Alison Fort
Alison S. Fort, 66, of Decatur, formerly of Sullivan, passed away at 4:10 a.m. Saturday, June 20, 2026 in Memorial Medical Center, Springfield.
Read MoreObituaries 7-1-2026: Alison Fort
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Obituaries 7-1-2026: Greg Dirks
Greg Dirks
Greg A. Dirks, 65, of Sullivan, passed away 2:57 a.m. Monday, June 22, 2026 in his home.
Read MoreObituaries 7-1-2026: Cameron Crowe
Cameron Crowe
Cameron Michael Crowe, 19, of Sullivan, passed away at 1:03 p.m. Thursday, June 25, 2026 in Sullivan.
Celebration of Life services will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 1, 2026 in the Reed Funeral Home, Sullivan. Visitation was held 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, June 30, 2026. Private family burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery, Bethany. Memorials are suggested to the Sullivan High School Baseball Program. Online condolences may be sent to the family at reedfuneralhome.net.
Read MoreA Look Back…7-1-2026
2016
It’s tradition to take a look at the annual corn crop in the area and judge whether it is knee high in July. Corn has grown especially well with the combination of rain and heat. Some said it was to the point where you can hear the stocks as they grow. This year’s corn was far past knee high in July, as RR Best’s drone photograph of the Graven family illustrated.
Jonathan Bond of Young Harmony was in concert at Bethany Free Methodist Church. Young Harmony, a Rick Hendricks management artist, was based out of Chattanooga, Tennessee. When asked about their greatest blessing in the ministry, Bond said, “We have the opportunity to reach out to hungry, lost, and dying people from all different backgrounds of life.”
Read MoreKnee High by the 4th of July
Photo Submitted
There is corn well above knee high by the Fourth of July in Moultrie County as the patriotic Lisa Shuman and Nancy Moore shows us. The photo was taken in a field east of Sullivan.
A variety of programs offered at the Moultrie County History Center
•July 1, 2026•
Submitted by Tonya Frevert
MCHGS Publicity Chair
Have you been to the Moultrie County History Center yet? Founded in 1973, the Moultrie County Historical and Genealogical Society is a nonprofit volunteer organization that strives to bring together people of all ages interested in the history and genealogy of Moultrie County and central Illinois. In addition to our library and museum, we host monthly public programs to illustrate the history of the area and its people. Our programs showcase the variety of stories and lived experiences that our diverse community has to share with one another.
Most recently, our June program showcased the history of local radio in Moultrie County. Moultrie County natives Larry Oathout and Scot England recounted the creation of Sullivan radio station WFWA in 1974, tracing its journey through multiple owners and name changes over the years. While recalling some of the notable on-air radio personalities—such as Gerald “Griz” England—Scot and Larry shared humorous recollections of their own journeys working in small-town radio and highlighted the rewards and challenges, both past and present.
Read MoreCelebrate the Fourth of July safely
Keep America’s 250th Independence Day free from mishaps
•July 1, 2026•
by Angela Hogan
Few things in America say “summer” like the Fourth of July. Our entire nation goes on holiday with cookouts, fireworks, and other festivities. Regardless of how you plan to celebrate, a few simple precautions can help keep the holiday fun for everyone. Here are five key areas to help you and your family safely enjoy Independence Day:
#1. Fireworks: Leave It to the Professionals
Fireworks are a holiday favorite, but they’re also a leading cause of injury every July. The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a professionally managed public display. If you choose to use consumer fireworks:
• Check local laws and fire bans. Some areas prohibit fireworks altogether.
• Don’t allow young children to handle fireworks. Even sparklers, which burn at 1,200°F, can cause significant injuries.
• Keep a bucket of water or a hose nearby for easy access. Use fireworks with caution and have water ready in case of an accident or fire.
• Light one firework at a time and move away quickly.
• Never relight a “dud.” Wait 20 minutes and soak it in water.
#2. Protect Your Hearing: Turn Down the Boom
Read MoreWindsor registration
•July 1, 2026•
Windsor CUSD #1 will hold online registration July 13-17. To register, open TeacherEase app or log in online at TeacherEase.com. New students may register in person July 16 at the high school from 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
Questions should be directed to davisk@windsorcusd.org or hendricksonm@windsorcusd.org.
Monthly Quarter Madness
•July 1, 2026•
Moultrie County Monthly Quarter Madness will hold its July Quarter Auction on Wednesday, July 8. The event will be held at the Sullivan American Legion Post #68. The Giving Place is our organization of the month.
The Giving Place is a community outreach program that was founded by Elizabeth Houser. The Giving Place is dedicated to helping individuals and families in Moultrie County facing difficult times by providing support with essentials like clothing and household items. They work year-round to make a positive impact in the community. The Christmas Crew is a seasonal extension of The Giving Place focused on bringing hope and joy during the holiday season. Through donations, fundraisers, and community support, the program helps provide Christmas gifts and necessities to local families in need. Together, The Giving Place and The Christmas Crew embody the spirit of compassion, generosity, and neighbors helping neighbors.
Bring your quarters for charity items and extra bidding. All-In-Paddle will be $20. Doors open at 6:00 p.m., and the Quarter Auction begins at 6:30p.m. All ages are welcome to attend. A bake sale benefiting The Giving Place will also have goodies for purchase. Food will be available for purchase and drink purchases can be made through the Legion. For more information, visit the “Mo Co Monthly Quarter Madness” Facebook page.
Sullivan Blood Drive
•July 1, 2026•
The Sullivan American Legion, 8 E. Strain, will host a blood drive on Tuesday, July 14 from noon-6:00 p.m. For an appointment call the American Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767 or visit RedCrossBlood.org.
Potential donors must be at least 17 years of age (16 with a parental permission form available through www.bloodcenter.org) and weigh more than 110 pounds. A photo I.D. is required to donate.