Arthur Freedom Celebration 2026
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Recent Obituaries: Gladys Brooks
Gladys Marie Brooks, 97, of Shelbyville, Illinois, passed away peacefully on June 25, 2026, in Shelbyville, Illinois, and slipped into the arms of Jesus.
She was born on November 15, 1928, in Dry Point Township, Shelby County, the daughter of Floyd and Opal Christy. In her later years, she often reflected fondly on her happy childhood on the family farm in Cowden. During those years, she also met Sally Banning Evans, and that friendship grew into a lifelong bond that lasted nearly 90 years, remaining a treasured part of Gladys’s life until Sally’s passing in 2021.
Gladys married Robert W. Mowry, and although his untimely death in 1965 brought great sorrow, their marriage was blessed with a son, Robert “Bob” H. Mowry. As a widow with a young son, she drew on her strong spirit and determined nature to provide for herself and her cherished child. She met each challenge with grit and grace, building a life marked by devotion, perseverance, and quiet strength.
Gladys worked hard, loved deeply, and was always direct and honest in expressing her thoughts and feelings. Those who knew her appreciated her straightforward nature and her unwavering authenticity. In her later months, she said with a twinkle in her eye, “I did it my way in the hard times and in the good times.” That phrase reflected the way she lived her life, with courage, independence, and a steadfast heart.
She took great pride in living a long life that allowed her to watch her grandchildren and great-grandchild grow and build their own families. Her joy was most evident when she spoke about her adorable great-great-grandchildren, who brought her immense happiness and added another cherished generation to her family legacy. Her love for her family was deep and enduring, and her presence will be remembered with gratitude and affection by all who were blessed to know her.
Gladys is survived by her grandsons, Robert “Rob” (Kasey) Mowry, and Gregory (Ronna) Mowry; her great-grandchildren, Nichael (Destiny) Mowry, Maci Mowry (Braylee Bell), Jaxon (Angela) Mowry, Chrisitan (Grace) Mowry, and Emily (Dalton) Vanausdoll; her great-great-grandchildren, Banqs, Jayce, Houston, and Attika, along with three more on the way; and special friends, Mark and Karla Goodwin, Nancy Kistler, and Robin Young.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Floyd and Opal Christy, her husband, her beloved son Bob in 2021, her cherished grandson Christopher in 1991, and her two sisters, Irene and Louise.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at Lockart-Green Funeral Home in Shelbyville with Pastor Bill Smith officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Interment will follow in Findlay Cemetery. Memorials in her name may be given to the Shelby Christian Church or American Legion Post 409 of Findlay and may be mailed to Lockart-Green Funeral Home, 302 W. Main St., Shelbyville, IL 62565.
Family and friends are invited to share a story or light a candle at www.lockartgreenfuneralhome.com.
Recent Obituaries: 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 will be 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.
Cameron was born March 29, 2007 in Decatur, the son of Jason and Melissa Kurr Crowe.
Our beautiful boy, Cameron Michael Crowe, was chosen by Jesus to enter the beautiful place known as paradise on June 25, 2026, at the tender age of 19. Born on March 29, 2007, in Decatur, Illinois. Cameron is a fiercely loved and cherished son, brother, and friend. A shining light and true inspiration to all who know him. Cameron's presence no matter where he was brought warmth and great joy to those around him, and his memory will continue to shine brightly in our hearts forever.
Cameron was baptized into Christ at age 14. Jesus knew Cameron's heart and knew he could be used for such great things to be done in his Holy name. Cameron loved Jesus and was so very proud and unashamed to show it. Cameron was always wearing shirts that had messages on them or scripture, he wanted even the person standing behind him in a line to know they were not alone in this world. Cameron is and will always be that light.
Cameron loves deeply and is the kindest, most caring, most polite, affectionate, sweet, wonderful soul. He loves his brothers fiercely and would be there for them no matter what, whenever, wherever. They were always on his mind and in his heart. Cameron was a magnet for all of his little cousins, his nephew Waylon and his baby niece Raelynn. He was always the first to get that little baby girl out of her car seat and into his arms.
