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Suicide Prevention Month brings focus to struggles that are not always visible
•September 16, 2026•
by Jamie Crosier
Three years ago, Ashley Florey was a wife, mother, coach, coworker and local park ranger. She went to work, cared for her family and continued meeting the responsibilities of everyday life.
What many people around her could not see was that Florey was struggling with her mental health. She eventually survived a suicide attempt and was hospitalized for psychiatric treatment.
Now, during Suicide Prevention Month, the lifelong Shelby County resident is sharing her experience in hopes of encouraging more open conversations about mental health and helping people recognize that someone in crisis may not always appear to be struggling.
“I wish people understood that looking okay and actually being okay are two completely different things,” Florey said. “Looking back, I wish someone had understood that being strong and being okay aren’t the same thing.”
Florey was born and raised in Shelby County and graduated from Cowden-Herrick High School. She now lives in Tower Hill and works as a local park ranger. Area residents may know her through her years of coaching high school and junior high basketball.
Her experience challenged her own understanding of what depression and suicidal thoughts can look like. Florey said someone who is struggling may still go to work, care for children, coach, make dinner and respond to messages. Asking for help can be complicated by shame, fear, embarrassment or the belief that one has become a burden.
Read MoreMeet the Machines offers hands-on experience in Windsor
•September 16, 2026•
by Jamie Crosier
Children and families will have the opportunity to get up close to emergency vehicles, trucks, tractors and other machines during Meet the Machines from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, outside the Windsor Storm Memorial Public Library, 102 S. Maple St.
The Windsor Storm Memorial Public Library and The Red Barn are co-hosting the free, all-ages event, which will give children and families an opportunity to climb inside vehicles, ask questions and explore different machines.
Read MoreLove Where You Live aims to connect Lovington community
•September 16, 2026•
by Jamie Crosier
The Lovington Working Collective is planning a Sept. 17 event aimed at helping residents learn more about their community and ways to become involved.
According to information provided by the Lovington Working Collective, “Love Where You Live: Get Involved in Lovington” is planned for 5 to 7 p.m. in the park during the final farmers market of the season. The event is being organized as LWC’s third-quarter meeting.
The Lovington Working Collective, or LWC, is a community-driven network focused on connecting residents, organizations and local leaders with funding opportunities, resources and ideas. Its work includes grants, youth programs, community events and economic development, with an emphasis on keeping investment local and supporting Lovington schools, nonprofits, businesses and families.
Read MoreSenior Expo a success
Photo Submitted
On Friday, September 4th, Mid-Illinois Senior Services (MISS) was abuzz with activity and a good time was had by all during MISS’ yearly Senior Expo. Local businesses attended to provide helpful information to local seniors, and the staff of MISS was on hand to answer questions, sign people up for services (including Medicare Part ‘D’ enrollments which are fast approaching), as well as provide a free lunch. Many local businesses and individuals donated a wide variety of goods to be sold at the Expo, with all funds raised going directly back into the services MISS provides to local seniors and a much-needed roof repair.
Young entrepreneur turns hobby into hometown business
•August 26, 2026•
by Jamie Crosier
What began as a childhood hobby has grown into a small business with a growing reputation and a mission to give back.
Sarah Windhorst, an incoming freshman from Sullivan, started making jewelry when she was about 10 years old after watching someone else create handmade pieces. Curious to see if she could do it herself, she purchased a few supplies and discovered a hobby she enjoyed. Over time, that hobby naturally became Sarah’s Jewels, a business known for custom jewelry, school spirit accessories and community involvement.
“There was no defining line of turning it into a business from a hobby,” Windhorst said. “It just slowly worked its way into that category while getting bigger and bigger.”
Read MoreSullivan First United Methodist Church welcomes Pastor Bill Wiggs
•August 12, 2026•
by Jamie Crosier
A new chapter has begun at Sullivan First United Methodist Church as Pastor Bill Wiggs settles into the community and begins serving the congregation.
Wiggs officially began his appointment July 1 after serving Marshall First and Dunlap United Methodist churches. While his assignment to Sullivan came through the United Methodist Church’s appointment process, he said he and his family have already found a warm welcome from both the congregation and the community.
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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 football remains undefeated with win over Sangamon Valley
•September 16, 2026•
by E. Scott England
Fridays are usually just about football. But not last Friday. It was about remembering and honoring America 25 years after the attacks on the World Trade Center. Thanks to Jon England, the “We Will Never Forget” truck and trailer was parked on the northeast end of the track. Flags were at half mast. And the Sullivan Redskins entered the field bearing the American flag proudly at the front of the pack.
Read MoreSullivan wins two on the road, moves to 3-0
•September 9, 2026•
by E. Scott England
The Sullivan Redskins have been on the road for the past two weeks, first traveling to Arcola and then heading to Nokomis for a Redskin Battle. After Arcola was easily dispensed, Sullivan encountered a bit of a roadblock courtesy of the Redskins of Nokomis.
Arcola
The opening quarter looked like it was going to be a hard fought battle between the Redskins and the Purple Riders. After a tough defensive stand that forced Arcola to punt their first possession, Sullivan began to move steadily down the field, effectively using both passing and running to their advantage. Unfortunately, a forced fumble with around four minutes left in the first quarter led Arcola to returning the loose ball 51 yards for the first touchdown of the game. That score would remain 0-7 for the remainder of the quarter.
Read MoreObituaries 9-16-2026: Lavonne Graven
Lavonne Graven
Lavonne Graven, 94, of Sullivan passed away at 11:16 p.m. on September 7, 2026, at Willow Breeze Hospice House, in Mattoon, Illinois.
Funeral services were held Monday, September 14, 2026, at McMullin-Young Funeral Home in Sullivan. Burial was held in Greenhill Cemetery, Sullivan. In lieu of flowers; memorials may be made to the donor’s choice or to the Willow Breeze Hospice: 10660 E Co Rd 800 N Mattoon, IL 61938
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