•June 14, 2023•
The 2023 Freedom Celebration Parade will take place this year in Arthur on Saturday, July 1 starting at 2:00 p.m.
“A Star-Spangled Hometown Salute” is the theme for the 29th annual parade.
Individuals, organizations, churches, and businesses interested in participating in the parade should call Stephanie Wierman at 217-620-7460 to request a form or stop by the Welcome Center at 106 E. Progress to pick up a form. Read More
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Menu 6-14-2023
Senior Peace Meal
For additional information or for reservations, please call 1-800-543-1770
June 19 - Chili, Cheese Salad, Mandarin Oranges, Tomato Salad, Bread & Crackers
June 20 - Fried Chicken, Mashed Potatoes & Gravy, Green Bean Casserole, Coleslaw, Roll
June 21 - Turkey Pot Roast, Baby Bakers, Peas & Pearl Onions, Bread, Dessert
June 22 - Goulash, Mixed Greens, Corn Fruit
June 23 - Peppered Beef over Brown Rice, Glazed Carrots, Buttered Hominy , Fruit
Remember When? 6-14-2023
25 Years Ago This Week
Lovington Hall of Fame and Citizen of the Year award winners, the late Eva Buxton and the Rev. Kevin Ray, were announced following a talent show at Lovington’s June Fest. Buxton was inducted into the Lovington Hall of Fame. Ray was announced as Citizen of the Year. Alicia Strode and Marissa Bolsen were named Little Miss Lovington and Miss Lovington during the event. Read More
Decatur Audubon Society
•June 14, 2023•
The Decatur Audubon Society invites members and other interested persons to its June general meeting on Sunday, June 18, at 4:00 pm at the pavilion in Tabor Park in Sullivan, IL. Directions from Decatur: Take IL Hwy 121 into Sullivan; turn left after the signage to Wyman/Tabor Park just past the 4-way stop sign. After brief announcements, including future July & August confirmed meeting information, local resident and historian, Joseph Pound, will present a brief review of the history of Sullivan and its two city parks, Wyman and Tabor Parks. Following the presentation, attendees may optionally patronize a local restaurant.
Gov. Pritzker Signs Bill Making Illinois First State in the Nation to Outlaw Book Bans
•June 14, 2023•
Governor JB Pritzker was joined by Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, advocates, and lawmakers today at the Harold Washington Library to sign legislation outlawing book bans in Illinois. This nation-leading legislation comes in the wake of a nationwide rise in extremists targeting literature, libraries, and books in an effort to censor the material students need to thrive in the classroom. Targeted books cover a wide range of categories and predominantly consists of stories by and about People of Color and the LGBTQ+ community. Read More
Ice Cream Social
•June 14, 2023•
In celebration of 20 years in business, VanderBurgh Financial Services, LLC, and The Green Creamery will be hosting a complimentary ice cream social on Sunday, June 18, from 6-8pm, at VanderBurgh Financial Services office, 59 Cardinal Dr., Bethany.
John VanderBurgh purchased the accounting and tax service business in 2003 and would like to thank the Bethany & surrounding communities for the support through the years. The Green Creamery, based in Effingham, will have its ice cream food truck in the parking lot and include the menu of hand-dipped ice cream, water, teas, lemonade, and javas. One complimentary item will be offered per person.
Senior Heifer Calf Champion

Photo by Next Level Images
Senior Heifer Calf Champion
Kramers Nellie 1253 won senior heifer calf champion at the 2023 Atlantic National Super Point Roll of Victory (ROV) Angus Show, May 28 in Timonium, Md. Quentin Day, Lovington, owns the winning heifer.
Marrowbone Public Library summer reading program

photo by Crystal Reed
Children gather around Scovill Zoo volunteer John Arnold to pet a corn snake at Marrowbone Public Library during their first summer reading program of the summer. Volunteers Arnold and Sandy Bray brought several animals with them for children to see including a corn snake, kookaburra, turtle, guinea pig and tarantula.
City Council Discusses City Hall Project, Authorizes Rural Development Loan
•June 14, 2023•
by Crystal Reed
The Sullivan City Council held a regular meeting Monday, June 12.
Commissioner Abbey Sherwood shared an update on the city hall project. She gave a timeline of the project and the different locations they had explored. The former city hall was demolished in February of this year.
The first bid opening came in way over budget so council members went back to the drawing board. Sherwood noted that on May 23 she received a text message from Mayor Mike Mossman asking her to stop the further development of the building project . Sherwood said she respects the council’s decision, and they should definitely discuss it.
Mossman said before they can sign off on it, they need to know what has gone on with the project prior to the current council. Commissioner Doug Shook indicated he would like a chance to look at the plans for the building before he would be prepared to make a decision. He said he was concerned about ADA access. Read More
HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital Introduces Advanced Surgical Technology to Eliminate Cataracts
•June 14, 2023•
Cataracts effect more than 24 million people over the age of 40 in the United States according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital is addressing the growing need for improved eye care by establishing advanced ophthalmological surgical services here in Decatur.
St. Mary’s Hospital is the first in the region to use the LenSx® Laser featuring ASCEND Technology to perform cataract surgeries. This system uses advanced laser technology for enhanced precision and increased efficiency.
“A cataract is something we can take care of surgically as soon as it starts to bother you in your daily life,” said Dr. Kenneth Farr, ophthalmological surgeon. “Once we complete the surgery, your cataracts are gone for good.” Read More
