•March 29, 2023•
The American Legion Auxiliary units of Arthur, Lovington and Atwood have announced the 2023 Department of Illinois Americanism Essay Contest that is sponsored locally. This year’s essay subject and title were “Who Are Our Modern Day Patriots?” Essays were judged by a team of local judges one each from Arthur, Lovington and Atwood. The three classes were Class I- 7th and 8th grades, Class II-9th and 10th grades and Class III-11th and 12th grades. Read More
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Planning and Zoning Director Addresses Permitting and Inspections For Water Plant and Demolition of City Building
•March 29, 2023•
by Crystal Reed
During the last city council meeting Jan Haegan approached the council about permitting and inspections for the new water plant and whether a demolition permit was obtained for the demolition of the city building. At this week’s meeting, Kristi Hart, Planning and Zoning Director for Moultrie County and the City of Sullivan spoke during public comment. In regards to the city pulling permits for city projects, Hart noted that since the city charges for permit to generate revenue, as well as to regulate what is being built, for the city to pay itself for a permit is not necessary. “However, going forward I would like to see the city pull a no-fee permit to have on file in case there is a question as to whether the city is following its own rules. This should clear up any confusion in the future,” she said.
As far as the water plant project, Hart and Commissioner Woodworth had spoken several times over the past few weeks. She noted that the project was brought before the council and therefore the public several times for different aspects of the project. Hart noted again that pulling a no-fee permit would have been the right thing to do to make sure all the bases were covered. Read More
Desserts with Dove

Photo by Crystal Reed
Desserts with Dove
Desserts with Dove was held at Sullivan First United Methodist Church on Thursday, March 23. The event gave members of the community the opportunity to meet staff members who work in Moultrie County and learn about the organization’s programs and ways to volunteer. Dove, Inc. offers a variety of programs including financial assistance, Homeward Bound, Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), Domestic Violence Program and others. From left to right are Barbara Blakey, Becky Comstock, Molly Tenuto and Dustin Depperschmidt.
Scholarship Applications
•March 29, 2023•
The Robert and Leila Lorenson Scholarship is available to graduates of Arthur Lovington Atwood Hammond High School. The application can be obtained from the school website. High school students should apply by April 15 and postsecondary students by June 1.
Live Music in Allenville
•March 29, 2023•
There will be live music on Friday, March 31 from 7mto 9 pm at the Allenville Community Building across from the white church. Music will be provided by Rob and The Rebels.
Rhodes Named to Dean’s List
•March 29, 2023•
Keegan Rhodes, from Mattoon, was named to the Milwaukee School of Engineering’s Dean’s List for the 2023 Winter Quarter. Rhodes is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. Undergraduate students who have earned at least 30 credits and have a cumulative GPA of 3.20 or higher (out of 4.0) are on the Dean’s List. Students who have maintained a 3.70 or higher receive “high honors.”
Mobile Food Pantry
•March 29, 2023•
The University of Illinois Extension, in cooperating partnership with Decatur Catholic Charities and Sullivan United Methodist Church, will host a mobile food pantry on Wednesday, April 19 from 4 to 5 pm at Windsor Grade School. A mobile food pantry delivers a two week supply of food per family in rural communities. Any individual or family that does not have a steady food supply qualifies to receive food. No financial information is required to qualify. This distribution is open to all, not only residents of Windsor. Sign up by Wednesday, April 12 by 4:30 pm by calling 217-774-9546 from 8 am to Noon and 1 pm to 4:30 pm during business hours only. Once your form is completed by phone, you will be given a number to bring with you on the day of distribution. If you lose your number, you need to bring identification. The food will be distributed according to household size on April 19 from 4 pm to 5 pm at the Windsor Grade School cafeteria.
Recent Obituaries: Billy Joe Robbins
Billy Joe Robbins
Billy Joe Robbins, 87, of Bethany, passed away 7:41 p.m. Tuesday, March 21, 2023, at his home, surrounded by his family.
Billy is survived by his wife, Arletta of Bethany; son, Larry Robbins of Allenville; daughters, Glenda Rigg of Mt. Zion and Cheryl (Mike) Kidwell of Bethany; grandchildren, Michelle (Greg) Owczarzak, Todd (Kristi) Rigg, Nathan (Sara) Robbins, Quinn (Jeremy) Richardson, Laniesa (James) Robbins, Daniel (Lauren) Kidwell, Derick (Kaylee) Robbins, Travis (Deniel) Robbins and Taylor Robbins; brothers, James, Eugene; half-brothers, Steve, Gary (Joan) and Karl (Barbara); step-brother, Kenny (Ruby) Butt; step-sisters, Doris Prater and Betty Clevenger. He is also survived by 25 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, son, Billy Joe Robbins, Jr., 6 brothers and 2 sisters.
The family would like to give a special thanks to Sarah Bush Lincoln Hospice for their wonderful care of Billy.
Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mcmullinyoung.com
Obituaries 3-22-2023: Melissa Lane
Melissa Lane
Melissa Dawn Lane, 51, of Dalton City, passed away at 9:59 p.m., Friday, March 17, 2023, in her home. Read More
Obituaries 3-22-2023: Dorothy McComas
Dorothy McComas
Dorothy Ellen McComas passed away Wednesday, March 8, 2023, at the age of 95, while residing at Lakewood Senior Living in Boiling Springs, South Carolina. Read More
