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Sullivan School Board approves track project, property purchase and balanced budget

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•July 8, 2026•

by Jamie Crosier 

The Sullivan Community Unit School District 300 Board of Education approved several major financial and facility decisions Monday night, June 29, including a balanced amended budget, a contract for the district’s long-awaited track replacement project and the purchase of property that could support future transportation needs. 

The board unanimously approved the district’s amended fiscal year 2026 budget following a public hearing. Superintendent Dr. Walk reported the district finished the year with a budget surplus of approximately $111,900 while maintaining a balanced operating budget. 

Walk said the district experienced its first year in nearly a decade in which state and federal funding declined from the previous year. Transportation funding was particularly affected after the state reduced reimbursement payments. 

Even with those reductions, Walk said the district remains in stable financial condition. 

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Arthur Freedom Celebration shatters attendance records for America’s 250th Milestone

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•July 8, 2026•

by Ariana R. Cherry

Despite steamy temperatures and heavy July humidity, thousands of visitors poured into Arthur on Saturday, June 27, transforming Jurgens Park into a sea of lawn chairs and patriotic pride for the community’s annual Freedom Celebration. According to members of the Arthur Rotary, the event appeared to draw a record-breaking crowd, as residents and tourists alike gathered for what has become one of Central Illinois’ premier Independence Day traditions.

This year’s celebration carried extraordinary significance as Arthur joined the nation in commemorating the 250th anniversary of America’s founding. The semiquincentennial milestone was woven into every aspect of the day, from the flags lining the boulevards to the community-wide “Fly Our Flag for Freedom” initiative. The sense of hometown hospitality was palpable as local merchants and neighbors welcomed the influx of visitors with the warmth Arthur is known for.

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Allenville church concert series

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•July 8, 2026•

The Allenville Christian Church, located at 201 Allen Street, will present Riven on Saturday, July 11 at 6:00 p.m.

Riven is a newly formed Southern Gospel ministry from the St. Louis area. Riven came together as four puzzle pieces of God’s plan, fit together in perfect harmony. The mission of Riven is to preach the Gospel through song and to share our faith experiences with audiences young and old. What does riven mean? Jesus as He was on the cross was riven, pierced in His side. The blood and water flowed from His side. When He took His last breath and it was finished a new covenant was formed. The new church as we know it was established.

Refreshments will be available, a free Will offering will be taken. For more information, contact Pastor Bob Vail at (217) 254-3433.

MCHGS presents local barn tour

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•July 8, 2026•

As you travel through the southeast corner of Bethany, a beautiful red round barn is likely to catch your eye. If you’d like to see more of this unique structure and learn about its design conception, please join the Moultrie County Historical and Genealogical Society for a free tour of George Bone’s Round Barn on Thursday, July 16th. A long labor of love, George Bone’s Round Barn is a testament to the power of perseverance. 

Attendees are welcome to meet at the History Center to carpool or drive themselves directly. If carpooling: meet at the History Center in Sullivan, 1303 South Hamilton, to depart by 6:10 p.m. If driving directly: turn south off IL-121 across from Callahan Construction - barn is visible - watch for dedicated parking signs. The tour will begin promptly at 6:30 p.m. 

For more information, follow us on Facebook for the latest details or contact the History Center at (217) 728-4085 or mocohgs@gmail.com for more information.

Recent Obituaries: Dawn Becker

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Dawn L. Becker, 69, of Sullivan, Illinois, passed from this life to life eternal at 9:50 p.m. on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at Willow Breeze Hospice House in Mattoon, Illinois.

Dawn was born November 3, 1956 in Effingham, the daughter of Van and Eva Dunagan Anderson. She married the love of her life, Bill Becker, on May 20, 1978, in Arcola. Together they built a loving home centered on family, laughter, and unwavering support for one another. Dawn served as a secretary for Sullivan Middle School for 20 years, volunteered on the Board of Elizabeth Titus Memorial Library and was a member of St. Columcille Catholic Church in Sullivan.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 48 years, Bill Becker of Sullivan; her three sons, Allen (Jackie) Becker of Edwardsville, Nathan (Cassie) Becker of Sullivan, and Ryan (Hannah) Becker of Champaign; and her seven beloved grandchildren, Evan, Drew, Dean, Nora, Mya, Eva, and Sophie, who brought immeasurable joy to her life. She is also survived by her parents, Van and Eva Anderson of Arcola, uncle, Dana Anderson of Stewardson, and her cousins, Randy Rothrock, Vicky Coffin, and Angie Temples.

