•November 4, 2026•

by Jamie Crosier

An old concrete hog trough along Patterson Road has served several purposes over more than a century.

It was once part of a working farm where Perry Patterson raised hogs and cattle. Decades later, it became a gathering place where Dan Terzo would sit with a friend during visits to Sullivan, sharing wine and cheese as the sun went down. Those gatherings eventually led to a friendship with nearby property owners Mike and Donna Fowler.

Now, the hog trough remains on land owned by the Fowlers after Terzo and his sister, Leslie Coretti, sold them the final piece of property that had been in their family for 196 years.

The family’s connection to the Sullivan area traces back to James Patterson, a Revolutionary War veteran who settled in the area with his family. Dan Terzo, who serves as his family’s historian, said his grandmother, Nellie Patterson, was a great-great-granddaughter of James Patterson.

•October 28, 2026•

by Jamie Crosier

For some Sullivan families, Donald G. and Betty Ruth Book started as daycare providers. Years after the children had outgrown daycare, the Books were still showing up for birthday parties, school activities and sporting events, checking in on families and finding ways to help.

Nichole and Craig Hendry and Angie and James Bailey describe relationships with the Books that continued well beyond the years their children spent in the couple’s care.

The Baileys met Don and Betty through church about 23 years ago while looking for a daycare provider. Angie Bailey said the families quickly became friends, and her children, Ryan and Joshua, loved going to the Books’ home.

“They have always been a big part of my kids’ birthday parties and always at school activities,” Bailey said. “I will always consider them a part of our family.”

The Hendrys had a similar experience.

•October 7, 2026•

by Jamie Crosier

At the SBL-sponsored Peace Meal (a senior nutrition program which serves balanced meals daily) held at the Mid-Illinois Senior Center in Sullivan, Ralph and Evelyn Kidwell have found that lunch is about more than what is on the plate.

For about 15 years, the Sullivan couple has regularly attended the meal program, where they enjoy a nutritious lunch without having to prepare it themselves. Just as important are the people around the table.

Staff at Mid-Illinois Senior Services have described the Kidwells as a regular source of laughter at Peace Meal — kind, honest and witty, and remaining curious about the people and world around them.

Their companionship around the lunch table is part of a relationship that began more than seven decades ago.

•September 23, 2026•

by Jamie Crosier

At Okaw Valley Orchard, Jim and Linda Bailey’s displays of affection have occasionally drawn some good-natured reminders from their family.

Their daughter Jennifer said her parents remain comfortable hugging and kissing in front of their children, grandchildren and even orchard employees. The younger generations have a standard response: Take the public displays of affection elsewhere.

The teasing comes after 55 years of marriage for the rural Sullivan couple, who celebrated their anniversary Aug. 28.

Their story began with a blind date arranged by Jim’s sister.

Linda Leftridge was 19 and had graduated from DeSoto High School in May 1970. Jim Bailey was 21 and had graduated from Mt. Zion High School in May 1967 when his sister brought the two together.

Linda recalled an almost immediate connection.

•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.