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Christmas in the Park

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•November 26, 2025•

The Lovington Working Women’s Collective will host their annual Christmas in the Park event on Saturday, November 29th, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Tom Conn Park in Lovington. The community is invited to join in as they kick off the holiday season with an afternoon filled with festive cheer, community spirit, and magical moments for all ages. This event is free and open to the public. Bring your family, friends, and holiday spirit to celebrate the season with the Lovington community.

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Sullivan American Legion Auxiliary present Veterans Day art, essay awards

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•November 26, 2025•

Front row L-R: Millie Hendry, Erin Woolridge, Sadie Meadows, River Polley, Claire Kursell, and Becky Lawson. Back row: Tina Bolsen, Sullivan American Legion Auxiliary President; Ruth Keown, and Mike Keown.

The Sullivan American Legion Auxiliary Unit #68 presented awards for its 2025 Veterans Day Art and Writing Contest at their Veterans Day Dinner on November 7th. Club Vice President Ruth Keown, Sgt. at Arms and contest coordinator Becky Lawson, and Sullivan American Legion Post 68 Board Member Mike Keown gave out trophies to junior Claire Kursell (1st place 11th/12th grade art and Best in Show); sophomore River Polley (1st place 9th/10th writing); and to three 5th graders who submitted art pieces: Sadie Meadows, first place; Erin Woolridge, second place; and Millie Hendry, third place.

Claire Kursell with her Best in Show and 1st place 11th/12th grade art piece.

Claire Kursell also received a monetary award for her Best in Show piece, and Polley was recognized for his piece, which honored Moultrie County veterans. Auxiliary President Tina Bolsen and Secretary/Treasurer Melanie Byers also assisted with the contest and the dinner.

Windsor Wonderland

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•November 26, 2025•

The W.H.A.T. civic group invites everyone to celebrate the season at Windsor Wonderland, happening Saturday, December 6th, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. This much-anticipated holiday tradition is packed with festive activities and free fun for all ages.

The evening begins with the Golf Cart and ATV Lighted Parade, a vibrant spectacle of illuminated vehicles spreading holiday cheer. Parade participants will line up at the Windsor High School parking lot at 4:30 p.m., with the parade kicking off at 4:45 p.m. The procession will culminate at the Community Christmas Tree, where the tree lighting ceremony will officially launch the evening’s festivities at 5:00 p.m.

Santa Claus will make his grand arrival as part of the parade and will be available for visits at the Windsor Library until 6:30 p.m. Families can take photos and share their holiday wishes with Santa. Adding to the magic of the evening, Windsor CUSD will serve a free chili and hot dog dinner, ensuring everyone stays warm and well-fed. Guests can also enjoy a variety of activities, including: live reindeer for an up-close holiday experience, cookie decorating for all ages, a mini cake walk with tasty treats to win, and a cozy hot cocoa bar to warm your hands and hearts.

These activities, planned by community groups, churches, and local businesses, are completely free of charge. For more information about the parade, please contact Josh Hartman at (217) 259-1340. Don’t miss this evening of festive fun and community spirit. Bring your family, friends, and holiday cheer to Windsor Wonderland and make lasting memories.

‘Greenery and Glitter’ holiday workshop

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•November 26, 2025•

On Saturday, December 13th, Mo-Do 4-H will be holding a “Greenery and Glitter” event at the Arthur United Methodist Church, 128 E Illinois Street in Arthur, at 10:30 a.m., running until noon. All are invited to attend, whether 4-H or not. This event is for children aged Pre-K to 18.

Activities include making a holiday greenery centerpiece (floriculture project related). Also available are the following make-and-take stations: clay snowman, pine cone decorating, nature craft, numerous ornament painting options, chemistry fun with bath bomb making, and a choose-your-own 4-H-themed ornament to take home.

There will also be a snack station with Christmas cookies and Grinch hot chocolate. Feel free to wear comfy holiday gear. This event is made possible thanks to Dr. Christina Edmonds Berhend, Darla Chouinard, the Moultrie-Douglas Emerging Leaders 4-H Club, and financial support from the Moultrie-Douglas Foundation. 

Pre-registration is required by December 1st at: https://registration.extension.illinois.edu/start/moultrie-douglas-4-h-holiday-party

“Christmas Traditions” event

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•November 26, 2025•

On December 5th, Sullivan’s “Christmas Traditions” event downtown begins at 4:00 p.m. Santa will be in his house near the pavilion on the square, and the Sullivan Hometown Holiday Lighted Parade will begin at 6:00 p.m. The parade route has been shortened this year and will begin at the SCED office parking lot, 112 N. Main St., across from McDonald’s. Those wishing to sign up go to: https://forms.gle/DqsykuA74QzZ8LFFA.

Recent Obituaries: Billie Jean (Hutchinson) Lawyer

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Billie Jean (Hutchinson) Lawyer, 63, passed away unexpectedly, leaving her family and all who loved her deeply heartbroken but forever grateful for the love she so freely gave. Born on March 2, 1962, Billie lived a life defined by kindness, generosity, and an unwavering devotion to caring for others.

On July 26, 1985, she married the love of her life, Bill Lawyer, and together they shared nearly 41 years of partnership, devotion, and family. Billie cherished her role as a wife, mother, and “Grandma Billie” more than anything. Her family was her world.

