OVHS 2026 Prom Court
Front row: (L to R) Katelin Livingston, Reese Bruns, Aubree McBride, and Ava Harshman. Back Row: (L to R) Brady McQuilling, Ames Drollinger, Tucker Montgomery, and Wyatt Hildebrandt. This year’s Prom will be held on April 25th, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Mt. Zion Convention Center.
Lovington pavilion renovation
•April 22, 2026•
by DM Williamee
As many locals have noticed, the much-loved park in Lovington has been closed for renovations, much to the chagrin of those who enjoy the park on a nearly daily basis. As part of the renovation process, Mayor Brittany Bates contacted a generational Lovington resident to gather historical information on the pavilion, and he provided newspaper articles indicating the park may have first received the pavilion around 1904. While historical records are limited, it is clear that this structure has been an important part of Lovington for well over a century. The pavilion has undergone several changes over the years, including the removal of the original side walls and stage area to accommodate restrooms and storage space, as well as multiple roof replacements and ongoing concrete repairs as needed.
Read MoreSullivan CUSD Meeting
•April 22, 2026•
On Monday, April 13th, the Sullivan School board held its regular monthly meeting. The following reports from the principals were shared with those in attendance:
Mrs. Guyot shared that the SES Strong April Character trait was courage-choosing what is helpful, right, and kind, even when it’s hard or scary, and SES celebrated “Leaders of Cooperation” at the Sullivan Strong Assembly. She went on to thank Mr. Waelde, Mrs. Kalagian, Mrs. Collins, and the 3rd – 5th grade teachers for getting SES through the IAR testing window and make-ups. Project One Family had their first community event on Sunday, April 12th, from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. at Building 1225. Families were served dinner together, and then community organizations and parents participated in a roundtable discussion of programs and support they provide to families within the Sullivan community. 3rd grade visited Reedy Farm on March 24th as a culmination of the conclusion of their Charlotte’s Web novel read, and Coach Typer and Coach Bosgraaf have taken advantage of some of the warmer Spring days this month to begin preparing students for the upcoming annual SES track meet in May. Sullivan PTO has “Coin Wars” fundraiser; The Best Day Ever Event. SES’s Good Behavior Celebration for the month of March was “School-Wide Bingo”, where staff and students participated in traditional Bingo via Google Meet, playing six games and with ten winners. Upcoming events are a TLTOTS Trip on April 14th and April 15th, and the Special Olympics on Friday, May 1st.
Read MoreAmish Heritage Center ‘Sheep to Yarn to Quilts’ May 2nd
•April 22, 2026•
Sheep to Yarn to Quilts will return to the Illinois Amish Heritage Center on Saturday, May 2nd, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The event will feature sheep and alpaca shearing demonstrations, processing the wool, and making clothing and quilts from the shared materials. There will also be numerous activities for children, including pony cart rides and a petting zoo with a variety of farm animals, as well as household pets.
Read MoreFrontiersman’s 50th Annual Spring Rendezvous
•April 22, 2026•
The Prairieland Frontiersman’s 50th Annual Spring Rendezvous will be held on April 24th, 25th, and 26th at the Prairieland Frontiersman Club Grounds, 1426 County Road 800 North in Sullivan. This year is a special celebration, commemorating the 250th birthday of the United States of America. For those who have never attended this event, this family-friendly event is a step back into history by a group of dedicated, friendly, and knowledgeable craftspeople and historians, including live demonstrations. This year’s special events include an Honor Guard, the raising of Old Glory, with a live performance of the singing of the National Anthem, with attendees encouraged to join in. Trade blankets and vendors are both welcomed and encouraged to attend, as well as local area residents desiring to step back into the past.
