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Community shows for #AveryStrong

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•April 1, 2026•

by DM Williamee

Photo by DM Williamee
Pictured L-R, back row: Zak Hunnicutt, Joyce Bell, Clayton Mudd, Kelly Lane, Avery Willoughby, Landon Willoughby, Kathy Smith, Leland Willoughby, and Jo Willoughby.
Front: (kneeling) Brandon Babb, Austin Babb, Alice Moore, Lucy Shepard, and Tracy Willoughby.

On Saturday, March 28th, at the Sullivan American Legion, the community showed its support for local Avery Willoughby, who is currently battling metastatic carcinoma. Metastatic carcinoma is a cancer that originated in epithelial tissues (carcinoma) and has migrated, most commonly to the bones, liver, or lungs. Despite the grueling treatments and long road ahead, Avery keeps his spirits high, always with a ready smile for anyone.

Wearing custom T-shirts with #AveryStrong, locals supported Avery and his family through T-shirt sales, a silent auction, and a 50/50 raffle, while enjoying a pulled pork and spaghetti dinner. All proceeds will go directly toward Avery’s medical expenses, travel for treatments, and recovery care. As Tracy shared, “Family Strong backed by surrounding communities; we will win this Fight.”

A Look Back…4-1-2026

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2016

A bald eagle in a severely weakened state due to being kept illegally in captivity was euthanized. Illinois Conservation police officers Jason Moody and Brandon Barnes responded to a call about an injured eagle in a field near the Lake Shelbyville Wildlife Management Area in Moultrie County. The eagle made several attempts to fly but was unable to fly more than 20 yards.

Sullivan redskins baseball team topped the Heritage Hawks 4-3 in Sullivan action. Tom Schibur was the winning pitcher for Sullivan varsity, allowing three earned runs and throwing ten strikeouts in seven innings.

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April Dine with a Doc Tuesday, April 7

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•April 1, 2026•

Senior Education Ministries, Inc., in partnership with the Sullivan community, has announced the upcoming Dine with a Doc® program on Tuesday, April 7th, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The event will be held at the Moultrie County Senior Center (Mid-Illinois Senior Services Inc.), located at 113 E. Jefferson St., Sullivan. This event is free, and for those wanting to attend, call (217) 728-8521 to reserve your seat.

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Eight years on – housing project takes shape in Sullivan

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by Sharon Barricklow

If there is one thing Sullivan Economic Development Director Laurrie Minor knows, it is that the best projects sometimes take the longest to fruition. So Minor was happy to be at the Sullivan City Council on Monday, March 23, to share an update to an eight year long housing development designed to bring affordable housing to the community. 

“This process started eight years ago in 2018,” Minor told the council. “We began identifying uninhabitable houses in the community.”

Minor told the council she and others had entered abandoned homes, researched records and ultimately identified 30 properties in the city limits targeted for demolition and new construction. The properties were purchased in partnership with a developer and the lots cleared for new construction. The project then stalled out after a grant application was denied in 2020. 

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Easter Marketplace draws crowds

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•April 1, 2026•

Photo by DM Williamee

by DM Williamee

On Saturday, April 28th, at building 1225, the annual Easter Marketplace was packed to the rafters with consumers taking advantage of the shopping and socialization opportunity while enjoying the peppy pop music piped throughout. There was a clear sense of community as one walked throughout the market, watching friends and neighbors ask each other for advice on a purchase, chat together, and exchange hugs.

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Adam’ Voice performing

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•April 1, 2026•

Nashville Christian Recording Artists, Adams Voice, will be in concert at Dalton City United Methodist Church, 200 E Freeland Street, Dalton City, on Saturday, April 11th, at 6:00 p.m.

The public is invited to attend a concert by family singing group, Adams Voice, as they share their ministry through music and worship. Their song, “Come Sit on the Porch,” reached #2 on the Christian Music Weekly Chart. They have made appearances on Gaither Homecoming Videos and have performed the National Anthem at NFL, NBA, and Major League Baseball games. A free will offering will be taken.

Lovington ambulance membership

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•April 1, 2026•

Lovington Ambulance offers a $60 one-year membership, which includes two runs to any area hospital. Since they are not-for-profit, they rely on membership and subscriptions to operate. A single membership will cover everyone in your household. 

Should you use your allotted two runs, you can purchase another membership, which does not include non-emergency transport, or when an ALS ambulance is needed. Individuals can purchase a membership at the First Community Bank in Lovington or the Bank of Hammond. If you have any questions, contact Steve Fleming at (217) 259-9950. Support your local service by purchasing a membership. The life you save might be your own.

OVHS blood drive

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•April 1, 2026•

The Okaw Valley High School Student Council is sponsoring a blood drive with the American Red Cross on Friday, April 10th, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the high school gym at 709 S. St. John Street in Bethany. For an appointment, call 1(800) 733-2767 or visit RedCrossBlood.org. By donating at this blood drive, you are helping one or more graduating seniors earn a scholarship. 

OV’s NHS inductees

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Photo submitted

On March 19th, Okaw Valley shared their new National Honor Society inductees, pictured Left to Right: Alivia Garvin, Luci Barringer, Aubree McBride, Ames Drollinger, Katie Livingston, Reese Bruns, Braden Montgomery, Parker O’Dell, Kaydence Johnstone, and Sophia Tice. Not pictured: Kate Stauder, Ava Harshman, and Kevin Howard. 

Wiley an FFA STAR

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On March 21st, Sullivan High School student and FFA member Kolton Wiley competed at the State Awards Day at Mt. Zion, showcasing his skills in Agriculture Mechanics Repair and Maintenance, Entrepreneurship, as well as STAR in Agribusiness. Kolton earned the title of State Winner in his proficiency area and will be recognized at the State Convention.