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Recent Obituaries: Colleen Brewer

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Colleen Brewer

Colleen Brewer, age 69, passed away peacefully on May 24, 2026, at DMH, with her loving sister and brother-in-law by her side.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, May 29, 2026, at McMullin-Young Funeral Home in Bethany. Visitation will be held an hour prior to the service Friday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Todd’s Point Cemetery, rural Findlay. Memorials may be made to Moultrie County PAWS: 10 Leisure Acres, Sullivan, IL 61951.     

She was born on October 5, 1956, in Decatur, to William and Betty Brewer. Colleen is now reunited with her parents, William and Betty, embraced once again in their love—a reunion long awaited, bringing her eternal peace.

She is survived by her siblings: Michael (Margie) Brewer of Bethany, Gene (Linda) Brewer of Nebraska, Charles (Cheri) Brewer of Bethany, David Brewer of Bethany, and Chris (Brian) Richardson of Bethany; as well as her aunt, Nancy Freeman of Georgia. She also leaves behind many cherished nieces and nephews, along with great-nieces and great-nephews who will remember her in their own special ways.

Colleen was known for her strength and her straightforward nature. She lived life on her own terms, with a spirit that was independent and unwavering. She devoted many years of her life to caring for her parents, a role she carried out with quiet dedication and steadfast commitment. Though she may not have always expressed warmth in traditional ways, she loved her family deeply and consistently in her own way.

Her beloved fur babies, Miracle and Brat, will miss her dearly.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the nurses and staff at DMH for their compassionate care and support during this time.

Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mcmullinyoung.com

Town wide rummage sales – and more in Strasburg

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•May 20, 2026•

The Village of Strasburg will hold their annual town wide rummage sales and flea market on Saturday, May 23, beginning at 7:00 a.m. Sale locations, featured items and sale times will be posted on these Facebook pages: “Strasburg Community Action Network – SCAN” and “Strasburg, IL: Right In The Middle of Everything!”. Check the list as some sales will be held both Friday and Saturday.

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Community Market

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•May 20, 2026•
The second Lovington Farmer’s Market of the season was held last Thursday. The market is held the second Thursday of each month through August. Vendor spaces are free, if interested in participating call (217) 521-7632.

Lovington blood drive a success

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•May 20, 2026•


On Thursday, May 14th, at the Lovington First Church of God’s Family Life Center, the American Red Cross held a blood drive with a goal of acquiring thirty-three donations of blood and plasma. Their next blood drive will be held at the same location on July 9th, from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. Blood program leader, Shelley Martina, shows how it is done with the assistance of friend and assistant Julie Jurgens. Pictured L-R: Kasey Flynn, Hailee Insley, Shelley Martina, Carmen Whitney, and Julie Jurgens.

Phoenix Bass Fishing League winners

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•May 20, 2026•

Boater Hunter Russell of Salem, Illinois, caught a total of five bass weighing 15 pounds, 11 ounces, to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine on Lake Shelbyville. The tournament was the second of five events of the season for the BFL Illini Division. Russell earned $10,150, including the lucrative $7,000 Phoenix MLF Bonus, for his victory.

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Anna Turner garners Trailblazer Award 

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•May 20, 2026•

Pictured with Anna, right, is fellow ASPDA member and past President, Katie Knappenberg.

The American Sports and Performance Dietitians Association (ASPDA) announced the winners of the ASPDA Association Awards at their 18th Annual Conference on May 13th in New Orleans, LA. ASPDA members are nominated by the association’s members and voted on by the Board of Directors. Their work in their professional field throughout their career is carefully considered when selections are made. Each award recognizes those who are making a positive, undeniable impact in their respective categories. Anna Turner, MS, RD, CSSD, won the Trailblazer Award (Diversified Foods), which is in recognition of the visionary goals and groundbreaking innovation brought to the profession and to ASPDA.

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June Programs at the Lovington Public Library

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•May 20, 2026•

Make sure to sign up for the Summer Reading Program by June 30th.

June 1st and 15th - Needle night from 5:00 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.

June 2nd - Story time from 10:00 to 10:30 a.m. This month, we will have Father’s Day-themed stories and activities.

June 5th - Kids’ Coloring time will be from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. We will have a wide selection of coloring pages, sketch pads, and books on how to learn to draw. 

June 8th - Craft Club will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Bring whatever project you are working on and join us for the fun.

June 9th - Tyke time from 10:00 to 10:30 a.m. We will have a ladybug and insect matching activity for the little ones.

12th - Teen craft time will be from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. We will have a beach-themed craft to make. 

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Bring your burger-making skills to the next level this summer

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•May 20, 2026•

Hamburgers are a staple of summer menus in millions of homes. Whether you’re hosting friends on Memorial Day weekend or simply looking for a hearty midweek meal, burgers and summertime cooking go hand in hand.

Hamburgers are a straightforward dish that are often prepared on a grill. But burgers also can be prepared on a stovetop, which can add a new flavor profile to this beloved summertime staple. Those looking to do just that can try this recipe for “Beef Burgers With Onions, Spinach, Ketchup, and Blue Cheese” from Lines+Angles. 

Beef Burgers with Onions, Spinach, Ketchup, and 

Blue Cheese

Makes 4 Servings

For the sauce:

1 tablespoon olive oil

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Lovington Junefest 2026

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•May 20, 2026•

Lovington’s annual patriotic Junefest community celebration will be held on Saturday, June 13th this year. The fun-filled schedule of events is as follows:

7:00 to 10:00 a.m.- Fireman’s pancake breakfast; cost for the meal is a donation.

11:00 a.m.- The parade will be held beginning at the Park on State Street, West to Route 32, turning left (south) and then traveling south to Church Street, turning left and traveling East on Church Street, with the end point near Al Best Drive. (The traditional parade route).

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