•August 19, 2026•

by Jamie Crosier

Young performers from Sullivan and surrounding communities will have an opportunity later this month to audition for two productions at The Little Theatre On The Square in Sullivan, with each offering a different kind of theatrical experience.

Auditions for Matilda Jr. and A Christmas Story: The Musical will be held Sunday, Aug. 30, and Monday, Aug. 31, at The Little Theatre On The Square’s Dance Studio, 9 E. Jefferson St. Auditions are open to students in fourth through 12th grades. Participants must schedule an individual audition and attend a dance call at 5 p.m. on one of the audition days.

While young performers are being sought for both shows, the productions are different. Matilda Jr. is a student production, while A Christmas Story is a Little Theatre mainstage production that will include approximately 12 roles for children.

John Stephens, executive producer of The Little Theatre On The Square, is entering his 21st season with the Sullivan theater. He said choosing productions begins in part with considering the performers already involved in the theater’s programs and the skills they have developed.

That was particularly important with A Christmas Story, which requires children who can sing and act while handling significant dance requirements. Most of the children’s roles require tap dancing.

“We had to wait until we had kids at the level we needed them to be able to dance at in order to do that show,” Stephens said.

•August 19, 2026•

by Jamie Crosier

Sullivan Community Unit School District 300 is entering the new school year nearly fully staffed while completing a series of facility, technology and maintenance projects across the district.

During the Sullivan school board’s Aug. 10 meeting, Superintendent Dr. Ted Walk reported that the district was fortunate to fill teaching vacancies quickly and with strong candidates. Approximately seven or eight teachers participated in new teacher orientation.

Walk noted that the openings were largely created by employees retiring, accepting promotions or leaving for other personal or professional opportunities, rather than teachers departing for neighboring districts.

•August 19, 2026•

by E. Scott England

Following an absence from previous meetings, Todd Hale has officially resigned his post as trustee for the Village of Lovington. In a resignation letter read by President Brittany Bates, Hale remarked that his time as a trustee has “been an honor” and he vowed that the board “keep fighting the good fight.” His resignation was unanimously accepted by the board. 

The remaining trustees then briefly convened into closed session before resuming the open meeting to take action on the appointment of new trustee, Dena Norris. Norris, a lifelong Moultrie County resident, has resided in Lovington for over 10 years. Norris says she is looking forward to “helping out the community” and “giving back more” to the village.