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Blue Dolphins: “Swimmers Supporting Soldiers”

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•July 16, 2025•

Photo Submitted Pictured SBD Swim Team, Coaches: Jason Drury, Jodi Downs, Nichole Hendry, and Brett Guyot; Jeffrey Stuart -Financial officer; Mike Daily -Senior Vice Commander; Tina Bolsen- Auxiliary president; and Veteran- Jaime Perrott, U.S Army National Guard.

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The Sullivan Blue Dolphins (SBD) recently held their annual “Swimmers Supporting Soldiers” donation drive. For those unfamiliar with the initiative, “Swimmers Supporting Soldiers” began over a decade ago during the Gulf War. It started as an effort to support deployed soldiers with much-needed items. As the needs evolved, so did SBD’s mission. The SBD work closely with the Sullivan American Legion and the Danville VA Hospital to collect essential items for Veterans in need. As Coach Jason always states, “They are Veterans all year long, not just one day in November.”

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Toy bar’s “Allwheels Run for ALS”

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•July 16, 2025•

On July 26th at noon, Toy Bar “Allwheels for ALS” participants will depart the Toy Bar and drive the route, arriving back at the Toy Bar. Sign-up is from 10:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. on July 26th at the bar, located at 13 W Jefferson Street in Sullivan. Cost is $15.00 per person. Proceeds will go to Trevor Storm, who is raising awareness for ALS. The theme for this fundraiser is Greg Dirk’s favorite team, the Cardinals, so participants should arrive dressed in their favorite baseball team’s attire. There will also be a 50/50 drawing.

SMS free baseball clinic

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•July 16, 2025•

SMS Baseball will be hosting a free clinic for all MS players looking to try out for the 2025 MS season from July 28th through the 31st, from 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. at the SHS/SMS field (Wyman Park). Players are asked to bring their own equipment (helmet, glove, and bat).

90’s ‘Back to School Bash’

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•July 16, 2025•

Bethany Free Methodist Church will be hosting a 90s-themed “Back to School Bash” at Crowder Park in Bethany from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on August 1st. This will be a family-friendly event. Wear your best ’90s clothes. A DJ will be spinning all your favorite songs, and BFMC will be serving hot dogs, chips, and drinks at $1.00 each. Everyone is invited to come and have some family fun. For more information, visit BFMC’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572803151531, call (217) 775-9041, or email at BFMC312@Gmail.com.

Sullivan football “Trivia Night” fundraiser

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•July 16, 2025•

On Friday, July 25th, at the Sullivan American Legion, there will be a Sullivan football fundraiser/trivia night. Doors open at 5:00 p.m., food trucks serve from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., and the trivia starts at 7:00 p.m. and is hosted by Amy’s Awesome Traveling Trivia. There will be 50/50, raffles, auctions, and drawings.

Awards and prizes for trivia winners, best-themed table, and most team spirit. Trivia reservations are $25.00 per person or $120.00/table of six. Sponsor tables are available for $330.00 and include a reservation for six for trivia, six meal coupons for “Bubbas Burgers”, and $120.00 worth of raffle tickets. 

Trivia reservations can be made by contacting Stephanie Helmuth at (217) 714-9028 or April Christensen-Stephens at (217) 827-1726.

Elizabeth Titus Memorial Library slime and foam reward party a hit

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Photos by DM Williamee


•July 16, 2025•

by DM Williamee

Last Friday, July 11th at the Elizabeth Titus Memorial Library in Sullivan, participants in the library’s summer reading program arrived to enjoy their reward for completing five weeks of their reading logs: a foam and slime party. Laughing, joyful children could be found lounging in the foam bed, chasing bubbles or slinging slime into the air or at each other. The colorful slime adorned clothing, skin and hair, with one young lady exclaiming, “I’m a frog!” Parents stood nearby grinning and supervising the festivities as slime flew and bubbles abounded - with towels and clean-up supplies on hand. It was a hot day, so the final clean up at the end with the garden hose was a welcome cooling off for all.

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Recent Obituaries: Benjamin Franklin Harris

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Benjamin Franklin Harris, 90, of Bethany went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ at 6:43 p.m. on Tuesday, July 8, 2025 at Shelbyville Manor, Shelbyville, after living with Alzheimer’s Dementia for several years with courage and resilience.

A celebration of life service will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 12, 2025 at McMullin-Young Funeral Home, Sullivan, with Rev. Douglas Harris officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Following the service, burial will be in Marrowbone Township Cemetery, Bethany. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Benjamin was born August 25, 1934, in Detroit, MI, the son of Elbert and Annella (Baldwin) Harris. He was a graduate of Benton High School, Benton, and Central Bible College, Springfield, MO. Benjamin served in the United States National Guard.

Ben was an Assemblies of God pastor and was recently recognized for 50 years of ordained ministry. He pastored churches across Illinois including Ottawa, Bunker Hill, Vandalia, Olive Branch, Bethany and Paris. He also filled many pulpits in various churches in his later years.

On May 25, 1963, he married Sandra Hollister in Decatur, she survives. Also surviving are their children, Terry (Jodi) Harris of Altamont, Lisa (John) Fett of Tennessee, and Ron (Lori) Harris of Pennsylvania; also, seven grandchildren, Steffen Harris, Kirstie Burry, Kaela Cuzzone, John-Michael Fett, Chris Harris, Mike Harris, and Zachary Harris, and ten great-grandchildren.

Ben has three living siblings, sisters, Evelyn (Charles) Bayless and Roselyn Wingo; brother, Michael (Sharon) Harris. He was preceded in death by his parents and four siblings, William, Robert, Joanne and Wendell.

Ben enjoyed gardening, fishing, camping, bowling, and fast-pitch softball. He and Sandra traveled to 46 of the 50 states. Ben also went on Mission trips to Honduras and Denmark.

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

All about horses – A family event of heritage, healing & horsepower at the IAHC

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•July 9, 2025•

The Illinois Amish Heritage Center invites the public to a one-of-a-kind experience that blends education, equine demonstrations, and Amish heritage. “All About Horses” will take place on Saturday, July 19, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and is designed to showcase the incredible role horses have played, and continue to play in our communities, culture, and health.

“The mission of the Illinois Amish Heritage Center is to provide education through immersive experiences,” said David King, Executive Director of the IAHC. “This event delivers just that - an opportunity for all ages to learn about the deep connection between horses and humans, and the many ways they continue to shape our world today.”

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