Dawn found happiness in life's simple pleasures. She loved spending time with her grandchildren, playing games, reading books, listening to music, and sharing her home with her beloved beagles. She possessed a wonderful sense of humor and was always ready with a joke, bringing smiles to those around her.

More than anything, Dawn will be remembered for her deep love of family, her resilient spirit, her generous heart, and her ability to find joy and laughter even during life's greatest challenges. Her courage in the face of adversity and the love she shared so freely will remain with those who were blessed to know her.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am Tuesday July 7, 2026 at St. Columcille Catholic Church, Sullivan. Prayer service will be 4:30 pm Monday with visitation to follow from 5-7 pm at Reed Funeral Home, Sullivan. Rite of Committal and Burial will be in Greenhill Cemetery, Sullivan. Memorials are suggested to Sarah Bush Lincoln Home Care, Elizabeth Titus Memorial Library or to the Champaign County Humane Society.

SBD strong at CCC in Springfield

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The Sullivan Blue Dolphins had a strong showing at the 2026 Capitol City Classic in Springfield, finishing 5th overall out of 14 teams. The team’s top point scorers were Emily Crosier – 204.5 points in the Girls Open Division; Mack Pogue – 208 points in the Boys 12 and Under Division; and Stella Perrott – 103 points in the Girls 10 and Under Division. 

These outstanding performances, along with contributions from the entire team, helped lead the Dolphins to an impressive 5th-place finish. Next up, the Sullivan Blue Dolphins are headed to Quincy, Illinois, to compete at the SST Firecracker Classic. 

MoDo 4-H sewing club a big draw 

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•July 1, 2026•

Members of the Moultrie-Douglas 4-H Sewing Club: Front row (left to right): Jasper Herbert, Aubrie Stenger, Clara Stenger, Gwen Taylor, Norah Reineke, Isabella Taylor, and Clara Henry. Back row (left to right): Club helper Kelly Pierce, Lily Theriault, Milo Herbert, Natalie McKibben, Club helper Anamary Bicknel, Club helper Sharon Jack, and club leader Brenda Pierce. Additional members not pictured include Bria Hershberger, Oaklee Stenger, Remington Scribner, and Adilyne Scribner.

The newly formed Moultrie-Douglas 4-H Sewing Club has stitched together a successful first season, with 14 youth members participating in hands-on learning and creative project work. The club met for six sewing sessions at the Arthur United Methodist Church, where members developed new skills while creating items they will proudly exhibit at upcoming county fairs.

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Mid-Ilinois Senior Services July schedule

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•July 1, 2026•

1: 1:00 Hand & Foot, 1:00 Bridge

2: 10:00 Exercise Class, 12:00 Birthday Party, 12:30 BiNGO sponsored by: Country Financial Houser Agency

3: Closed in observance of the 4th of July holiday

6: Pedicures by Robin. Must call to register. 1:00-3:00 New Sewing/Quilting. Group volunteers welcome.

7: 11:00-1:00 Dine with a Doc, Cheri Burcham speaker. Free lunch provided by Eastview Terrace of Sullivan.

8: 1:00 Hand & Foot, 1:00 Bridge

9: 10:00 Exercise Class

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Deer population surges around lake

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•July 1, 2026•

by Sharon Barricklow

A doe and her fawn are regulars near Lake Shelbyville.

Is your shrubbery looking jagged? Is your garden not producing? Are their hoof prints in the mud and something on the ground bigger than any dog business? If so, you may have been visited by Moultrie County’s resident deer.

Believe it or not, in 1900 the white tail deer population in Illinois was virtually extinct. Obviously, in the last 126 years that has changed, with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources estimating the state’s deer population at 660,000 in 2025. Moultrie County doesn’t have the largest deer population, that honor goes to Joe Davies County, but in 344 square mile Moultrie County, more than 700 are harvested annually during hunting season.

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