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Recent Obituaries: Gene Dolan

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Gene Dolan, 82, of Sullivan, passed away 5:42 p.m. Monday, April 20, 2026, at St. Elizabeth Hospital in O’Fallon, IL.

Funeral services will be held 3:00 p.m. Saturday, April 25, 2026, at the McMullin-Young Funeral Home, Sullivan. Visitation will be held from 1:00-3:00 p.m. Saturday, at the funeral home. Burial will be held in French Cemetery, Allenville, with Military Rites by the Sullivan American Legion Post #68. Memorials may be made to the Sullivan American Legion Post #68.

Gene was born September 18, 1943, in Decatur; the son of Paul James and Mary B. (Rochat) Dolan. He served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Gene married Arletta Walker on February 28, 1965, in Gays; she survives. He was a member of the Sullivan American Legion Post #68. 

From humble beginnings, Gene grew up on the family farm in rural Moultrie County, where he developed an early love for agriculture. Under the guidance of his father and uncles, he learned the values of hard work, discipline, and dedication that would shape the course of his life. In high school, he further cultivated his passion through his involvement in FFA, laying the groundwork for a lifelong career in farming.

Gene went on to become a respected and accomplished livestock farmer, known for his strong work ethic and commitment to providing for his family. His dedication to the land and to his animals was evident in all he did, and he took great pride in the life he built through years of perseverance and care. In his younger years, Gene enjoyed hunting and fishing, finding both adventure and peace in the outdoors. He was well known for his fun-loving spirit and, as many would fondly say, his “ornery” personality—qualities that endeared him to friends and family alike. Above all else, Gene’s greatest joy was his family, whom he loved deeply and wholeheartedly.

Gene is survived by his wife, Arletta Dolan of Sullivan; daughter, Paula (Tim) Coffer of Sullivan; grandchildren, Gareth Coffer and Anyssa Coffer both of Sullivan; brother, Lynn (Sarah) Dolan of Normal. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents.

Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mcmullinyoung.com

OVHS 2026 Prom Court

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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 

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•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. 

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Sullivan CUSD Meeting

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•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.

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35th Annual Arthur Quilt Show April 30 – May 2

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•April 22, 2026•

Quilt enthusiasts from across the region are invited to attend the Annual Arthur Amish Country Quilt Show, scheduled for Thursday through Saturday, April 30th through May 2nd, at the Otto Center, located one-half mile south of Arthur at 2056 County Road 1800 East. The show will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, and from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday. Admission is $5. Now in its 35th year, the Arthur Quilt Show continues to draw entries and visitors from across Illinois and beyond, showcasing some of the finest handcrafted quilts, including many Amish-crafted ones. 

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A homemade dessert to cap off a delicious meal

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•April 22, 2026•

Desserts are a welcome treat after a delicious main course. Homemade desserts can be particularly flavorful, and that freshness can make the final course something to really look forward to.

Those tasked with prepared a homemade dessert have plenty of options to consider, including this recipe for “Strawberry and Vanilla Cheesecakes With a Ginger Cookie Base” from Lines+Angles. 

Strawberry and Vanilla Cheesecakes With a 

Ginger Cookie Base

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IDPH issues updated sport fish advisories

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•April 22, 2026•

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has issued its annual update of advisories related to the consumption of sport fish caught in Illinois waterways. Fish are tested statewide by the Illinois Fish Contaminant Monitoring Program for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and methylmercury. Results are used to issue advisories, which detail how frequently fish from various waterways can be eaten without posing a health risk. “As the weather warms up, Illinois residents have the opportunity to enjoy the wonderful outdoor recreation available across the state, like hiking, swimming, and fishing,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “When fishing, it is important to follow the guidelines and be aware of the latest advisories to make sure fish are caught and consumed in the safest way possible.”

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‘Illinois Voices 250’ with Illinois Humanities and StoryCorps Studios

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•April 22, 2026•

The Illinois America 250 Commission invites people from across Illinois to participate in Illinois Voices 250, a statewide effort to record conversations with residents as part of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Recorded conversations will be preserved at the U.S. Library of Congress. The initiative is led by the Illinois America 250 Commission in partnership with Illinois Humanities and StoryCorps Studios. Illinois Voices 250 is the most expansive effort yet to ensure Illinois’ commemoration of the nation’s birthday is inclusive, accessible, and statewide. People can participate in public community recording events happening around the state or use the do-it-yourself option online at il250.org/il-voices. There is no fee to participate. “The story of America isn’t complete without the story of Illinois. Our people’s diverse perspectives, reflections, and personal narratives deserve to be shared and preserved for generations to come,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “I encourage Illinoisans of all backgrounds to tell their unique stories as the nation marks 250 years of history and resilience.”

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