Joseph Bicknell
Joseph Scott “Joe” Bicknell, 91, of Lovington, passed away at 6:57 p.m. Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at Memorial Healthcare, Springfield.
Read MoreObituaries 1-29-2025: Joseph Bicknell
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A Look BAck…1-29-2025
2015
Fifth grader Wesley Standerfer isn’t your typical kid. About a year prior to 2015, he started his very own neighborhood newspaper, the “Shumanville Times.” Living on Shuman farmland inspired him to share the family news to those nearby. He delivered print editions locally, while others requested it by email from as far away as Texas and Washington D.C. At such a young age, he already began to see the potential of the printed word so Standerfer expanded his horizons and took to reporting in the halls of Sullivan Elementary School. The 2015 newspaper staff included students Connor Golden, Devon Winings, Clayton Schmohe, Wes Standerfer, and Ben Bushue.
Read MoreChecking on your neighbors
Severe weather can put lives at risk, especially for those who feel alone or vulnerable
•January 29, 2025•
by Angela Hogan
Checking on your neighbor when severe weather threatens is more than a kind gesture. It’s a crucial step toward protecting those in need. When enough individuals accept this responsibility, we help foster community resilience. This leads us to address three essential questions.
Who is My Neighbor?
A neighbor is not merely the family next door or the friendly face we greet in passing. It’s anyone whose life intersects with ours. It’s someone who needs our care and connection. This is especially true during times of severe weather.
So, who is your neighbor? It could be any of the following:
Read MoreHonor Society
The Sullivan High School National Honor Society recently announced new members. They are (front row) Ellie Lehman, Julia Moody, Emerson Risley, Kaylee Smith, Jade McKee, and Aubrey Gingerich. (Back row) Rhett Lehman, Grant Martin, Johnny Iacobazzi, Mitchell Hooten, Gavin Wade, Zaden Hussong, and Kate Bushue. Not pictured: Adalyn Cruitt
Mirror Images set to perform “Overcome”
•January 29, 2025•
Sullivan High School’s Mirror Images Club is a preventative-theatre student-led organization. They annually write, direct, and perform a play with themes developed in order to identify issues and topics that are important to the student body at the time.
This year’s performance, “Overcome”, is directed by SHS Juniors Cora Emel and Abagail Dean. The students have been developing characters, themes, and writing the script since September. This year’s key issue they are addressing is toxic leadership.
Read MoreSHS honor roll
•January 29, 2025•
Straight A honor roll Senior: Mason J. Booker, Addison A. Brush, Zoe M. Conlin, Olivia L Cordes, Hannah N. Creek, Anderson D. Crouse, Cameron M. Crowe, Shaelyn A. Ellis, Elise R. Fleming, Madison N. Flexser, Katilyn G. Kirby, Curtis A. Kite, Rhett J. Lehman, Taylar L. Mercer, Simon A. Parri, Hayden, M. Righter, Addison N. Stollard, Mayci J. Strauf, Sarina E. Voegel, Camden E. Watkins, Tabitha A. Webb, Novalyn Woods and Kenadi E. Wyrozumski.
Juniors: Riane N.L. Bear, Emily G. Crosier, Mae J. Dawkins, Logan I. Fleener, Josie L. Herschberger, Johnathan C. Iacobazzi, Wilma Plank, Eiley G. Poe, Devon M. Richardson, Madilyn R. Shonkwiler, Jnai N. Webb and Kolton J. Wiley.
Sophomores: Grant J. Martin, Julia L. Moody, Emerson J. Risley, Kaylee J. Smith and Gavin E. Wade.
Freshman: Weslee J.C. Allen, Madeline M. Anderson, Madelyn G. Atteberry, Piper C. Conlin, Gavin Finn, Alexander M. Fultz, Rhesa L. Issacs, Brynner E.L. Johnson, William C. Miller and Andrew J. Toner.
High honor roll Seniors: Brooklyn R. Booker, Cooper M. Christensen, Kaden A. Dalponte, Samantha J. Davidson, Isabel M. Donovan, Caysen L. Dringenberg, Lucas W. Floyd, Aian W. Fryman, Linnea R. Graham, Sawyer E. Guynn, Gavin J. Helmuth, Kelsie G. Hodge, Reid D. Holloway, Zayne H. Issacs, Angel M. Miller, Addison K. Minor, Ivan S. Moxley, Lola L. Shonkwiler, Alyssa J. Taylor, Joleigh R.M. Tipsword, Kylie J. Voyles and Claire E. Welch.
Juniors: Danica J. Bell, Lilly J. Bennett, Trent M. Binnion, Kate M. Bushue, Benjamin I.L. Butler, Anyssa E. Coffer, Joshua R. Cremeens, Liam M. Donovan, Cora E. Emel, James E. Feldkamp, Meriem E. Garrett, Aubrey D. Gengerich, Mikaela R. Guest, Jenna L. Herschberger, Mitchell W. Hooten, Zaden W. Hussong, Keylee M. Jean, Mason D. Jungiewicz, Jade M. McKee, Lillian B. Moxley, Marshall D. Robison, Fallon E. Rose, Owen S. Smith, Austin Steinhour, Carson B. Swinford, Brycen D. Wildman, Nevaeh C. Wilson, Drew G. Woolen and Tristan D. Wright.
