•April 22, 2026•
Instead of counting sheep, local seniors and veterans are invited to count themselves in for a special educational event. Senior Education Ministries, Inc., in partnership with the Sullivan community, has announced the upcoming Dine with a Doc® program on Tuesday, May 5, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 pm. at the Moultrie County Senior Center (Mid-Illinois Senior Services Inc.), 113 E. Jefferson Street in Sullivan.
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•April 22, 2026•
by Tammie Sloup
FarmWeek
A nationwide survey conducted by the American Farm Bureau Federation shows 70% of respondents cannot afford to purchase enough fertilizer to get them through the year. More than 5,700 farmers from every state and Puerto Rico responded to the survey, which was conducted April 3rd through 11th. In Illinois, more than 250 farmers responded. The analysis reveals that almost eight in 10 farmers in the southern US say they can’t afford all needed supplies this year, followed by the Northeast and West at 69% and 66%, respectively, compared to 48% of the farmers in the Midwest.
Just 19% of farmers in the South prebooked fertilizer purchases in advance of planting season. In the Northeast, only 30% of farmers prebooked, followed by 31% in the West, and 67% in the Midwest. Even with higher pre-booking rates, almost one in three Midwestern farmers still report entering the season without securing all their fertilizer needs. “The results provide an eye-opening look at the realities farmers are facing today,” AFBF President Zippy Duvall said during a media call on April 14th. “We’ve been hearing a lot of speculation in Washington, D.C., and beyond about the percentage of farmers who have preordered their fertilizers. I think that you’ll be surprised by the degree to which it varies between regions.”
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•April 22, 2026•
The Lovington Working Collective (LWC) invites the Lovington community to start their weekend on a refreshing note at the ‘Coffee & Herb Potting Party’. This event will be held on Saturday, April 25th, at 9:00 am for coffee, conversation, and a chance to create your very own herb pot to take home—perfect for your porch, kitchen, or garden. The event will be held at 111 State and Broadway Street, in Lovington. Enter at the north door across from the library and go up the stairs.
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•April 22, 2026•
On April 16th, the State of Illinois’ “Mobile DMV” brought in Sullivan locals, including members of the Sullivan Fire Protection District obtaining the requisite licensure to drive the new fire truck, at the Elizabeth Titus Memorial Library. Mobile DMV provides a wide array of DMV-related services, with everything from driver’s license renewals to road tests. As always, the mobile DMV team efficiently met every client with both courtesy and respect. The running consensus of those there was that local access to the Mobile DMV services saved them time, hassle, and even money when considering current fuel prices.
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•April 22, 2026•
Beginning Fall 2026, Lake Land College is set to introduce a Competency-Based Education (CBE) format in three key manufacturing programs. The CBE format will allow students to build their own class schedules and complete course requirements at their own pace, creating flexible pathways toward high-demand career credentials.
Lake Land’s CBE model prioritizes practical skill application and allows students to learn at their own pace. Rather than following a fixed semester timeline, CBE students spend as little or as much time as necessary on each class topic, advancing once they have demonstrated a mastery of relevant skills. “The idea behind CBE is that learning can’t always be measured by hours spent in a classroom,” explained Michael Beavers, Electronics Engineering Technology Instructor/Program Coordinator. “In many programs, the best indicator of learning is when a student can take the skills we’re teaching and apply them in real, hands-on exercises.”
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•April 22, 2026•
Dig deeper and establish solid roots in gardening knowledge with University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners. Illinois Extension Master Gardeners uplift communities one garden, one answer, and one volunteer hour at a time. From city centers to rural communities and suburban curb appeal, Illinois Master Gardener volunteers are passionate about the program’s mission to help others learn to grow. In 2025, more than 2,000 volunteers dedicated 150,000 hours to sharing gardening knowledge, donating produce, and enriching communities and the environment through garden projects. This summer, take your passion for gardening to the next level by joining in on the Master Gardener mission.
Read Moreby Angela Hogan,
Administrator - Moultrie County Health Department
During the spring, the weather is often considered the greatest threat to our personal safety. However, old, outdated, or unused prescription medications create a significant safety risk in our homes every day of the year.
Read MoreDale Piper
Dale rode his Case SC Tractor through the pearly gates of heaven at 12:19 a.m. Friday, April 17, 2026, in the house he had built for him and his wife, Carol. This was made possible by the love and care he received from so many! We are beyond grateful for Transitions Hospice, especially Jennifer Starr and Cassie Graham, along with personal nurse, Sydney Clawson.
Read MoreIrene Fleming
Irene Fleming, 96, of Lovington, passed away at 8:10 p.m. Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at Heritage Woods of Sullivan.
Read MoreRevolutionary War Connections #2
•April 22, 2026•
by Janet Roney
Last week, I told you about Dr. John Pyle of North Carolina, the maternal grandfather of John S. Whitley’s son-in-law, Samuel Washington Lindley. During the Revolutionary War, when the British army moved the war south in 1779, Dr. Pyle led a local Tory (loyalist) militia fighting for the British. After being wounded in a battle with the local Whig (patriot) militia, he was assigned to the headquarters of the British commander, General Cornwallis, while he healed.
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