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Trojans halt Knights quest for championship

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•November 26, 2025•

by E. Scott England

The Maroa-Forsyth Trojans are known around Illinois football for their domination. Head coach Josh Jostes has been with the Trojans since 2000. By his seventh year, he had led his team to an undefeated championship season. Since then, the Trojans have found their way to eight additional title games, collecting one more championship while falling short in the big game the other seven times. Jostes’ record over the 26 years stands at 247-67.

Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond on the other hand has never reached the championship. The furthest they have made it prior to this year was the second round. But under the direction of head coach Ryan Jefferson, ALAH has become a regular post-season participant. Jefferson is in his eighth year as head coach with a record of 55-25. And this year, he led his team to a 9-0 conference record and then tacked on an additional three more wins in the playoffs. Just like that, the Knights entered their first semifinal playoff appearance. 

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ALAH School Board reviews building options, approves tentative tax levy

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•November 26, 2025•

by Ariana R Cherry

The ALAH School Board received updates on the district’s ongoing high school building project during its regular meeting this past week, including a review of three potential design options that will soon require board direction. Representatives from BLDD Architects and CORE Construction—architect Damien Schlitt and construction manager Britt Steffen—attended the meeting to share progress on planning the new high school facility. After a two-day feedback process involving teachers and students, three building options were presented, with square footage ranging from approximately 48,000 to 58,000 square feet. While the layouts differ, all three prioritize creating spaces that support instruction, collaboration, and small-group learning.

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A Look Back: 11-26-2025

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2015

“The checkbook currently has $7,169, 575.50 and all the funds are in the black,” stated Superintendent Ken Schwengel at the Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond School Board meeting. “The state aid payments are scheduled through December 20, but after the first of the year, I am not sure what will happen,” he stated. “We’ve not received 90% of the property taxes and have not received any incentive funding yet,” he added.

Varsity Scholastic Bowl had a tough night against the leaders of the CIC in St. Theresa and Warrensburg-Latham. The first match against W-L ended in a loss, 180-230. Grace Mauck led the team with five tossups, and Ryan Baker had two.

Nine Arthur-L/Atwood-Hammond FFA members traveled to Louisville, Kentucky, joining a record 65,173 FFA members, advisors, and guests from all fifty states, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands attending the annual National FFA Convention.

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Winter Coat Drive

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•November 26, 2025•

The Giving Place, in conjunction with Allied Capital Title, is holding a winter coat drive. They are accepting clean, gently worn, or new winter coats as well as other winter gear. Drop off locations are at Allied Capital Title between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., 18 W Harrison Street in Sullivan, or The Giving Place between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., at 1102 W Jackson Street, Sullivan. 

These coats are available for anyone in Moultrie County or the ALAH School District. If you need a coat, come to Allied Capital Title during business hours.

Christmas in the Park

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•November 26, 2025•

The Lovington Working Women’s Collective will host their annual Christmas in the Park event on Saturday, November 29th, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Tom Conn Park in Lovington. The community is invited to join in as they kick off the holiday season with an afternoon filled with festive cheer, community spirit, and magical moments for all ages. This event is free and open to the public. Bring your family, friends, and holiday spirit to celebrate the season with the Lovington community.

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Sullivan American Legion Auxiliary present Veterans Day art, essay awards

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•November 26, 2025•

Front row L-R: Millie Hendry, Erin Woolridge, Sadie Meadows, River Polley, Claire Kursell, and Becky Lawson. Back row: Tina Bolsen, Sullivan American Legion Auxiliary President; Ruth Keown, and Mike Keown.

The Sullivan American Legion Auxiliary Unit #68 presented awards for its 2025 Veterans Day Art and Writing Contest at their Veterans Day Dinner on November 7th. Club Vice President Ruth Keown, Sgt. at Arms and contest coordinator Becky Lawson, and Sullivan American Legion Post 68 Board Member Mike Keown gave out trophies to junior Claire Kursell (1st place 11th/12th grade art and Best in Show); sophomore River Polley (1st place 9th/10th writing); and to three 5th graders who submitted art pieces: Sadie Meadows, first place; Erin Woolridge, second place; and Millie Hendry, third place.

Claire Kursell with her Best in Show and 1st place 11th/12th grade art piece.

Claire Kursell also received a monetary award for her Best in Show piece, and Polley was recognized for his piece, which honored Moultrie County veterans. Auxiliary President Tina Bolsen and Secretary/Treasurer Melanie Byers also assisted with the contest and the dinner.

Windsor Wonderland

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•November 26, 2025•

The W.H.A.T. civic group invites everyone to celebrate the season at Windsor Wonderland, happening Saturday, December 6th, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. This much-anticipated holiday tradition is packed with festive activities and free fun for all ages.

