•September 16, 2026•
by E. Scott England
Fridays are usually just about football. But not last Friday. It was about remembering and honoring America 25 years after the attacks on the World Trade Center. Thanks to Jon England, the “We Will Never Forget” truck and trailer was parked on the northeast end of the track. Flags were at half mast. And the Sullivan Redskins entered the field bearing the American flag proudly at the front of the pack.
Read More
•September 16, 2026•
Liberty Village of Shelbyville is proud to celebrate an exciting milestone: 20 years of Bounce Back Rehabilitation, a program built on a vision of helping individuals regain their strength, confidence and independence so they can return to the people, places and activities they love. They will be celebrating this milestone on September 29th from 11:00am–2:00pm at Liberty Village of Shelbyville’s AJ’s Fitness Gym and you are invited. There will be a catered meal, a DJ and activities.
Twenty years ago, developer Don Fike had a vision to create a rehabilitation program that went beyond traditional therapy. His goal was to build a program known for excellence, innovation and, most importantly, helping people successfully return home.
Read MoreChoosing the County Seat, Part 2
•September 16, 2026•
by Janey Roney
Corruption among government officials is nothing new, but you won’t find what I am about to tell you in either the 1881 History of Shelby and Moultrie Counties, Illinois or the 1893 Portrait and Biographical Record, the two major early histories of our counties. My tale involves the fifth governor of Illinois, Joseph Duncan, his brother-in-law William Linn (or Lynn), and the voters’ selection of Asa’s Point (the future Sullivan) as our county seat over the well-established village of East Nelson in 1845.
Read MoreLavonne Graven
Lavonne Graven, 94, of Sullivan passed away at 11:16 p.m. on September 7, 2026, at Willow Breeze Hospice House, in Mattoon, Illinois.
Funeral services were held Monday, September 14, 2026, at McMullin-Young Funeral Home in Sullivan. Burial was held in Greenhill Cemetery, Sullivan. In lieu of flowers; memorials may be made to the donor’s choice or to the Willow Breeze Hospice: 10660 E Co Rd 800 N Mattoon, IL 61938
Read MoreCarl Dale Dudley
Carl Dale Dudley, 92, of Sullivan, Illinois, passed away on September 9, 2026, at Sullivan Health and Senior Living.
Read MoreArthur Leroy “Sonny” Colclasure
Arthur Leroy “Sonny” Colclasure of Sullivan, passed away 7:23 a.m. Friday, September 11, 2026, at his home in Allenville.
Read More
•September 16, 2026•
Submitted by Tonya Frevert
MCHGS Publicity Chair
The Moultrie County Historical and Genealogical Society is hosting a special quilt exhibit on Saturday, September 26th from 10:00am-2:00pm at the Moultrie County History Center, 1303 South Hamilton, Sullivan.
The quilt exhibit showcases the history of quilts and the art of quilt-making through several speakers and displays. The event will feature keynote speaker Julie Mooberry at 11:00am, who will speak on “A Journey Through Quilt History and Patterns.” Throughout the day, other area quilters will also be featured speakers: Karen Edwards on “Art Quilts”; Sharon Jack on “The Evolution of Quilting Mechanics and Tools”; Brenda Pierce on “Applique Quilts”’ and Barb Stinson on “You’ve Seen the Quilts, You’ve Heard the Talks, Now Get Started!”
Read More
•September 16, 2026•
by Jamie Crosier
The Lovington Working Collective is planning a Sept. 17 event aimed at helping residents learn more about their community and ways to become involved.
According to information provided by the Lovington Working Collective, “Love Where You Live: Get Involved in Lovington” is planned for 5 to 7 p.m. in the park during the final farmers market of the season. The event is being organized as LWC’s third-quarter meeting.
The Lovington Working Collective, or LWC, is a community-driven network focused on connecting residents, organizations and local leaders with funding opportunities, resources and ideas. Its work includes grants, youth programs, community events and economic development, with an emphasis on keeping investment local and supporting Lovington schools, nonprofits, businesses and families.
Read More1966
King and queen candidates for the Bethany Homecoming were announced. Emily Roby and Steve Brown were elected from the senior class and Kathy Goetz and Mike Welch, juniors; Sheila Mathias and Roger Crowder, sophomores; and Renee Freeland and John Weakley, freshman.
Three Lovington High School senior girls were selected to compete for the homecoming queen. Candidates were Diane Elliott, Peggy Phelps and Linda Rudolph. They were to be escorted by John Bailey, Mervin Gillenwater and Richard McCoy.
Read More
•September 16, 2026•
Letters to the Editor,’ written by Cami Badman‘s Honors English III students at Sullivan High School, explored controversial subjects with inquisitive minds and logic as well as emotion-based arguments. Badman opened the school year by challenging these 28 students to present well-rounded arguments for student-selected controversial subjects in the format of a ‘Letter to the Editor’.
Read More