest
•July 8, 2026•
Three Sullivan students recently brought home Best in Show and first place honors for the creative pieces they submitted to The Champaign-Urbana Jewish Federation’s Holocaust Education Center’s Through Their Eyes: A Holocaust Arts and Writing Contest while two other students had pieces that placed in their age divisions.
Junior Claire Kursell won Best in Show for the Painting and Drawing category and first place in the 11th and 12th grade division for “Pills.” Kursell’s art work depicted a bottle of pills held by Holocaust survivor Ruth Fenton.
Read MoreHabitat for Humanity awards home
•June 10, 2026•
On Tuesday, June 2nd, members of Habitat for Humanity gathered at Heritage Woods to notify Shelia Anderson that she and her family will be the recipients of the next home built by Habitat for Humanity in Sullivan. Habitat for Humanity representative Sandy Sanders stated, “We look forward to working with this family. We are so fortunate to live in a community that supports the efforts of our local Habitat for Humanity affiliate.” Shelia Anderson was surprised at work with the notification, and expressed her deep gratitude to all present, with many hugs and warm exchanges resulting.
L-R: Marc Hall, Tara Reed, Salisa Olmsted, Nancy Hall, Sandy Sanders, Sheila Anderson, Ava, Kya, Mia, and Becky Comstock.
Iacobazzi state runner up after photo finish
•June 3, 2026•
by E. Scott England
Johnny Iacobazzi has had an amazing running career at Sullivan High School. The speedy senior has found his way to the podium in both solo events and relays at the state track meet. School records have been toppled. But this year he was chasing the 1600m state title.
Read MoreSullivan softball player earns championship game MVP honor
•July 22, 2026•
by Jamie Crosier
Fourteen-year-old Kylie Wickline is bringing home more than a championship as she prepares for her freshman year of high school.
Wickline, who plays for the Mattoon Pride 14U SG travel softball team, was selected as the Championship Game MVP by the opposing team during the USSSA Fastball Fireworks & Freedom tournament over the Fourth of July weekend.
The recognition came after opposing coaches selected one player for the honor. Wickline said she was surprised when her name was announced.
“I didn’t think it was going to be me at first because all of my teammates did great that game,” Wickline said. “When my name was called, I was very excited and happy that everybody was supporting me when I got it.”
Read MoreBlue Dolphins earn multiple High Point honors at Firecracker Classic
•July 15, 2026•
Submitted
The Sullivan Blue Dolphins traveled to Quincy on June 27-28 for the 2026 Firecracker Classic, where swimmers competed through hot temperatures and outdoor conditions while turning in strong performances across multiple age divisions.
The team was led by six swimmers who earned High Point honors in their respective divisions, an award presented to the athlete who accumulates the most points based on individual event finishes throughout the meet.
Read MoreObituaries 7-22-2026: Terry Warren
Terry Warren
Terry P. Warren, 85, of Sullivan, passed away 12:00 Noon, Friday, July 18, 2026 in his residence.
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