Steven Hutchcraft
Steven “Hutch” Hutchcraft, 66, of Bethany, passed away at 9:22 p.m., Wednesday, October 25, 2023, in his home. Read More
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Illinois Student Organization Family, Career and Community Leaders of America Holds Fall Leadership Meeting
•November 1, 2023•
Every day the news is filled with negative stories of what teenage youth are doing. Yet, every day we also have thousands of young people who are doing great and positive things. The Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) recognize that teens can play an essential role in improving the lives of families, schools, and communities. Given our vast network of established chapters in schools, FCCLA provides a tremendous vehicle for young people to take on projects and activities in all areas of life. From youth violence to financial fitness and healthy lifestyles, FCCLA members are tackling issues that not only affect the world today but their future also. Read More
Windsor’s Pub to be Featured on America’s Best Restaurants
•November 1, 2023•
Local restaurant Windsor’s Pub will be hosting a visit from America’s Best Restaurants (ABR) in early November 2023.
America’s Best Restaurants, a national media and marketing company focusing on bringing attention to local, independently-owned restaurants, will bring its ABR Roadshow to the restaurant on November 10th. Popular dishes will be highlighted, along with an extensive on-camera interview with owner Justin McWhorter about the restaurant’s special place in the community. The episode will be aired extensively on social media channels at a later date. Read More
Carry On, My Wayward Grammar Columnist
•November 1, 2023•
I’ve learned so much from reading books, but I’ve learned a lot from listening to music, too.
Prince taught me the Lord’s Prayer in his 1993 song “Controversy,” for instance.
I’ve rarely attended a church service that wasn’t a funeral or a wedding, and I’ve been to a lot more funerals than weddings, so I’ve grown accustomed to the rituals of funeral services in many religions.
Back in 1977, when Kansas released its “Point of Know Return” album, I thought it odd that Steve Walsh pronounced “eulogy” as “elegy” in the final verse of the haunting song “Nobody’s Home.” Read More
A Look Back…
2013
The Sullivan Fire Department moved forward with construction to add six additional bays making for a much roomier firehouse. The 8,100 square foot addition was added to the south side of the existing building at a cost of $760,687.25.
Sullivan schools went above and beyond to receive the SchoolSearch 2013 Bright Star Award for the 12th time in 13 years. The awards looks as districts whose students’ academic performance ranks in the upper one third of Illinois school districts but whose expenditure per pupil ranks in the lower one-fourth of Illinois school districts for the previous year. Read More
Moultrie County Beacon Holds Annual Employment Celebration Luncheon
•November 1, 2023•
The VFW Hall in Sullivan was filled with conversation, laughter and a customized video highlighting the community workers (that come from the Beacon) on Wednesday, Oct. 25th as the Moultrie County Beacon celebrated their 2nd Annual Employment Celebration Luncheon. Susan Rauch and Stan Parks hosted the celebration for the 18 individuals included in the Beacon’s Employment Program. The Employment program is in its 2nd year, since its inception Fall of 2021. Read More
Bethany Fire Department Adds on to Firehouse, Gains Three Apparatus Bays
photo by Crystal Reed
Apparatus and the smoke house for fire education sit in the new bays at the Bethany Fire Department. The department recently expanded to the north on their property gaining three apparatus bays.
•November 1, 2023•
by Crystal Reed
The Bethany Fire Department needed more space for equipment, and recently that was made possible by a 35x55 addition to the firehouse which expanded the bay to the north and gave the department an additional three apparatus bays. This project was made possible by a family who left a large portion of their estate to the department which they put toward the project. Before the addition was built on, the bays were getting crowded with gear, and multiple vehicles were parked in each bay which made getting some vehicles out more difficult. Read More
Local Family Grows Atlantic Giant Pumpkins
photo furnished
Tyson, Cash, Harper and Stephanie Naylor with one of their Atlantic giant pumpkins that they have grown since 2008. This type of pumpkin can tip the scales at over 1,000 lbs depending on the plant.
•November 1, 2023•
by Crystal Reed
Tis the season for pumpkins, pumpkin pie and all things pumpkin spice. However, one local family grows pumpkins not to eat but for fun. Tyson, Steph, Cash and Harper Naylor of Sullivan are a family that grows Atlantic giant pumpkins. These are no ordinary squash.
Tyson said each plant is about 30x30 feet and is around 900 square feet total. They grow two plants which grow one pumpkin per plant. At its peak, this type of pumpkin can grow 30-50+ pounds a day. Read More
Personal Assistant Training
•November 1, 2023•
Soyland Access to Independent Living, SAIL, will hold a Personal Assistant Training for people interested in working as a Personal Assistant on Wednesday, November beginning at 1 pm at the Shelbyville SAIL office, 1604 West Main Street Suite 100 in Shelbyville. Personal Assistants are employed by people with disabilities to perform household chores and personal care tasks in their homes and are paid by the State of Illinois through the Department of Rehabilitation Program. A reservation is needed to attend the Personal Assistant Training. For more information about the Personal Assistant Training or to reserve your seat, contact Emily Dobson at 217-876-8888 or 800-358-8080 or email edobson@decatursail.com.
Lovington Coal Mine Artifacts Search
•November 1, 2023•
Two local area historians are seeking to borrow or accept donations of artifacts, pictures, stories, paperwork, tools, and other memorabilia of the Lovington Coal Mine for free future community presentations. Help us preserve these memories for this and future generations. To discuss donating or loaning, email Dale Jones in Lovington at jones101@one-eleven.net or Ralph Kirk in Sullivan at ralphk0202@gmail.com. You will be contacted. Donors will receive public credit when donations are used.