Read MoreMCHGS hosts Trivia and Tales
Submitted by Tonya Frevert
•April 22, 2026•
The Moultrie County Historical and Genealogical Society recently hosted two unique and dynamic events at the History Center. The first event, the MCHGS 2nd Annual Trivia Contest, saw eight eager teams of trivia buffs vie for bragging rights and prize money. Teams answered 80 trivia questions across eight categories, ranging from sports to movie stars to Moultrie County history. After much sweat and many tears, trivia mastery was ultimately claimed by “Dolan’s Divas” in 1st Place and “Big Bob’s Disciples” in 2nd Place. Sixty-four contestants came out to the History Center for a fun night of food, friends, and facts. The MCHS encourages both veteran trivia players and newbies to consider playing in the 3rd Annual Trivia Contest next year. Details will be announced in early 2027.
Read MoreOne Book/One Sullivan has a record turnout
•April 15, 2026•
L-R, beginning at the top: Zeke Walk, Noah Davis, Edie Gibbons, Nora Becker, Libby Wall, Ava Warren, Violet Cohan, Aubrey Fultz, Charlie Martin, Scarlett Perrott, Michaela Blickensderfer, Gideon Walk, Sarah Windhorst, Mrs. Ray, Bentley Meadows, Emma Drake, Mrs. Powell, and Mitchell Wesselman.
by DM Williamee
On Thursday, April 9th, One Book, One Sullivan (OBOS) experienced a record turnout of 130 people from the community, the largest turnout in nineteen years, for their annual student-led book reading. This year’s title, “The Fire, the Water, and Maudie McGinn,” by Sally J. Pla, drew both insightful and some rave reviews from those who read it. Rikki Ray, who began the OBOS program, shared that her students are especially passionate about OBOS, with three students sharing their experiences and perspectives.
Said SHS Emma Drake, a student participant of OBOS, “I signed up for OBOS at the suggestion of my elementary school librarian, Mrs. Fleming. I joined my 5th-grade year, and I have participated in OBOS since then. OBOS has helped me with so many life skills through middle school and high school. I’ve learned how to look at situations from new perspectives. I’ve also gained confidence in my leadership skills, trying to be the best role model I can, especially as a high schooler. I would encourage younger students to join and become involved. You always have strengths to add to a group, even if you don’t think you do. And if OBOS is not for you, get involved in something and find out what you are passionate about.”
Read MoreSullivan’s Clean Up Day is coming
•April 15, 2026•
It’s that time of year again- clean-up day. As many Sullivan locals are already well into their spring-cleaning rituals, welcoming and taking pride in the additional space in their homes and garages, the next step is to dispose of those items permanently and responsibly.
Beginning April 20th through to the 24th, Sullivan will hold its annual Clean Up Day, (see map), delineating which days items will be retrieved from their area. Those who reside on Jackson and Hamilton streets will have their items picked up on Monday, April 20th. As a reminder, all items must be placed on the curb by 6:00 a.m. Only those residents within the city limits are eligible to participate. The townwide clean-up is only available to residential (not commercial) customers.
Read MoreDEA ‘Take Back’ day is Saturday, April 25th
•April 15, 2026•
by DM Williamee
The DEA’s National ‘Prescription Drug Take Back Day,’ held twice yearly (April and October), offers a safe, anonymous way to dispose of unwanted, unused, or expired medications. This spring, Saturday, April 25th, is National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.
The DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day began in September of 2010 to combat the growing opioid crisis and reduce prescription drug misuse. The initiative was launched to provide a safe, convenient, and anonymous way to dispose of unwanted, unused, or expired medications, preventing them from being stolen, abused, or harming individuals and the environment. It was created as a critical component of the White House’s strategy to address the nation’s rising prescription drug abuse crisis and accidental poisoning rates.
Read MoreDine with a Doc: nutrition power
•April 15, 2026•
by DM Williamee
Denise Bloemer, Sarah Bush Lincoln Leadership Academy
On Tuesday, April 7th, Mid Illinois Senior Services of Sullivan’s monthly ‘Dine with a Doc’ presented an information-rich session titled, “Discover the Power of Nutrition” to those in attendance for the well-attended educational luncheon. Led by Sarah Bush Lincoln’s Denise Bloemer, a graduate of the Sarah Bush Lincoln Leadership Academy and member of the SBL Workforce Engagement team, the presentation provided current dietary guidelines and suggestions for eating healthily and living better through the power of nutrition.
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