SBD’s support Senior Center
•March 4, 2026•

The Sullivan Blue Dolphins partnered with the Mid-Illinois Senior Services to collect items for the center.
This is SBD’s first year helping this organization, titling it, ‘Swimmers Supporting Seniors’. This collection was structured very similarly to the annual ‘Swimmers Supporting Soldiers’ that the Dolphins do every summer.
Mid Illinois Senior Services sent the SBD a list of items that were much-needed. The team collected numerous items such as puzzles, paper towels, bathroom tissue, cups, sweeteners, Lysol wipes, plastic cutlery, and flower arrangement items.
The SBD believes in giving back to the community that has so ardently supported them.
Findlay Fire Protection District grain bin training
•March 4, 2026•
by DM Williamee
The Findlay Fire Protection District will be hosting a grain bin technical rescue class on March 6th through 8th, continuing on March 13th through 15th, for a complete and highly specialized 40-hour class. This training opportunity has been realized as a result of a multi-year process to implement all components: training, equipment, and manpower. Approximately two years ago, David Winans, Captain of the Findlay Fire Department, was able to purchase a set of grain rescue tubes through a local grain bin dealer who works with GSI (Grain Systems out of Assumption), with the cost being shared equally between the Findlay Fire Protection District, GSI, and Bins247.
Read MoreCity extends water emergency
•March 4, 2026•
by Sharon Barricklow
Residents of Sullivan will still be able to fill their water glasses and do their laundry despite the city extending their water emergency while they search for water alternatives, the city council said at their February 23rd meeting. “You can have a glass of water and wash your clothes,” Mayor Mike Mossman said. “We’re just asking people to be careful.”
Read MoreDawkins NEHS submission wows

Actor 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.
Read MoreOVHS hosts grand opening of Career Exploration Center
•February 18, 2026•

Okaw Valley Community Unit School District #302 celebrated the official ribbon cutting of the Okaw Valley High School Career Exploration Center on Thursday, February 12th, marking an exciting milestone for students, families, and the broader community. While the Center has been serving students throughout the school year, the ceremony marked its official grand opening.
The Career Exploration Center was made possible through a generous $13,000 grant from the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation, helping bring the space to life under the leadership of Jena Atchison, Bonnie Scott, and Matthew Shoaff. Representatives Grant Wade and Andrea Gerhard attended on behalf of the Foundation and joined students, educators, and community leaders as the doors officially opened.
Read MoreSecond round of Sullivan Athletic HoF inducted
•February 25, 2026•
by E. Scott England
Sullivan High School has started a new athletic Hall of Fame this year to honor the athletes who have thrilled fans on courts, fields, and pools over the years. During the first round of inductees, Roger Beavers, Seth Dunscomb, and Luke Standerfer were recognized. As promised, a second wave of inductees were honored a couple of weeks ago on a Saturday before the Sullivan Lady Redskins game.

Stacy McLaughlin
Stacy McLaughlin (Class of 1982) was one of the first Sullivan lady athletes to make an impact on the court and track. Title IX of the 1972 Civil Rights Act prohibited the discrimination based on sex in schools. This landmark federal legislation opened the doors to women’s sports in schools. Less than 10 years later, Stacy showed why it was important to have women’s sports.
Read MoreOVHS senior night
•February 25, 2026•

Okay Valley held the 2026 boys basketball senior night on Friday, February 13 hosting the Argenta-Oreana Bombers.
Recognized on the night were basketball seniors including manager Tyler Schwartz, Brady McQuilling, Wyatt Hildebrandt, Tucker Montgomery and Braden Montgomery.

Also recognized were cheerleader seniors Adriana Morell and Kate Stauder. The Timberwolves came away with a 82-70 victory on the night.
Redskins finish out regular season 19-10
•February 25, 2026•
by E. Scott England
Head coach Spencer Plank has got to be proud of his team. After going on a tear late in the season, the boys entered last week on a five game win streak. Playing at home in front of a large crowd for senior night, the boys looked to extend that streak before taking to the road to close out the regular season in Warrensburg.
Heritage
The Heritage Hawks are having an okay season. Nothing great, nothing terrible. Though their record was 12-15, they were 5-5 in the Lincoln Prairie Conference. In other words, the Redskins needed to be wary of this potential sleeper team prowling their home court.
Read MoreObituaries 3-4-2026: Owen Tull
Owen Tull

Owen L. Tull, 89, of Sullivan, passed away 5:56 a.m. Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center, Mattoon.
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