Sophomores: Noah E. Bryant, Adalyn F. Cruitt, Mya J. Dyer, Addison E. Hullum, Olivia N. Hullum, Gracelynn M. Johnson, Austin J. Kelley, Claire E. Kursell, Kinley E. Lane-Johnson, Ellie G. Lehamn, Jennifer M. Lofland, Tegan A. McRill, Alexis P. Russell, Cadence K.E. Schmohe, Dimitri J. Shrock, Brady N. Stollard, Drayden S. Watkins and Madelyn E. Whitmore.
Freshman: Charles W. Conlin, Grace E. Crothers, Savanna L. Dendy, Gracelynn M. Dovell, Carter W. Honchell, Jett L. Kinder, Kent D. Lehman, Mikenzie L. Mercer, Kuper J. Minor, Miles J. Monroe, Whitney A. Novota, Avery E. Renfro, Daisy A. Richardson, Joanna M.L. Rickelman, Collin C. Shain, Oliver M.K. Shonkwiler, Sophia J.D. Smith, Cy K. Stone, Cali L. Szabo, Carmyn W. Thurston, Bryson M. Wilson, Colt D. Wilson and Ronin Woods.
Honor roll Seniors: Kyannah R. Allen, Deaiden R. Arnold, Maddux L.E. Bassett, Mitchell D. Bennett, Alex E. Cavazos, Jazzlynn M. Coe, Jasmine A. Duncan, Kylee M. Freese, Layla D, Hildebrand, Jackson L. Lancaster, Emily J. Miller, Demarkus J. Moore, Kalvin A.J. Osborn, Kendall M. Penberthy, Xandria D. Smith and Charliegh M. Tripp.
Juniors: Isaiah T. Brown, Joclynn C. Cunningham, Makaela B. Day, Max W. Jamison, Evan M. Loy, Donavan M. Perry, Harmony M. Ray, Laney L. Russell, Caden R. Saul, Gariella L. Sorrell, Aeralyn D. Thrasher and Camdin C.L. Waidelich.
Sophomores: Avram J. Bates, Synthea N. Doss, Caleigh E. Dyer, Clark K Fresse, Emma K. Lawrence, Keegan M. Newberry, Infiniti L. Phillips, Jacob E. Poynor, Colin W. Roehrs, Tanner C. Seelow, Nicholas Waggoner and Miracle D.R. Wilson.
Freshman: Joshua E. Bailey, Nathan A. Bishop, Teagan M. Born, Avery L. Casteel, Liam C. Coil, Taevyn R.A. Dixon, David A. Eaton, Jude R.L. Eckel, Lena M. Emel, Ron L. Ferrell, Aceon W. Fryman, Prudence L. Jenkins, Emmersyn M. Jiannoni, Jiawei Ni, Annalinise J. Palmer, Lorelei L.J. Parker, Torreon U. Phillips, River J. Polley, Allyssa T.S. Prahl, Levi P. Risley, Karson L. Robinson, Mali R. Roe, Madyx G. Schwass, Ethan E. Smith, Natalie A. Stinson, Valentina R. Thurston and Maddison E. Walters.
Dine with a Doc
•January 29, 2025•
The Mid-Illinois Senior Services Center is hosting a free lunch with Dr. Andy Kim DC from Stanfield Chiropractic, at the senior center, 113 E Jefferson, in Sullivan on February 4th from 11am to one. During this time attendees can listen and ask the doctor questions, receive door prizes and fellowship with peers.
For more information on Dine with a doc, visit www.dinewithadoc.com or contact Senior Education Ministries at (217)917-4970 or email senioreducationminitries@yahoo.com. To reserve a spot for the lunch call the Mid-Illinois Senior Services center at (217)728-8521.
Legion membership caravan
National Vice Commander Roger Mathison, from Wisconsin, was the distinguished guest speaker at the Sullivan American Legion last Wednesday during the Department of Illinois Legion membership caravan.
Warm up with a good breakfast
•January 22, 2025•
Breakfast has long been touted as the most important meal of the day. After individuals spend several hours sleeping, breakfast refuels their bodies and prepares them to tackle the day ahead.
People on the go may not have a lot of time to enjoy breakfast, which means they may grab something quick and not always so healthy. But a filling, hot breakfast provides enough sustenance and nutrients to last until lunch. Such is the case with “Green Chile Breakfast Burritos” from “Taste of Home Healthy Cooking Cookbook” (RDA Enthusiast Brands, LLC) by the Taste of Home Kitchens.
Green Chile Breakfast Burritos
Makes 6 servings
6 eggs
Read MoreManaging the winter blues
•January 22, 2025•
Cheri Burcham
Extension Educator
University of Illinois Extension
Winter is upon us and those longer hours of darkness coupled with the colder temperatures can make many people experience those “winter blues.” I am much more aware of the signs of mental health challenges having become a certified trainer for Mental Health First Aid (MHFA). I would highly recommend anyone to complete MHFA as the purpose is to help you recognize when someone is having difficulties and be able to respond in a helpful way. And it is very likely that you will need to be there for someone in that circumstance since according to the National Alliance of Mental Illness, one in five American adults is diagnosed with a mental illness each year and half of those disorders begin by age 14 and three quarters by age 24.
There are many ways to try and prevent those winter blues from sneaking up on us and to maintain positive mental health. Here are just a few tips to get started:
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