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Sullivan Elementary artwork marks step toward larger playground vision
•September 9, 2026•
by Jamie Crosier
Brightly painted obstacle courses, hopscotch challenges, an alphabet scramble and other activities now stretch across the blacktop at Sullivan Elementary School, giving students new ways to move, create and play during recess.
The artwork is a visible change students can enjoy now, but it is part of a larger, multi-year effort by the Sullivan Elementary School PTO to improve the school’s outdoor spaces and eventually replace playground equipment that is approximately 30 years old.
The idea grew from what the PTO calls its annual “Dream Big” requests, which give school staff an opportunity to suggest improvements they would like to see for students. Over time, the PTO noticed a recurring theme: Teachers were asking for playground repairs, outdoor toys and a shaded area where students could learn and spend time outside.
Read MoreArthur Cheese Festival brings community together despite the heat
•September 9, 2026•
by Ariana R. Cherry
The 53rd Annual Arthur Cheese Festival returned to downtown Arthur Friday and Saturday, Sept. 4–5, bringing two days of food, contests, vendors and family activities to the community.
The festival has traditionally taken place over three days on Saturday, Sunday and Monday of Labor Day weekend. This year, organizers introduced a shorter Friday-and-Saturday format.
Read MoreOn display
Photo by R.R. Best
The Sullivan Street Machine Association Labor Day weekend cruise-in car show brought car enthusiasts to the Sullivan square Saturday afternoon.
Food Myths and nutrition
Photo courtesy Mid Illinois Senior Services
On September 1st, Certified Health Coach Larry Wetnight presented to a packed house at Mid Illinois Senior Services for their monthly ‘Dine with a Doc’ free luncheon, discussing Food Myths and nutrition. The Q&A portion was especially lively, with a great number of productive takeaways for all.
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 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 MoreSullivan Trap Team offers more than competition
•August 26, 2026•
by Jamie Crosier
As the Sullivan Trap Team prepares to enter its third year this fall, Head Coach Rob Kidd hopes more local families will learn about an opportunity that offers young people much more than a chance to shoot targets.
“The team’s been great,” Kidd said. “We have kids from all different kinds of places. But they come together, and they get along together, and they’ve made new friends that they might not have made just through school.”
The program grew from an interest in creating more competitive shooting opportunities for area youth.
Kidd became involved in coaching through his son, Kolten, while Assistant Coach Dave Purvis had a grandson interested in the sport. What began with youth shooting through 4-H eventually led to conversations about forming a high school team.
Read MoreObituaries 9-9-2026: Marjorie Queen
Marjory Queen
Marjory J. Queen, 87, of Bethany, passed away August 31, 2026, at her home.
Graveside services were held Friday, September 4, 2026, at Marrowbone Township Cemetery, Bethany. Memorials may be made to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Bethany or to the Marrowbone Public Library, Bethany. McMullin-Young Funeral Home is in care of the arrangements.
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