She is survived by her husband, Bill; her daughter, Whitney (Dustin) Cole, and grandchildren Isla, Brooks, and Knox; and her son, Blayne (Danielle) and grandchildren Harper and Hudson. She also leaves behind her beloved dogs, Bear and Jaxx, who she spoiled endlessly—especially with treats—and who brought her daily joy. They were her boys.  

Billie had a heart of gold that overflowed with love. She found joy in making others happy—whether creating treat bags for trick-or-treaters, putting together thoughtful gifts for the EIU women’s golf team, or showering her children and grandchildren with surprises big and small. She loved giving, celebrating, and finding little ways to brighten someone’s day.

She treasured her yearly beach trips to Florida with her sister, Abbie, a tradition filled with sunshine, laughter, and the simple happiness of being together.

A visitation will be held for friends and loved ones from 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 26, 2025 in the Reed Funeral Home, Sullivan. Online condolences may be sent to the family at reedfuneralhome.net.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Toys for Tots in Billie’s memory. The holiday season was something she looked forward to every year. She loved Christmas and sharing joy with children during the holiday season was something she loved deeply. We would love to continue that tradition in a meaningful way to honor her generous spirit through donating toys for children in need. Through this, we hope to carry forward the love and kindness our sweet, Grandma Billie, shared so freely.

Billie’s life was a beautiful reflection of gratitude, generosity, and heart. Her love will continue to guide and bless her family forever. We will miss her more than words can say.

Holiday cheer and courthouse drama await youth at December 4-H events

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•November 19, 2025•

This December, the Moultrie-Douglas 4-H program is inviting all area youth—whether they’re 4-H members or not—to take part in two exciting, hands-on events designed to spark creativity, curiosity, and community spirit.

The ‘Greenery and Glitter Holiday Workshop’ will be held on Saturday, December 13th, from 10:30 a.m. until noon at the Arthur United Methodist Church, 128 E Illinois Street in Arthur. This is geared for those 5 through 18, with 4-H and non-4-H youth welcome. The ‘Greenery and Glitter Holiday Workshop’ is a free event where youth can craft festive decorations, sip hot cocoa, and enjoy cookies in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. Attendees are encouraged to wear their favorite holiday gear and enter to win fun Christmas door prizes. Pre-registration is required by December 1st at go.illinois.edu/GreeneryandGlitterWorkshopFor questions or accommodations, contact 4-H Coordinator Rachel Stenger at rstenger@illinois.edu or call (217)543-3755. This event is made possible thanks to the support of Dr. Christina Edmonds Berhend, Darla Chouinard, the Moultrie-Douglas Emerging Leaders 4-H Club, and the Moultrie-Douglas Foundation.

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Sullivan’s Ray signs with Frontier

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•November 19, 2025•

On Thursday, November 13th, Sullivan High School Senior softball player Harmony Ray signed to play at Frontier Community College in Fairfield, while majoring in early childhood education, in the new SHS gymnasium. 

Parents Matt and Jenn Ray looked on proudly, as did her teammates and friends, while Sullivan High School coach Valerie Denier spoke about Harmony’s commitment to the game and her team. Harmony’s Cobras coach was Jim Cross. 

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Sullivan’s Chief Deputy County Clerk, Pam Wittkowski retires

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•November 19, 2025•

by DM Williamee

On Friday, November 14th, a retirement was held at the Moultrie County Courthouse for Chief Deputy County Clerk Pam Wittkowski, after her over twenty-five years of service. Many of her friends and colleagues came to the party to wish her well, thank her for her service, and many an eye teared up as hugs, handshakes, laughter, and stories went around. As Pam said, “Many of the people I have worked with have become like family, and we support each other both at work as well as at home.”

Pam moved to Sullivan in 2000, and when she began looking for work outside of the home, after spending time first working on her home and volunteering with her church, the position was a perfect fit for her strong bookkeeping skills. “Georgia needed a lot of help,” she said. Pam shared that the position kept her very busy, from hearings, ongoing law changes, helping employees, servicing the board and election judges, as well as the community.

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LLC named National Trap Shooting Champion Runner-Up Team

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•November 19, 2025•

Pictured back row (from left to right): Kyle Coats, Carrolton; Collin Hewing, Mode; Jaxson Wilson, Newton; Austin Carlen, Toledo; and Madelyn Coats, Carrolton. Pictured front row (from left to right): Ellie Hagen, Clay City; Hali Kreke, Effingham; Taylar Mercer, Sullivan; Brandon Himes, Trilla; Garrett Hoene, Stewardson; and Clay Target Shooting Head Coach Josh Fulk, Saint Elmo.

The Lake Land College Clay Target Shooting team was named the National Trap Shooting Champion Runner-Up Team at the USA College Clay Target Nationals. The team placed second, trailing only Lindenwood University in the national event in which 244 athletes participated, representing 25 colleges and universities across the country.

“I am very proud of the way we closed out another fantastic season for our Clay Target team,” Clay Target Shooting Head Coach Josh Fulk said. “The team is still very young, with this being just our third year offering the sport at Lake Land. Already, we’ve proven we belong alongside some of the most accomplished programs in the country. I’m proud of the way our athletes performed and am looking forward to how this program continues to grow each year.”

Individually, Lake Land College Clay Target team member Collin Hewing placed second in the High Gun Gold Male category, finishing with a score of 198/200.