How do you write about your baby, I fear no words will be enough, but this will hopefully let people who did not know him come to know him. Cameron always did the right thing no matter if alone or who was watching, even counting 13+ strokes on one hole in a high school golf match, no shaving by that young man. One of his greatest accomplishments was making a hole in one his senior year. Cameron made several accomplishments in his sport of baseball and golf and received many awards over the years he played. His first love was baseball. He started playing at age 5 and was still playing into college at Greenville University. He was a talented lefty pitcher and anyone whoever watched him knew to watch out for that "disgusting curve ball" that got that batter every time. Cameron also played for 5 different travel ball teams over the course of 8 years. He really enjoyed working with the underclassmen, encouraging them and helping them develop. He was pursuing his dream of a Sports Management degree, specifically Golf Course Management touching lives with his personality and infectious smile. Cameron is kind, sincere, polite, loving, caring and the sweetest, sweetest young man. He always hugged us, his brothers, grandparents, friends, friends parents, friends grandparents wherever, whenever. He was never ashamed or embarrassed to show his love for others. He loved Jesus and it showed through all his actions. He will be fiercely missed but knowing he is whole, perfect and forever happy in Paradise with Jesus is a true blessing and comfort. Cameron wants everyone to truly come to know Jesus, to learn the truth and become one with Him. Please Honor Cameron by Honoring our Lord Jesus.
Cameron is truly a wonderful and vibrant young man whose life, though brief, was filled with accomplishments and cherished moments with many. A proud graduate of Sullivan High School in 2025, Cameron is a sophomore at Greenville University, where he was pursuing his dreams of Sports Management specifically Golf Course Management and touching lives with his magnetic personality and uplifting smile.
From an early age, Cameron demonstrated an unwavering passion for sports, particularly golf and baseball. He spent countless hours perfecting his swing and sharing his love for the game with friends both on and off the field. His dedication to sports was evident not only in his participation but also in his deep involvement with the Sullivan High School Baseball and Golf Program, where he hoped to inspire future athletes.
Cameron's work ethic was commendable. During his high school years, he worked at Sullivan IGA, and later at Meadow View Golf Course in Mattoon, IL. Through these roles, he developed strong community ties and nurtured friendships that he treasured dearly. His colleagues and peers remember him as someone who brought light to every room and joy to every interaction.
An active member of the Church of Christ in Sullivan, IL, Cameron's faith was an integral part of his life. He was also a proud member of the Sullivan Country Club, where he spent many happy hours on the greens, sharing laughs and camaraderie.
Beyond his achievements and affiliations, Cameron was a bright light in the lives of those who were fortunate enough to know him. His magnetic personality and uplifting smile were a testament to his caring nature and his ability to make everyone feel valued and loved. Whether he was spending time with friends or engaged in his favorite hobbies, Cameron's presence was always a source of happiness and inspiration.
Cameron's family, friends, and community will forever feel the void left by his untimely departure. In honor of his life and passions, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Sullivan High School Baseball and Golf Program, ensuring that Cameron's legacy will continue to inspire young athletes to pursue their dreams with the same dedication and enthusiasm that he did.
As we bid farewell to our dear Cameron, we celebrate a life lived with love, laughter, and a spirit that touched us all. May his memory be a guiding light, and may he rest in peace, forever remembered and cherished.
Surviving are his parents Jason and Melissa Crowe of Sullivan; brothers Caleb (Allie) Crowe and Cody Crowe of Sullivan; maternal grandparents John and Carol Kurr of Hammond; paternal grandparents Jim and Jackie Tholen of Atwood; nephew Waylon Crowe and niece Raelynn Crowe.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather Donald Crowe.
