Sullivan High School recognizes students through new Integrity Initiative
•November 11, 2026•
by Jamie Crosier
Nine Sullivan High School students were recognized in September as part of the school’s new Integrity Initiative, a program designed to recognize students who notice a need and take action without expecting anything in return.
The first group of students was recognized for acts ranging from helping classmates with schoolwork to taking responsibility for tasks without being asked.
Damian Lee, nominated by Mr. Allen, volunteered to set up and operate the volleyball concession stand when the supervisor was running late and no one else was available, choosing to help rather than attend the game.
Read MoreSullivan sisters crowned Wooly Worm Festival queens
•November 11, 2026•
by Jamie Crosier
Sullivan sisters Miah Voegel, left, and Sarina Voegel display their crowns and sashes after earning titles at the 2026 Woolly Worm Festival Pageant on Sept. 19.
Sisters Sarina and Miah Voegel of Sullivan will spend the coming year representing the Camargo Woolly Worm Festival after both earned queen titles during the festival’s Sept. 19 pageant.
Sarina, 19, was crowned 2026 Miss Woolly Worm Festival Queen, while her younger sister, Miah, 14, earned the title of 2026 Junior Miss Woolly Worm Festival Queen. The sisters are two of four queens who will represent the festival through August 2027.
For the daughters of Nick and Ginger Voegel of Sullivan, the experience marks their second opportunity to serve as queens together. Both held Miss Sullivan titles in 2023.
The sisters entered the Woolly Worm Festival pageant after encouragement from one of the directors, who had previously taught them dance. Although they considered participating in 2025, they decided to wait another year. This was their first time competing in the Woolly Worm Festival pageant, though both had participated in other pageants.
Miah, a freshman at Sullivan High School, was crowned first. As she waited for the announcement of the Miss title, her excitement grew at the possibility that she and Sarina might share another year as queens.
Read MoreWindsor Storm Library to host holiday craft activities Wednesday, Dec. 2
•November 11, 2026•
by Jamie Crosier
Children will have an opportunity to create homemade bird feeders, while adults and other craft enthusiasts can make Christmas wreaths during two holiday activities Wednesday, Dec. 2, at the Windsor Storm Library.
The library is partnering with Allie Easter of Allie’s Gift and Garden LLC, a seasonal garden center in Sullivan, to offer the activities as part of its growing lineup of community programs.
The afternoon begins at 3 p.m. with a free pine cone bird feeder activity for children of all ages. Participants will spread peanut butter on pine cones and roll them in birdseed, creating homemade feeders they can hang outdoors.
Read MoreInterim City Manager Kirschke begins work
•November 11, 2026•
by Sharon Barricklow
Sullivan’s Interim City Manager Jim Krischke was officially sworn in at the Monday, October 26, City Council meeting, but it was soon clear he had been working hard the previous week.
“He’s been in the office and getting things done for eight days,” said Mayor Mike Mossman before administering the oath of office. “We’re glad to have him here.”
Read MoreLovington group plans Jingle in the Park
•November 11, 2026•
by Jamie Crosier
Holiday music, a festive fun run, visits with Santa and a park lighting countdown are among the activities planned for Jingle in the Park, scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 28, at Thomas L. Conn Park in Lovington.
The Lovington Working Collective (LWC) is organizing the event, with activities planned from 2:30 to 5:00 p.m. The afternoon is intended to bring families and community members together for holiday activities, with opportunities for local businesses and organizations to participate.
The festivities are scheduled to begin with registration and check-in for the Jingle in the Park 5K/Fun Run at 2:30 p.m. The run and walk will begin at 3:00 p.m. and are open to adults and children.
Read MoreSullivan High School NHS chapter earns national distinction
•November 11, 2026•
by Jamie Crosier
Sullivan High School’s National Honor Society (NHS) chapter has earned the 2026 Chapter of Distinction Award, a national recognition honoring chapters that demonstrate excellence in scholarship, service, leadership and character.
The recognition reflects the work of students who participate in service projects throughout the school year, support local organizations and take on leadership responsibilities within their chapter.
Each year, NHS chapters may apply for the distinction by demonstrating how they meet and exceed expectations in the organization’s four pillars. Sullivan High School seniors Julia Moody and Ellie Lehman volunteered to complete and submit the application on behalf of their chapter.
Moody serves as chapter president, while Lehman is the sergeant at arms.
Read MoreSullivan’s Little Theatre On the Square prepares to close 69th season
•November 4, 2026•
by Jamie Crosier
Students rehearse “Revolting Children” from Matilda Jr. at The Little Theatre On the Square’s Studio on the Square in Sullivan. Pictured are Harrison Golden, Greyson Lough, Parker Spear, Natalie Peters, Ellie Lynch, Claire Hastings, Avery Peters, Fionn Lynch, Emma Hostetler and Jude Bradshaw.
The Little Theatre On the Square is preparing to close its 69th season with two productions featuring young performers, familiar stories and holiday traditions.
The theatre’s summer season included the Central Illinois professional premiere of Come From Away, which John Stephens, executive producer of The Little Theatre On the Square, described as a highlight of the year. The production introduced audiences to the generosity and kindness of the people of Gander, Newfoundland, creating what Stephens described as a spirit of giving and joy among patrons.
Another standout was Route 66, which drew audiences from across the Midwest to celebrate the historic highway’s 100th anniversary through music inspired by the well-traveled road. Stephens called the production a surprise hit of the season.
The theatre will now turn its attention to Matilda Jr., presented Nov. 13-15 by students in the Future Stars Program.
Read MoreSullivan community Thanksgiving gathering set for Sunday, November 22
•November 4, 2026•
by Jamie Crosier
Churches from across the Sullivan area will come together Sunday, Nov. 22, for the annual Community Thanksgiving Worship Gathering, offering residents an opportunity to worship and give thanks as one community.
The gathering, organized by the Sullivan Area Ministerial Association (SAMA), will begin at 3 p.m. at Building 1225, located at 1225 S. Hamilton St. in Sullivan. The event is open to the public, including those who do not regularly attend a participating church.
SAMA includes 14 actively participating churches that work together on community outreach and assistance programs throughout the year. The annual Thanksgiving gathering provides an opportunity for those congregations to come together outside their regular Sunday services.
“Most Sundays, our congregations worship separately in our own traditions and spaces,” said Rev. Grant Wade, DMin, a SAMA board member. “This is one opportunity each year to come together as a larger Christian community for worship, prayer and thanksgiving.”
Read MoreInaugural memorial golf scramble held to honor giving spirit
•November 4, 2026•
by E. Scott England
For those who knew Billie Lawyer, they would describe her as thoughtful, caring, and above all else, giving. Making others happy was the joy that Billie deeply sought. When she unexpectedly passed away on November 21, 2025, her family was without doubt heartbroken. But they were also committed to carrying on the legacy Billie left behind.
Her husband, Bill, along with children Blayne and Whitney, raised over $9,000 after she passed away. Those proceeds went back to the community with a giving heart, just like Billie would have wanted. But they wanted to do something more, something that concreted the spirit of giving.
Read MoreSullivan approves well, park invoices
•October 28, 2026•
by Sharon Barricklow
Work being done for Sullivan baseball fields and to rehabilitate an existing water well were approved Monday, October 12 by the Sullivan City Council.
The invoice from Richter Landscaping in the amount of $36,447.79 for fencing and foul pole installation is being paid for by an Open Spaces Land Acquisition and Development grant the city has been using to update the facilities. The water well rehab payment to Geotechnical Construction was in the amount of $18,500.
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