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Celebrate the Fourth of July safely
Keep America’s 250th Independence Day free from mishaps
•July 1, 2026•
by Angela Hogan
Few things in America say “summer” like the Fourth of July. Our entire nation goes on holiday with cookouts, fireworks, and other festivities. Regardless of how you plan to celebrate, a few simple precautions can help keep the holiday fun for everyone. Here are five key areas to help you and your family safely enjoy Independence Day:
#1. Fireworks: Leave It to the Professionals
Fireworks are a holiday favorite, but they’re also a leading cause of injury every July. The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a professionally managed public display. If you choose to use consumer fireworks:
• Check local laws and fire bans. Some areas prohibit fireworks altogether.
• Don’t allow young children to handle fireworks. Even sparklers, which burn at 1,200°F, can cause significant injuries.
• Keep a bucket of water or a hose nearby for easy access. Use fireworks with caution and have water ready in case of an accident or fire.
• Light one firework at a time and move away quickly.
• Never relight a “dud.” Wait 20 minutes and soak it in water.
#2. Protect Your Hearing: Turn Down the Boom
Read MoreDeer population surges around lake
•July 1, 2026•
by Sharon Barricklow
Is your shrubbery looking jagged? Is your garden not producing? Are their hoof prints in the mud and something on the ground bigger than any dog business? If so, you may have been visited by Moultrie County’s resident deer.
Believe it or not, in 1900 the white tail deer population in Illinois was virtually extinct. Obviously, in the last 126 years that has changed, with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources estimating the state’s deer population at 660,000 in 2025. Moultrie County doesn’t have the largest deer population, that honor goes to Joe Davies County, but in 344 square mile Moultrie County, more than 700 are harvested annually during hunting season.
Read MoreWork begins on new city well
•July 1, 2026•
by Sharon Barricklow
A new addition to Sullivan’s well field is under construction last week after the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency issued a drilling permit.
Sullivan has been under water restrictions since earlier this year due to low water levels in the aquifer that supplies the city with water. City council members said the new well will not entirely alleviate the water shortage but is a step forward.
Read MoreKnee High by the 4th of July
Photo Submitted
There is corn well above knee high by the Fourth of July in Moultrie County as the patriotic Lisa Shuman and Nancy Moore shows us. The photo was taken in a field east of Sullivan.
Habitat 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.
Agri-Fab donates to Regional Cancer Center expansion
•April 15, 2026•
Agri-Fab of Sullivan has donated $30,000 to the Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Foundation’s Expanding Hope Campaign to support the expansion of the Regional Cancer Center. “This donation ties into our values,” said Deacon Patient, President of Agri-Fab. “At Agri-Fab, we are all about community, and this Cancer Center is important to our community. We all know someone who has been affected by cancer. I am personally inspired by these three employees who have battled cancer at Sarah Bush Lincoln.”
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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 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.
LLC summer volleyball camp
•June 24, 2026•
Lake Land College is holding a summer volleyball camp for children ages 6 through high school. The camp will be held across two weeks, July 20th through 23rd and July 27th through 30th, at Emerald Acres Sports Connection, located at 1201 Woodell Way in Mattoon. The camp will give players of all skill levels the chance to develop their abilities, improve their fundamentals, and explore the game of volleyball with immersive drills and structured training. Campers will be placed into four separate groups based on age, and the camp will be divided each day into four sessions, one for each age group: 10 and under, 9:00 to 10:00 a.m.; 11 years old and 6th grade, 10:15 to 11:45 a.m.; 7th and 8th grade, 12:30 to 2:00 p.m.; and High School, 2:15 to 3:45 p.m.
Read MoreObituaries 7-1-2026: Nancy Weaver
Nancy Weaver
Nancy Elaine (Schmollinger) Weaver, 89, of Sullivan passed away 11:27 p.m. Sunday, June 21, 2026, at Sullivan Rehabilitation and Health Care Center.
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