LLC summer volleyball camp
•June 24, 2026•
Lake Land College is holding a summer volleyball camp for children ages 6 through high school. The camp will be held across two weeks, July 20th through 23rd and July 27th through 30th, at Emerald Acres Sports Connection, located at 1201 Woodell Way in Mattoon. The camp will give players of all skill levels the chance to develop their abilities, improve their fundamentals, and explore the game of volleyball with immersive drills and structured training. Campers will be placed into four separate groups based on age, and the camp will be divided each day into four sessions, one for each age group: 10 and under, 9:00 to 10:00 a.m.; 11 years old and 6th grade, 10:15 to 11:45 a.m.; 7th and 8th grade, 12:30 to 2:00 p.m.; and High School, 2:15 to 3:45 p.m.
Read MoreCruisin for St. Jude’s
•June 24, 2026•
On Saturday, August 22nd, the ‘Cruisin’ for St. Jude’s Jeep and Bike run will be held. Entries are $10 per person, and registration begins at 10:00 a.m. at The Publisher in Bethany with a noon departure. There will be raffles, a 50/50 drawing, a scavenger hunt, and the party will continue after the event at the Publisher with DJ Ponch from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. The route this year is as follows: The Publisher in Bethany, the Sullivan American Legion in Sullivan, Old No. 1 in Windsor, Arches Brew and Pizza in Findlay, The Shamrock Club in Dalton City, and ends back at The Publisher.
OSFM: $6M in small equipment grants
•June 24, 2026•
The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM) recently announced the recipients of the 2026 Small Equipment Grant Program. A total of $6 million was awarded to 260 fire departments/districts and EMS providers across the state. The program was established to provide grants of up to $26,000 each for the purchase of small firefighting and ambulance equipment. “It is essential that our first responders have the funding and equipment they need to serve their communities,” said Illinois Governor. “I am proud to support our brave firefighters and EMS providers, and this state program helps deliver vital resources to emergency service departments across Illinois.”
Read MoreETML July happenings
•June 24, 2026•
Moving from June into July, the Elizabeth Memorial Library does not disappoint, with a full slate of events planned, groups meeting, and the popular Summer Reading Program continuing. Starting things off, there are the Story times, held every Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. The bounce house will be available after the story and craft.
Read MoreMoDo 4-H news and events
•June 24, 2026•
The MoDo 4-H’rs and their families are about to be even busier, with the events below scheduled and the MoDo 4-H’rs and their families busy getting ready, and having fun along the way. MoDo 4-H invites all families to participate in the following special events:
Sunday, July 26th: Pool party at 3:00 p.m., followed by dinner and play at Eberhardt Park.
Read More2026 Ag Scholars celebrated at luncheon
•June 24, 2026•
L-R: Angi Carter, VP of Lending at FCI’s Decatur office; Will Hilligoss, scholarship recipient; Kelly Hunt, FCI CEO.
The class of 2026 Farm Credit agriculture scholars was recognized during a scholarship luncheon at Carriage House Event Center in Altamont, Thursday, May 21st. A total of $75,000 of scholarships was awarded to 30 high school seniors. Each scholar receives $2,500 from FCI to pursue a degree within the field of agriculture. 25 of the students attended the recognition program. This marks the 22nd year of the Farm Credit Agriculture Scholarship Program, which has awarded over $938,500 to 566 students in central and southern Illinois since 2004. Scholarship selections are based on participation and leadership contributions within school and community organizations, a genuine passion for farming and/or agriculture, and a commitment to pursuing an agriculture-related career.
Read MoreSullivan FFA honored at State convention
•June 24, 2026•
Members of the Sullivan FFA chapter attended the 98th annual Illinois State FFA Convention June 9th through 11th, with more than 5,000 other FFA members, advisors, and guests. The theme for 2026 was “Sparking Your Future.” The event recognizes achievements of Illinois FFA members, elects the major state officer team, and celebrates agriculture. During the convention, the following awards were presented to the Sullivan FFA chapter with photos captured in the Farm Credit Newsroom:
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