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CEFS Summer programs scholarships

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•May 28, 2025•

If you are having trouble finding room in your budget to send your child to camp this summer, CEFS has Youth Summer Scholarships available for families who qualify based on income guidelines. These scholarships cover the costs of camps such as dance, acting, art, sports, cheer, and swimming.

Income-eligible families can apply by visiting their local CEFS office and picking up and completing an application. Required information: proof of 30-day gross income for all household members, state ID for the parent/guardian submitting the application, Social Security cards for all household members, and camp registration form and information that reflects the cost of the camp. Participants will also have to provide verification of completion of the camp once it has concluded. Income guidelines based on family size and gross monthly income are as follows: 

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A Look Back…5-28-2025

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2015

Demolition of Findlay’s old elementary school, which saw a brief stint as Okaw Valley Intermediate School following the consolidation of Bethany and Findlay school systems, began after members of the board of education voted to dismantle the building during their April meeting. The old schoolhouse became disused back in 2010 when the decision was made to send elementary-aged children living in Findlay to Bethany’s more modern and robust elementary school.

Members of the SOV girls’ track and field team went home with a third-place team trophy at the IHSA state track in Charleston. Members included head coach Kali Taylor, Ashlynd Risley, Amanda McClain, Emily Neuhauser, Carlin Nuzzo, Bailey Turnbaugh, and Abby Cravatta.

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7th annual “Redskin Achievement Award”

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Plank and Betts named as recipients

•May 28, 2025•

Submitted by Lou Ann Soper

The SHS Class of 1968 presented the 7th Annual Redskin Achievement Award during the Decision Day program held May 7th.  Wilma Plank, daughter of Clara Plank, was the female recipient, and Keagan Betts, son of Ashley Betts and Damien Lash, was the male recipient. Each recipient received a $300 check, an individual plaque, and their name was engraved on a plaque, which is on display in the SHS trophy case.

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American Legion Post 68, the community, pays respects to service members

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Photo by DM Williamee

•May 28, 2025•

Photo by DM Williamee
Photo by R.R. Best

A Memorial Day observance ceremony was held in Sullivan early this past Monday morning at Greenhill Cemetery and at the American Legion Post. In 1971, Congress declared Memorial Day a national holiday, dedicated to honoring U.S. Military Personnel who have died in service to their country. Over 1.8 million Americans have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their nation to date. At both services, prayers were said, three volleys were fired in memory of the deceased, the mournful “Taps” was played, and Mayor Mike Mossman spoke to those in attendance. Afterwards, the community gathered at the American Legion Post Hall for a hearty breakfast and additional ceremonies. Local youth’s “Poppy Posters” were on display at the Hall, with many winners, numerous honorable mentions, and beautiful work by all for the Legion-sponsored contest.

Church begins “True North” program

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•May 28, 2025•

Jonathan Creek Christian Church is beginning their “True North: Trusting Jesus in a Wild World” June 2nd through June 6th, and is open to children from three years of age to 5th grade, running from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. daily at 1425 Jonathan Creek Rd, Sullivan. 

At True North, children will discover what it means to trust Jesus in a wild world. Children will participate in memorable Bible-learning activities, sing catchy songs, play teamwork-building games, prepare and eat treats, collect Bible Memory Buddies to remind them of Jesus’ love, test out fun science experiments, and experience one-of-a-kind Bible adventures.

Children will also learn to look for evidence of God all around them through the “God Sightings” aspect of the program. Each day concludes with a Compass Closing that gets everyone involved in living what they are learning. Family members and friends are encouraged to join in daily for this special time at 7:50 for Compass Closing. Children at True North will join a mission effort to provide families in North America with new, warm clothing and blankets. For more information, call (217) 728-4369. 

St. Jude “Dash & Bash” car show

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•May 28, 2025•

On Saturday, June 14th, the Sullivan Street Machine Association will be celebrating their “St. Jude Dash and Bash” car show at Wyman Park, beginning at 11:00 a.m., with all cars welcome. There will be a $15.00 entry fee. Registration is at 10:00 a.m., the car show is from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and at 2:00 p.m., awards will be given.

For more information, call (217) 728-7848, (217) 273-8487, or visit Facebook at facebook.com/SullivanSMA.

Gary Davis benefit/silent auction

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•May 28, 2025•

On July 19th from 6:00 to 11:30 a.m. at the Lovington Firehouse, the Gary Davis pancake breakfast and silent auction will be held. This event is open to all friends and family of Gary, as well as the public.

Gary went to Springfield Memorial Hospital on March 31st for a video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) to remove a carcinoma asbestos cell on his right lung. The surgeon was unable to complete the VATS procedure and had to use the traditional thoracotomy surgery, a much larger, open incision, to remove the cancerous cell and entire lobe of the lung. During recovery, Gary developed hospital-acquired pneumonia and required a ventilator to breathe. He has remained at Springfield Memorial Hospital since March 31st and is still requiring ventilator support.

Moving forward, Gary will need to be placed in a long-term acute care hospital (LTACH), which specializes in weaning ventilator-dependent patients off a ventilator in hopes of resuming a normal life. His daughter, Nikki Trower, is his primary caregiver and lives 30 miles south of Memphis, Tennessee, with her husband and two small children. For this reason, the family would like to move Gary to Regional One LTACH in Memphis to ensure he has family support while working towards breathing on his own again. In addition to family support, this facility has a 97% success rate in weaning patients from ventilators, with the national average only 52.8%. Insurance will not cover transportation from Springfield to Memphis.

All proceeds will be used to cover the transportation costs as well as the medical bills incurred during his lengthy hospital stay. To donate silent auction items, contact Nikki Trower at (217) 521-7267, Kelly Creek at (217) 521-7422, or Pam Anklam at (217) 201-0662. Money can also be sent by PayPal at www.sparrows-unlimited.com, and put “Davis benefit” in the description field.

“Bivouac of the Dead”

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In honor of all who served and lost their lives

•May 21, 2025•

by Theodore O’Hara

“The muffled drum’s sad roll has beat, The soldier’s last tattoo; No more on life’s parade shall meet, That brave and fallen few. On Fame’s eternal camping-ground, Their silent tents are spread, And Glory guards, with solemn round, The bivouac of the dead. No rumor of the foe’s advance, Now swells upon the wind; Nor troubled thought at midnight haunts, Of loved ones left behind; No vision of the morrow’s strife, The warrior’s dream alarms; No braying horn nor screaming fife, At dawn shall call to arms. Their shriveled swords are red with rust, Their plumed heads are bowed, Their haughty banner, trailed in dust, Is now their martial shroud. And plenteous funeral tears have washed, The red stains from each brow, And the proud forms, by battle gashed, Are free from anguish now. The neighing troop, the flashing blade, The bugle’s stirring blast, The charge, the dreadful cannonade, The din and shout, are past;

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