•July 15, 2026•

by DM Williamee

In a fast-paced world that often causes many to feel disconnected, acts of kindness remain a powerful way to combat much of what ails us all. Whether it’s lending a helping hand, sharing a smile, listening when another is struggling, or even simply staying silent, acts of kindness can soften difficult moments and benefit lives. The saying that “We are all in the same boat” is now too often met with a sardonic, “Sure, some just have bigger boats than others, right?” I think most of us have been guilty of being impatient, short-tempered, and brusque with others. We are only human after all, but what if we could do better?

•July 15, 2026•

by Jamie Crosier

For many students, summer break means time away from the classroom. For participants in Sullivan Middle School’s Tribe Trek program, it means learning through hands-on experiences across the Midwest.

On June 30, students traveled to Chicago to explore the Adler Planetarium, where they toured interactive exhibits and attended two shows inside the facility’s domed theaters. The visit was one of four educational and recreational trips offered through the Tribe Trek summer enrichment program.

The program was created to keep students engaged during the summer months while giving them opportunities they might not otherwise experience. Although Tribe Trek was originally scheduled to launch in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic delayed its start until 2021. This summer marks the program’s sixth year.

by Sharon Barricklow

A new dump truck and continued work on city park facilities were among the approvals made Thursday night at a special city council meeting.

The council moved the meeting  from their usual second Monday to Thursday to accommodate council members’ schedules. On the agenda were several approvals for Open Spaces Land Acquisition grant money to be used for improvements at the city parks including baseball diamonds.