•March 20, 2024•
Inspirational author Lisa Jones Baker will be at the Arthur Public Library on April 6th at 1:00 p.m. to speak about her new release “The Quilt Room Secret ‘’ which is set in Arthur. She will discuss what inspires her and her writing and editing process. “The Quilt Room Secret” will be available for purchase by cash or check and autograph. You may reserve your seat by calling the library at 217-543-2037.
•March 20, 2024•
Sullivan CUSD #300 is finding itself embroiled in yet another attempt to have its team name and mascot changed. Mind you, the district has never been the one to initiate the talks. But if the 103rd General Assembly has its way, the Sullivan Redskins will have to become the Sullivan [insert new name here] by September 1, 2027.
HB 5617 was introduced on February 9, 2024 by Rep. Maurice A. West, II (D-Rockford). The bill says “that a school board shall prohibit a school from using a native name, logo, or mascot that names, refers to, represents, or is associated with Native Americans, including aspects of Native American cultures and specific Native American tribes.” It does go on to say that “a school may continue to use uniforms or other materials bearing a native name, logo, or mascot that were purchased on or before the effective data of the Act until September 1, 2027. Read More
•March 20, 2024•
Finday farmer Troy Uphoff earned a first-place state award and second-place national award in the 2023 National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) National Corn Yield Contest with a yield of 362.49 bushels per acre. Troy won with DEKALB® DKC64-21RIB brand blend in the Conventional Non-Irrigated Class. Trent Uphoff earned a first-place state award and third-place national award in the 2023 NCGA National Corn Yield Contest with a yield of 324.84 bushels per acre. Trent won with DEKALB® DKC65-84RIB brand blend in the No-Till Non-Irrigated Class. Read More
•March 20, 2024•
By Angela Hogan
Wondering what’s the big deal about the April 8th solar eclipse?
A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and the Earth. When this happens, the moon blocks (eclipses) the Sun's light and casts a shadow on certain parts of the Earth.
According to NASA, solar eclipses occur “fairly often,” but they only shadow a specific geographic area about once every 100 years. This year, the total eclipse path will travel across southern Illinois. Parts of Illinois not in the total eclipse area may still experience a partial eclipse.
For many, witnessing a solar eclipse is a breathtaking experience. However, it's essential to prioritize safety while viewing this cosmic event and avoid risking your eyesight. Read More
2014
In the 20 years that the Sullivan Community Education Foundation has been awarding grand money to local organizations and groups, this year saw close too, if not the largest, payout. A total of $56,226.85 was awarded at last Thursday’s teacher appreciation dinner to various groups for eduction related to projects. Of that amount, more than $10,000 were donated.
Thoughtful silence filled the room for a few moments during a discussion regarding Policy 8:30 during last Wednesday’s Arthur-Lovingotn school board meeting. According to the present handbook, Policy 8:30 states “Arthur-Lovington District 305 has established a policy that prohibits guns, ammunition, knives and other weapons from school property”. Although, with the Concealed Carry Law, that could change. Read More
•March 20, 2024•
Illinois Farm Bureau® (IFB) is accepting applications for its Illinois Veterinary Education and Training (IVET) loan program. Loans are available to second-year veterinary students attending any accredited college of veterinary medicine in the U.S. and who are focusing on Illinois food animal medicine.
The IVET Program helps offset the high cost of veterinary education. The program loans up to $40,000 to as many as three veterinary students each year. Loans are made over a period of two to three years. IVET awards recipients a $1,500 stipend during their fourth year in school to help pay expenses associated with clinical rotations. Loans are repaid over five years, during which graduates must commit to working in a food animal practice that services Illinois livestock producers.
Applications are due May 15 and can be found online at www.ilfb.org/IVET.
The selection committee will interview eligible applicants in spring 2024. Successful applicants will be notified by mail. Loan disbursements begin in August.
IFB established IVET in 2005. Since then, the organization has awarded more than $610,000 to 29 veterinary students who focus on caring for food animals in Illinois.
For more information about the program, contact Tasha Bunting at 309-557-2993 or tbunting@ilfb.org.
About Illinois Farm Bureau
The Illinois Farm Bureau is a member of the American Farm Bureau Federation, a national organization of farmers and ranchers. Founded in 1916, IFB is a non-profit, membership organization directed by farmers who join through their county Farm Bureau. IFB has a total membership of more than 364,452 and a farmer membership of 75,959. IFB represents three out of four Illinois farmers.
Learn more about Illinois agriculture at www.ilfb.org. Connect with Illinois Farm Bureau on Facebook: Illinois Farm Bureau | Facebook. Follow IFB on Instagram @ilfarmbureau or on X @ILFarmBureau
Photo submitted
Game Night
The Bethany Free Methodist Church held a Community Game Night last Friday at the Marrowbone Public Library. The church holds activities the third Friday of each month to foster a sense of church and community interaction in a family friendly fun environment. When weather allows they will be looking toward doing more outdoor activities and using the church lawn.
Photo submitted
Dawkins Earns Second
Twelve year old Sylvia Dawkins, from Sullivan, earned a second place on her vault pass at the 2024 State Gymnastic Championships held in Bourbonnais, Illinois this past Saturday.
•March 20, 2024•
Fees increasing for the 2024-2025 school year
by Ariana R Cherry
Superintendent Shannon Cheek presented the winning bid to repair the Lovington Grade School parking lot at the most recent school board meeting. The winning bid was from Dunn Construction with an amount of $437,801, which also includes a $35,000 allowance. Cheek informed the board that the bid came in about $5,000 less than what had originally been estimated. The work also includes the entire replacement of the sidewalks and curbs that lead up to the building. “It is really needed and long overdue. We hope that the work is done before school starts for the next school year. It has been a long time coming,” commented Cheek.
It was also announced that fees will be increasing for the 2024-2025 school year. According to Cheek’s research, prices have stayed pretty consistent since the 2014-2015 school year aside from lunch fees. While the prices will increase, they still will be lower than several of the surrounding school districts. Cheek stated that most fees will see about a $5-$10 increase. Read More
Martha Mescher
Martha Ann Mescher, 81, of Bethany, passed away Monday, March 18, 2024, at The Loft in Decatur.
Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Friday, March 22, 2024, at the First Christian Church, Bethany. Read More