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Recent Obituaries: Dennis ‘Denny’ Ferguson

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Dennis ‘Denny’ Ferguson

Dennis M. ‘Denny’ Ferguson, 76 of Bethany, passed away at 3:30 a.m. Thursday, May 1, 2025 in his home.
Celebration of Life services will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at the Reed Funeral Home, Sullivan with Tom Hoskins officiating. Burial with military rites conducted by the Bethany American Legion Post #507 will be in the Marrowbone Twp. Cemetery, Bethany. Visitation will be one hour before the service. Memorials are suggested to the Moultrie - Douglas 4-H or the Bethany Peace Meal. Online condolences may be sent to the family at reedfuneralhome.net.
Denny was born on January 26, 1949 in Decatur, Illinois, the son of Warren G. and Luzetta J. Gaston Ferguson. Denny graduated from Bethany High School in the class of 1967. He took agricultural courses through Lake Land College. He enlisted in the Army Reserves in 1969.  Denny was a lifelong grain and livestock farmer his entire life in the Bethany area.  He spent a lot of hours on the road hauling livestock for Two Mile Commission company. He was a member of the Lincolnland Carriage Club and the Illinois Draft Horse and Mule Association.
Denny showed mules along side of his father which became a family highlight for his kids and grandchildren. He appreciated a good team of mules. He raised, handled and showed several grand champion mules in state and county fairs. He also judged several state and county mule shows over the years. He enjoyed driving mules in parades and taking rides throughout the countryside.
He looked forward in going to the livestock sales at Shelbyville Sale Barn and Two Mile Commission each week. It was a highlight to eat at the Bethany Diner visiting the guys at the liar’s table. He also enjoyed spending time with his high school friends eating lunch out monthly.
Survivors include his children Michael ‘Mick” Ferguson of Findlay, Dawn Redfern of Bethany and Alison Freeland of Hot Springs, Arkansas; grandchildren Janette (Canon) West of Japan and Garrett Ferguson of Bethany; brother in law Dean Craig of Sullivan and a niece and a nephew.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Janet and a son-in-law T.G. Redfern.

Prairieland Frontiersmen “Spring Rendezvous”

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Claire Mihlbachler, 10, throws a tomahawk at her target, with dead-center results. This past weekend, beginning April 25th and wrapping up on the 27th, the Prairieland Frontiersmen held their 49th annual “Spring Rendezvous”. A number of matches were held, including hike and knife woods walk, pistol match, ladies’ woods walk, novelty shoot, and traditional bow shoot. At least 100 people set up camp, dressed in the period and competed in this 3-day event.

Heritage Woods “Easter Eggstravaganza”

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Pictured is Avery Matheson, 2, as she races from the start line with her peers to fill her Easter basket at the “Easter Eggstravaganza”, held on Saturday, April 26th, hosted by Heritage Woods. Originally scheduled for the prior weekend but moved due to poor weather, there was still a large turnout for not only the egg hunt, but also the animals (including “Humphry”, a camel), pony and horse rides, bouncy houses and inflatables, food trucks, bike and adult basket giveaways, local first responder presence as well as other attractions.

Windsor’s Prom Court: A night in Paradise

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Windsor’s Class of 2026 will be hosting Prom at the Event Center in Gays on Saturday, May 3rd at 8:00 p.m. The theme for the evening will be “A Night in Paradise.” Windsor Jr./Sr. High School Prom Court Pictured: Back Row: (L to R) King Candidates Blayke Brownlee, Anthony Harris, and Tyler Pearcy. Front Row: (L to R) Queen Candidates Avery Starwalt, Chiara Campanelli, and Aubrey Carter.

Tips for driving safely during planting season

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Driving tips are critical for farmers and all drivers

•April 30, 2025•

by Angie Hogan

The spring planting season has arrived. As farmers approach the 2025 crop season, drivers across rural communities are reminded of their role in making 2025 a safe and successful year in American agriculture. Large agricultural machinery, rural roadways, and unpredictable spring weather can create dangerous driving conditions. Staying alert and respectful can help prevent accidents and keep everyone safe this season.

More farm equipment on the road: Spring planting brings early mornings, long days, and an increased number of slow-moving vehicles on the road. While these machines are essential to help farmers produce America’s food supply, they often travel at speeds under 25 mph. Additionally, modern farm equipment may span across lanes and require wide turns into fields and driveways. Awareness and patience among all drivers are key to avoiding dangerous situations.

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Dine with a Doc

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•April 30, 2025•

The Mid-Illinois Senior Services Center is hosting a free lunch with Jacob Lehr, Senior Program Manager for the Illinois Alzheimer’s Association Chapter, on May 6th from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. During this luncheon, attendees can listen and ask the doctor questions, receive door prizes, and enjoy fellowship with their peers. 

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Mother’s Day Blooms and Bites

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•April 30, 2025•

On Sunday, May 4th at 3:30 p.m., Sullivan First United Methodist Church will be holding a “Mother’s Day Blooms & Bites” event. All supplies will be provided, and a potting class will be led by Buxton’s Garden Farm’s Abbey Sherwood. Decorate your pot and plant it with fresh blooms. Small bites will be provided. 

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SHS Shae Ellis Signs with Rend Lake College

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On April 24th, Shae Ellis signed her letter of intent to continue her golf career at Rend Lake College this Fall. Said Shae, “I am excited to continue my golf journey. My goal is to make it to nationals, NCJAA.” Shae will be studying Business and Marketing. Pictured L-R seated, Mother Laura Ellis, Shae Ellis, Father Rick Ellis. Standing, L-R: Coaches James Gray (RLC) and Andy Wagner (SHS).

Arthur Public Library: New releases

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•April 30, 2025•

There are three new bestsellers and two other new books at the Arthur Public Library. The new bestsellers are “Great Big Beautiful Life,” by Emily Henry, “Shadow of the Solstice,” by Anne Hillerman, and “The Gut-Brain Paradox: Improve Your Mood, Clear Brain Fog, and Reverse Disease by Healing Your Microbiome” by Steven R. Gundy. 

The other two new releases are “Granny Square Style: How to Make Limitless Projects from Ten Classical patterns” by Hyllam Lefevre and “The Librarian of Lisbon” by Suzanne Nelson. 

For more details on these books and others, visit: http://wowbrary.org/nu.aspx?fb&p=8452-426 [/s2If]