Sullivan 4th of July, 2026
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Recent Obituaries: Dawn Becker
Dawn L. Becker, 69, of Sullivan, Illinois, passed from this life to life eternal at 9:50 p.m. on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at Willow Breeze Hospice House in Mattoon, Illinois.
Dawn was born November 3, 1956 in Effingham, the daughter of Van and Eva Dunagan Anderson. She married the love of her life, Bill Becker, on May 20, 1978, in Arcola. Together they built a loving home centered on family, laughter, and unwavering support for one another. Dawn served as a secretary for Sullivan Middle School for 20 years, volunteered on the Board of Elizabeth Titus Memorial Library and was a member of St. Columcille Catholic Church in Sullivan.
She is survived by her devoted husband of 48 years, Bill Becker of Sullivan; her three sons, Allen (Jackie) Becker of Edwardsville, Nathan (Cassie) Becker of Sullivan, and Ryan (Hannah) Becker of Champaign; and her seven beloved grandchildren, Evan, Drew, Dean, Nora, Mya, Eva, and Sophie, who brought immeasurable joy to her life. She is also survived by her parents, Van and Eva Anderson of Arcola, uncle, Dana Anderson of Stewardson, and her cousins, Randy Rothrock, Vicky Coffin, and Angie Temples.
Dawn found happiness in life's simple pleasures. She loved spending time with her grandchildren, playing games, reading books, listening to music, and sharing her home with her beloved beagles. She possessed a wonderful sense of humor and was always ready with a joke, bringing smiles to those around her.
More than anything, Dawn will be remembered for her deep love of family, her resilient spirit, her generous heart, and her ability to find joy and laughter even during life's greatest challenges. Her courage in the face of adversity and the love she shared so freely will remain with those who were blessed to know her.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am Tuesday July 7, 2026 at St. Columcille Catholic Church, Sullivan. Prayer service will be 4:30 pm Monday with visitation to follow from 5-7 pm at Reed Funeral Home, Sullivan. Rite of Committal and Burial will be in Greenhill Cemetery, Sullivan. Memorials are suggested to Sarah Bush Lincoln Home Care, Elizabeth Titus Memorial Library or to the Champaign County Humane Society.
SBD strong at CCC in Springfield
The Sullivan Blue Dolphins had a strong showing at the 2026 Capitol City Classic in Springfield, finishing 5th overall out of 14 teams. The team’s top point scorers were Emily Crosier – 204.5 points in the Girls Open Division; Mack Pogue – 208 points in the Boys 12 and Under Division; and Stella Perrott – 103 points in the Girls 10 and Under Division.
These outstanding performances, along with contributions from the entire team, helped lead the Dolphins to an impressive 5th-place finish. Next up, the Sullivan Blue Dolphins are headed to Quincy, Illinois, to compete at the SST Firecracker Classic.
MoDo 4-H sewing club a big draw
•July 1, 2026•
The newly formed Moultrie-Douglas 4-H Sewing Club has stitched together a successful first season, with 14 youth members participating in hands-on learning and creative project work. The club met for six sewing sessions at the Arthur United Methodist Church, where members developed new skills while creating items they will proudly exhibit at upcoming county fairs.
Read MoreMid-Ilinois Senior Services July schedule
•July 1, 2026•
1: 1:00 Hand & Foot, 1:00 Bridge
2: 10:00 Exercise Class, 12:00 Birthday Party, 12:30 BiNGO sponsored by: Country Financial Houser Agency
3: Closed in observance of the 4th of July holiday
6: Pedicures by Robin. Must call to register. 1:00-3:00 New Sewing/Quilting. Group volunteers welcome.
7: 11:00-1:00 Dine with a Doc, Cheri Burcham speaker. Free lunch provided by Eastview Terrace of Sullivan.
8: 1:00 Hand & Foot, 1:00 Bridge
9: 10:00 Exercise Class
Read MoreDeer population surges around lake
•July 1, 2026•
by Sharon Barricklow
Is your shrubbery looking jagged? Is your garden not producing? Are their hoof prints in the mud and something on the ground bigger than any dog business? If so, you may have been visited by Moultrie County’s resident deer.
Believe it or not, in 1900 the white tail deer population in Illinois was virtually extinct. Obviously, in the last 126 years that has changed, with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources estimating the state’s deer population at 660,000 in 2025. Moultrie County doesn’t have the largest deer population, that honor goes to Joe Davies County, but in 344 square mile Moultrie County, more than 700 are harvested annually during hunting season.
Read MoreRemembering Who We Are……….
The Declaration of Sarah’s Cousin
•July 1, 2026•
by Janey Roney
One of our home movies from the 1970s captured our daughter squirting water from a hose into a growing puddle in the lane. When her big brother splashed through her puddle, she burst into tears and screamed, “He’s stepping in my stream!!!”
We all step in someone’s stream now and then, but for most of the last 250 years, we Americans have managed to live in peace with one another. Among notable exceptions, of course, are the Civil War, the black civil rights struggle, and that awful year, 1968, but unlike other parts of the world, we usually live in harmony. Why?
A lot of credit goes to a document written by the cousin (twice removed) of Sarah Waugh Farrar Vaughan Rankin. You’ve never heard of her? She and her husband Robert Rankin moved into Ash Grove Township in Shelby County in 1828, and you might be related. She left many descendants who still live in the Findlay and Bethany area. Her great grandmother was Judith Jefferson Farrar, the aunt of Thomas Jefferson. If you are one of her descendants, you share some of Thomas Jefferson’s DNA. So, on this special 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, let’s look again at what Jefferson (who is maybe your or your neighbor’s distant cousin) wrote.
Read MoreJuly Peace Meal
•July 1, 2026•
For Peace Meal reservations at Sullivan Senior Center call 217-728-8521
1: Chickens strips, scalloped potatoes, green beans, mandarin oranges, bread/roll
2: Spaghetti & meat sauce, seasoned greens, corn, broccoli salad
3: Closed in observance of the 4th of July
Read MoreWork begins on new city well
•July 1, 2026•
by Sharon Barricklow
A new addition to Sullivan’s well field is under construction last week after the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency issued a drilling permit.
Sullivan has been under water restrictions since earlier this year due to low water levels in the aquifer that supplies the city with water. City council members said the new well will not entirely alleviate the water shortage but is a step forward.
Read MoreBurcham to be guest speaker at Dine with a Doc®
•July 1, 2026•
In the rush of our daily routines, it is a rare gift to simply pause, take a deep breath, and let the quiet beauty of the world wash over us. Imagine sitting outdoors on a warm summer morning, the gentle scent of seasonal blooms drifting through the air, while the soft, melodic song of a backyard bird reminds us to be completely present in the moment.
It is in this spirit of peace, renewal, and gentle connection that Senior Education Ministries, Inc. invites local seniors, veterans, caregivers, and community members to a tranquil afternoon of fellowship. This special Dine with a Doc® gathering will take place on Tuesday, July 7, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Moultrie County Senior Center, located at 113 E. Jefferson St. in Sullivan.
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