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Arthur Freedom Celebration shatters attendance records for America’s 250th Milestone
•July 8, 2026•
by Ariana R. Cherry
D
espite steamy temperatures and heavy July humidity, thousands of visitors poured into Arthur on Saturday, June 27, transforming Jurgens Park into a sea of lawn chairs and patriotic pride for the community’s annual Freedom Celebration. According to members of the Arthur Rotary, the event appeared to draw a record-breaking crowd, as residents and tourists alike gathered for what has become one of Central Illinois’ premier Independence Day traditions.
This year’s celebration carried extraordinary significance as Arthur joined the nation in commemorating the 250th anniversary of America’s founding. The semiquincentennial milestone was woven into every aspect of the day, from the flags lining the boulevards to the community-wide “Fly Our Flag for Freedom” initiative. The sense of hometown hospitality was palpable as local merchants and neighbors welcomed the influx of visitors with the warmth Arthur is known for.
Read MoreSullivan School Board approves track project, property purchase and balanced budget
•July 8, 2026•
by Jamie Crosier
The Sullivan Community Unit School District 300 Board of Education approved several major financial and facility decisions Monday night, June 29, including a balanced amended budget, a contract for the district’s long-awaited track replacement project and the purchase of property that could support future transportation needs.
The board unanimously approved the district’s amended fiscal year 2026 budget following a public hearing. Superintendent Dr. Walk reported the district finished the year with a budget surplus of approximately $111,900 while maintaining a balanced operating budget.
Walk said the district experienced its first year in nearly a decade in which state and federal funding declined from the previous year. Transportation funding was particularly affected after the state reduced reimbursement payments.
Even with those reductions, Walk said the district remains in stable financial condition.
Read MoreSullivan 4th of July, 2026
Sullivan celebrates America’s 250th
Photo by R.R. Best
The annual Fourth of July parade kicked off a fun filled day of celebration hosted by the Sullivan American Legion Saturday. Wyman Park was the next destination for the always entertaining watermelon eating contest, turtle races and sack races. At dusk, an amazing fireworks display capped off the festivities. More photos can be found on page 12.
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 siblings win gold again at Taekwondo nationals
•July 8, 2026•
Austin and Annika Kelley, brother and sister from Sullivan, traveled to Tulsa, Oklahoma to compete in the UTA Taekwondo Nationals on Friday, June 26. They both came home National Champions in the weapons division. Annika is the UTA 2026 11-14 year old Creative Weapons National Champion and Austin is the UTA 2026 15-17 year old Traditional Weapons National Champion.
Read MoreSBD strong at CCC in Springfield
The Sullivan Blue Dolphins had a strong showing at the 2026 Capitol City Classic in Springfield, finishing 5th overall out of 14 teams. The team’s top point scorers were Emily Crosier – 204.5 points in the Girls Open Division; Mack Pogue – 208 points in the Boys 12 and Under Division; and Stella Perrott – 103 points in the Girls 10 and Under Division.
These outstanding performances, along with contributions from the entire team, helped lead the Dolphins to an impressive 5th-place finish. Next up, the Sullivan Blue Dolphins are headed to Quincy, Illinois, to compete at the SST Firecracker Classic.
Obituaries 7-8-2026: June Foreman
June Foreman
June Foreman, former resident of Sullivan, passed away June 20, 2026 in Luverne, Alabama. She was 96 years old.
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