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Shrove Tuesday pancake fest draws in community

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Photo by DM Williamee
The hard-working crew behind the festivities, from pancakes and sausage to cupcakes and music: L-R: Ann Wheeler, Yvonne Workman, Lisa Hagan, Lois Shuman, Ron Weaver, Susan Connor, Ray Burris, and Teresa Lane.

by DM Williamee

On Tuesday, February 17th, locals flocked to the Sullivan First United Methodist Church to enjoy the church’s annual Shrove Tuesday pancake supper feast. With live music, festive decorations, and fabulously fluffy pancakes of multiple varieties, accompanied by sausage, the warm and joyous atmosphere was a wonderful display of community at its finest. Even before the doors officially opened, community members made their way in to enjoy the feast. 

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OVHS senior night

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•February 25, 2026•

Okay Valley held the 2026 boys basketball senior night on Friday, February 13 hosting the Argenta-Oreana Bombers.  

Recognized on the night were basketball seniors including manager Tyler Schwartz, Brady McQuilling, Wyatt Hildebrandt, Tucker Montgomery and Braden Montgomery.

Also recognized were cheerleader seniors Adriana Morell and Kate Stauder. The Timberwolves came away with a 82-70 victory on the night.

Redskins finish out regular season 19-10

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•February 25, 2026•

by E. Scott England

Head coach Spencer Plank has got to be proud of his team. After going on a tear late in the season, the boys entered last week on a five game win streak. Playing at home in front of a large crowd for senior night, the boys looked to extend that streak before taking to the road to close out the regular season in Warrensburg.

Heritage

The Heritage Hawks are having an okay season. Nothing great, nothing terrible. Though their record was 12-15, they were 5-5 in the Lincoln Prairie Conference. In other words, the Redskins needed to be wary of this potential sleeper team prowling their home court.

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Redskins’ season comes to a close in Monticello

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•February 25, 2026•

by E. Scott England

The #9 Sullivan Redskins travelled to Monticello Monday to face off against the #8 ranked Sages. These two teams faced off against each other back in December with Monticello emerging victorious by a 35-point margin. The Redskins have grown a lot since then, so they entered the game with hopes of advancing to the regional semifinals.

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Obituaries 2-25-2026: Pastor Jack Adwell

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Pastor Jack Adwell

Pastor Jack P. Adwell, 76, of Decatur, passed away at 7:28 p.m. Tuesday, February 17, 2026 in Shelbyville Manor Memory Care.

Celebration of Life services were held Monday, February 23, 2026, in the Life Foursquare Church in Decatur. Graveside services were also held Monday, February 23, 2026, in the Marrowbone Township Cemetery, Bethany. Memorials are suggested to the Life Foursquare Church in Decatur, the Alzheimer’s Association or to Shelbyville Manor Memory Care. Online condolence may be sent to reedfuneralhome.net. Arrangements by the Reed Funeral Home, Sullivan.

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March programs at the Lovington Public Library

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•February 25, 2026•

3rd - Story Time from 10:00 to 10:30 a.m. We will have Dr. Seuss-themed stories and a craft.

6th - Kids Craft Time from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.-We will be making a Dr. Seuss-themed craft.

9th and 23rd - Needle Night from 5 to 7:00 p.m.-If you would like to learn to crochet, knit, needlepoint, or even how to sew, we have people who can help teach you. If you already know how and just want to hang out, come join us.

10th - Tyke Time from 10:00 to 10:30 a.m.-We will have a color-matching activity.

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A Look Back…2-25-2026

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2016

Thomas Addison Florey was a leap year child, and February 29th, 2016, was his 21st birthday. That’s correct; the Bethany native was born February 29th, 1932, and he was technically not old enough to drink until now. 

All funds were in the black, but the transportation fund was a concern, Superintendent Kenny Schwengel told board members at the Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond meeting. “We spend about $80,000.00 a month. I think we will get at least one more mandated payment. We have only received one so far,” informed Schwengel.

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Second round of Sullivan Athletic HoF inducted

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•February 25, 2026•

by E. Scott England

Sullivan High School has started a new athletic Hall of Fame this year to honor the athletes who have thrilled fans on courts, fields, and pools over the years. During the first round of inductees, Roger Beavers, Seth Dunscomb, and Luke Standerfer were recognized. As promised, a second wave of inductees were honored a couple of weeks ago on a Saturday before the Sullivan Lady Redskins game. 

Stacy McLaughlin

Stacy McLaughlin (Class of 1982) was one of the first Sullivan lady athletes to make an impact on the court and track. Title IX of the 1972 Civil Rights Act prohibited the discrimination based on sex in schools. This landmark federal legislation opened the doors to women’s sports in schools. Less than 10 years later, Stacy showed why it was important to have women’s sports.

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Actor Shawn Woods speaks on ‘Loving Yourself’

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•February 25, 2026•

Photo by DM Williamee
Actor Shawn Woods shares his insights into recovery and self-love with those in attendance.

by DM Williamee

On Friday, February 20th, actor Shawn Woods, known for his roles in Charlie’s Angels and Sons of Anarchy, made a special speaking appearance at the invitation of Moultrie County’s ROSC and Dove programs at the Mid-Illinois Senior Services Center. The theme was ‘Loving yourself.’ This free, family-friendly event also included treats, as well as provided an opportunity for those in attendance to make their own valentines to themselves, as an expression of self-love. Mr. Woods also provided photo opportunities as well as autographs.

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