Jayden Taber
Jayden N. Taber, 30, of Monticello, passed away at 10:54 p.m. Monday, July 13, 2026.
Read MoreObituaries 7-22-2026: Jayden Taber
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Obituaries 7-22-2026: Norma Standerfer
Norma Standerfer
Norma Jean Standerfer, 90, of Sullivan, formerly of Bethany, passed away 3:51 p.m. Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at Heritage Woods of Sullivan.
Read MoreObituaries 7-22-2026: E. Ann Elder
E. Ann Elder
E. Ann Elder, 73, of Sycamore, IL died on July 11, 2026 at the DeKalb County Rehab and Nursing Center.
Read MoreMid-Illinois Senior Services celebrates America’s 250th birthday
•July 22, 2026•
by Jamie Crosier
Patriotic decorations, American flags and familiar songs welcomed guests Thursday, July 16, as Mid-Illinois Senior Services Inc. hosted a celebration honoring America’s 250th birthday.
Mid-Illinois Senior Services serves as the Aging and Disability Resource Center and Coordinated Point of Entry for the East Central Illinois Agency on Aging. The celebration featured guest speaker Becky Lawson, followed by a free lunch of Blackstone-grilled hamburgers, sides and dessert. Entertainment was provided by the American Patriots Band.
Read MoreIAHC Steam Threshing Days set
•July 22, 2026•
Steam Threshing Days will be held on Friday, July 31 from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturday, August 1 from 7:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the Illinois Amish Heritage Center on Illinois Route 133, six miles west of Arcola and three miles east of Arthur.
The purpose of this event is to show attendees how crops were grown and harvested during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Amish continue using many of these methods in their farming operations today. This event continues to expand each year and the 2026 event promises to be the best and biggest show yet.
Read MoreSparrows Unlimited auction brings Christmas spirit to Lovington in July
•July 22, 2026•
by Jamie Crosier
Christmas trees, holiday decorations and live music may seem out of place in the middle of summer, but that’s exactly what visitors might find when Sparrows Unlimited hosts its annual Christmas for the Kids Auction on Saturday, July 25, in the grassy lot outside East End Tavern in Lovington. The daylong fundraiser combines entertainment, food, family activities and a silent auction, with proceeds benefiting local children and families.
For Pam Anklam, president of Sparrows Unlimited, the event represents much more than a fundraiser.
“The first thing I would want people to know is that Sparrows Unlimited is made up of ordinary, hardworking people who simply want to make a difference in the lives of others,” Anklam said. “We aren’t a large organization with paid staff—we’re volunteers who care deeply about our community and are committed to helping local children and families.”
That volunteer spirit has carried the organization for 32 years.
Read MoreA Look Back…7-22-2026
2016
One hundred fifteen kids, numerous donations, and a little heart let the Summer Park Program flourish in Sullivan. Jake and Melissa Haegen worked hard to improve Sullivan’s Park and Rec program. An over 50-year-old program evolved from 30 to 40 kids to 115, from two supervisors to multiple teenage volunteers who had been through the program, and from a quick lunch break to a provided food program.
Blair Monroe of Bethany and Ben Bushue of Solomon won ribbons in the Moultrie Douglas Fair 4-H Livestock show.
Read MoreDelinquent tax auction
•July 22, 2026•
Moultrie County, as Trustee, has completed their tax deed proceedings on real estate properties that were delinquent for 2022 and prior real estate taxes. The County, as Trustee, will now offer for sale the real estate obtained to the public. They will offer approximately 5 items through a sealed bid auction sale. All sealed written bids must be in the Moultrie County Treasurer’s Office located in the Moultrie County Courthouse, 10 S. Main Street – Suite 10, Sullivan, Illinois 61951 no later than the close of business on August 14, 2026. All online bids must be submitted via www.iltaxsalebids.com no later than the close of business on August 14, 2026.
The sale of these lots should be a major benefit to both the Taxing Districts and the neighboring property owners. This sale will place the properties into the hands of individuals who have an interest in owning them. The County, as Trustee, hopes that these new owners will both maintain the property and keep the real estate taxes paid. By eliminating abandoned properties, the appearance of the neighborhood should improve, and the value of adjoining properties should increase.
The required minimum bid is just $826.00 per item. All items will be sold to the highest sealed bid received on or before August 14, 2026. Complete bidder’s packets and sale catalogs are now available at the Moultrie County Treasurer’s Office or online at www.iltaxsale.com.
For further sale information, contact the Auction Sale Department of the Moultrie County Tax Agent’s Office. The telephone number is 1-800-248-2850 or 618-656-5744 or visit us at www.iltaxsale.com. Office hours are 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Fridays.
Bethany Blood Drive
•July 22, 2026•
The Bethany fire station, located at Route 121, Bethany, will be the site of a Bethany Community Blood Drive on Tuesday, August 11, from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. For an appointment, call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit RedCrossBlood.org.
Bring a photo ID or your blood donor card, or two other forms of ID. Save up to fifteen minutes when you donate blood by using RapidPass. Visit RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass for more information.
If you are eligible type O, B or A donor, consider making a Power Red donation. Red blood cells are the most commonly transfused blood component.
The Blood Drive is hosted by the Theta Psi cheese ball ladies of Bethany.
Dalton City Car Show
•July 22, 2026•
The 16th Annual Dalton City Car Show All Wheel Extravaganza will be held Sunday, July 26 from noon to 5:00 p.m. Registration will begin at 10:00 a.m. in downtown Dalton City. The registration fee is $20 and goody bags will be given to the first 150 entries. An MC/DJ will provided entertainment throughout the day, food trucks and vendors will be on site and a silent auction and 50/50 will be held.
For more information contact Harley’s Hideout 217-874-2309, Shamrock Pub 217-874-9701 or email daltoncitycarshow@gmail.com