The evening begins with the Golf Cart and ATV Lighted Parade, a vibrant spectacle of illuminated vehicles spreading holiday cheer. Parade participants will line up at the Windsor High School parking lot at 4:30 p.m., with the parade kicking off at 4:45 p.m. The procession will culminate at the Community Christmas Tree, where the tree lighting ceremony will officially launch the evening’s festivities at 5:00 p.m.

Santa Claus will make his grand arrival as part of the parade and will be available for visits at the Windsor Library until 6:30 p.m. Families can take photos and share their holiday wishes with Santa. Adding to the magic of the evening, Windsor CUSD will serve a free chili and hot dog dinner, ensuring everyone stays warm and well-fed. Guests can also enjoy a variety of activities, including: live reindeer for an up-close holiday experience, cookie decorating for all ages, a mini cake walk with tasty treats to win, and a cozy hot cocoa bar to warm your hands and hearts.

These activities, planned by community groups, churches, and local businesses, are completely free of charge. For more information about the parade, please contact Josh Hartman at (217) 259-1340. Don’t miss this evening of festive fun and community spirit. Bring your family, friends, and holiday cheer to Windsor Wonderland and make lasting memories.

‘Greenery and Glitter’ holiday workshop

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•November 26, 2025•

On Saturday, December 13th, Mo-Do 4-H will be holding a “Greenery and Glitter” event at the Arthur United Methodist Church, 128 E Illinois Street in Arthur, at 10:30 a.m., running until noon. All are invited to attend, whether 4-H or not. This event is for children aged Pre-K to 18.

Activities include making a holiday greenery centerpiece (floriculture project related). Also available are the following make-and-take stations: clay snowman, pine cone decorating, nature craft, numerous ornament painting options, chemistry fun with bath bomb making, and a choose-your-own 4-H-themed ornament to take home.

There will also be a snack station with Christmas cookies and Grinch hot chocolate. Feel free to wear comfy holiday gear. This event is made possible thanks to Dr. Christina Edmonds Berhend, Darla Chouinard, the Moultrie-Douglas Emerging Leaders 4-H Club, and financial support from the Moultrie-Douglas Foundation. 

Pre-registration is required by December 1st at: https://registration.extension.illinois.edu/start/moultrie-douglas-4-h-holiday-party

“Christmas Traditions” event

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•November 26, 2025•

On December 5th, Sullivan’s “Christmas Traditions” event downtown begins at 4:00 p.m. Santa will be in his house near the pavilion on the square, and the Sullivan Hometown Holiday Lighted Parade will begin at 6:00 p.m. The parade route has been shortened this year and will begin at the SCED office parking lot, 112 N. Main St., across from McDonald’s. Those wishing to sign up go to: https://forms.gle/DqsykuA74QzZ8LFFA.

Recent Obituaries: Billie Jean (Hutchinson) Lawyer

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Billie Jean (Hutchinson) Lawyer, 63, passed away unexpectedly, leaving her family and all who loved her deeply heartbroken but forever grateful for the love she so freely gave. Born on March 2, 1962, Billie lived a life defined by kindness, generosity, and an unwavering devotion to caring for others.

On July 26, 1985, she married the love of her life, Bill Lawyer, and together they shared nearly 41 years of partnership, devotion, and family. Billie cherished her role as a wife, mother, and “Grandma Billie” more than anything. Her family was her world.

She is survived by her husband, Bill; her daughter, Whitney (Dustin) Cole, and grandchildren Isla, Brooks, and Knox; and her son, Blayne (Danielle) and grandchildren Harper and Hudson. She also leaves behind her beloved dogs, Bear and Jaxx, who she spoiled endlessly—especially with treats—and who brought her daily joy. They were her boys.  

Billie had a heart of gold that overflowed with love. She found joy in making others happy—whether creating treat bags for trick-or-treaters, putting together thoughtful gifts for the EIU women’s golf team, or showering her children and grandchildren with surprises big and small. She loved giving, celebrating, and finding little ways to brighten someone’s day.

She treasured her yearly beach trips to Florida with her sister, Abbie, a tradition filled with sunshine, laughter, and the simple happiness of being together.

A visitation will be held for friends and loved ones from 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 26, 2025 in the Reed Funeral Home, Sullivan. Online condolences may be sent to the family at reedfuneralhome.net.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Toys for Tots in Billie’s memory. The holiday season was something she looked forward to every year. She loved Christmas and sharing joy with children during the holiday season was something she loved deeply. We would love to continue that tradition in a meaningful way to honor her generous spirit through donating toys for children in need. Through this, we hope to carry forward the love and kindness our sweet, Grandma Billie, shared so freely.

Billie’s life was a beautiful reflection of gratitude, generosity, and heart. Her love will continue to guide and bless her family forever. We will miss her more than words can say.