•May 14, 2025•
by Sharon Barricklow
Public utility costs will be going up for Sullivan residents after the City Council passed several rate increases at their meeting Monday night.
The council approved a four and one half percent increase in electrical rates on the recommendation of Commissioner Mike Kirk who said wholesale electric rates continued to rise.
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Peggy Roley
Peggy Roley, of Ft. Myers, Florida, formerly of Sullivan, passed away Friday, March 14, 2025 in Ft. Myers.
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Charles Lawson
Charles “Charlie” L. Lawson, 75, of Sullivan, passed away 7:28 a.m. Friday, May 9, 2025, at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center, Mattoon.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Thursday, May 15, 2025, at McMullin-Young Funeral Home, Sullivan. Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, May 16, 2025, at McMullin-Young Funeral Home, Sullivan. Burial will be in Greenhill Cemetery, Sullivan. Memorials may be made to the Allenville Christian Church: 201 S. Allen St. Allenville, IL 61951
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Rev. James Helton
Rev. James R. Helton, 80, of Sullivan, passed away at 9:29 p.m. Friday May 9, 2025 in Memorial Medical Center, Springfield.
Celebration of Life services will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday May 15, 2025 in the New Life Church, Sullivan with Pastor Dave Dolan officiating. Visitation will be 5 - 7 p.m. Wednesday in the Reed Funeral Home, Sullivan. Memorials are suggested to the college fund for Gracee Helton. Online condolences may be sent to the family at reedfuneralhome.net.
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Henry “Ted” Atkinson
Henry Theodore “Ted” Atkinson, of Bethany, passed away on Tuesday, May 6, at his home. He was 85.
Graveside services will be at 12 noon on Friday May 16, 2025, in the Marrowbone Township Cemetery, Bethany with military rites conducted by the Bethany American Legion Post # 507. There will not be a visitation. Online condolences may be sent to the family at reedfuneralhome.net. Arrangements by the Reed Funeral Home, Sullivan.
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At a special meeting on May 4th, after the culmination of more than an hour of discussion, the Okaw Valley School Board assigned Superintendent Kent Stauder what amounts to a mini research project, some of which will deal with the possibility of closing the elementary school in Bethany.
A group of Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond High School students placed first overall at the annual Business and Computer Contest at Lake Land College. Those were Coach Amanda Romine, Samantha Landers, Christy Allen, Jeremy Plank, Avery Schrock, Beth Lambdin, Elyse Harris, and Brooke Tabb.
Read MoreEnjoy the outdoors and reduce your risk of mosquito-related health concerns
by Angela Hogan
More Than an Annoyance: Spring marks the return of warmer weather and the chance to spend more time outdoors. It also marks the return of mosquitoes and the health concerns that can affect individuals and animals. The presence of mosquitoes is more than an annoyance. Mosquitoes are carriers of several diseases. Their bites can threaten the public’s health, especially during peak mosquito season.
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HICF donates machine, students reap rewards
by DM Williamee
On Tuesday, May 6th, the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation (HICF) unveiled a book vending machine at Sullivan Elementary School at 8:00 am. Each year, the HICF funds the book vending machines. This year, Sullivan is one of the schools fortunate to receive one. On hand from HICG were Kaitlyn Farrar and Chastity Casey. Rev. Grant Wade serves as the Moultrie County advisor for HICF and has worked on this project with Leslie Guyot (school principal) and Leah Fleming (school librarian).
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The “Bests” of writing, photography, and community
by DM Williamee
Siblings Kathy and Bob Best, both Sullivan locals, were recently interviewed by Vanessa Ferguson in NPR Illinois’ “Community Voices” segment. Both have worked in multiple journalistic roles throughout their careers; editor, writer, publication owner, and photographer (to name a few), with Kathy having won (with her team, as she strongly emphasizes) the Pulitzer Prize twice (and recently nominated for the third!), in both the small-town and big-city journalism arenas.
Read More•May 14, 2025•
The Bethany Senior Citizen Potluck will be held on Wednesday, May 21st at 11:00 a.m. at the Bethany library, located at 216 W Main Street. Fried Chicken will be furnished. All are welcome.