Gene Dolan
Gene Dolan, 82, of Sullivan, passed away 5:42 p.m. Monday, April 20, 2026, at St. Elizabeth Hospital in O’Fallon, IL.
Read MoreObituaries 4-29-2026:
webmaster
Obituaries 4-29-2026: Mary Lee Dimond
Mary Lee Dimond
Mary Lee was born September 18, 1931 at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, Illinois. She was the only child of Mary Blanche (Howerton) Hill and Joseph Lee Hill. She passed away peacefully on April 17, 2026 in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
Read MoreA Look Back…4-29-2026
2016
David Bowers spent the better part of his life in Lovington, reaching out to touch someone. Even though he retired from family-owned Moultrie Independent Telephone Company at the end of March, he wasn’t going to stop being involved. “When you live a full life, life is fulfilling,” Bowers said, noting his retirement as vice president and plant supervisor gave him time to concentrate on other community needs.
Country Financial Representative Elizabeth Houser of Sullivan earned a position on the Insurance group’s Distinguished All-American team. Houser was among a select group of top Country Financial agency managers and financial representatives who qualified for the award.
Read More50th annual Spring Rendezvous a blast
•April 29, 2026•
The National Anthem was beautifully performed by Jill Deters.
by DM Williamee
The Prairieland Frontiersman’s 50th Annual Spring Rendezvous, held on April 24th-26th at the Prairieland Frontiersman Club Grounds in Sullivan, resulted in a packed campground enjoying both the event and the perfect weather on Saturday. This year’s celebration commemorated both the 50th Spring Rendezvous and the 250th birthday of the United States.
Read MoreOV’s Stauder: Superintendent of Distinction
•April 29, 2026•
Dr. Kent Stauder, superintendent of Okaw Valley CUSD #302, has been named the 2026 Superintendent of Distinction by his peers in the Abe Lincoln Region of the Illinois Association of School Administrators (IASA). Stauder was honored at an awards luncheon on April 23 in Springfield, where 21 regional Superintendents of Distinction were recognized. Dr. Steven Isoye, Chair of the Illinois State Board of Education, served as the featured speaker.
Read MoreFree summer meal program
•April 29, 2026•
Sullivan Schools will be providing meals at no cost to anyone 18 and under in the Sullivan area. They plan to deliver door-to-door to anyone who would like to receive meals within the Sullivan School District. This will occur one day per week with 7 days of meals per child. Meal delivery will begin the week of May 26th and run through August 6th. The Sullivan School District will also continue a meal pickup program for families who reside outside of the Sullivan School District. Those families may pick up meals at the Sullivan Elementary School from 3:00 to 5:30 p.m. on Tuesdays beginning June 2nd. If you are interested in signing up for either program, please contact Becky Batman at (217) 728-8341 ext. 1221 or via email at batmanb@sullivan.k12.il.us no later than May 9th. Sullivan School District encourages everyone to take advantage of this free program.
SAIL: Personal Assistant training
•April 29, 2026•
Soyland Access to Independent Living (SAIL) will hold a Personal Assistant Training for people interested in working as a Personal Assistant. The training will be held in Shelbyville on Thursday, May 14th, from 1:00 to 3:30 p.m. at the Shelbyville SAIL office, 1604 West Main Street.
Personal Assistants are employed by people with disabilities to perform household chores and personal care tasks in their homes and are paid by the State of Illinois through the Department of Rehabilitation program. Participants in the training must be registered in advance and arrive by 1:00 p.m. Those who complete the training will have their names added to both the SAIL referral list and the INCIL statewide registry as potential employees for people with disabilities to hire. For more information about the Personal Assistant Training or to sign up for the training, contact Emily Dobson at 217-876-8888, 800-358-8080, or edobson@decatursail.com.
Recent Obituaries: Gene Dolan
Gene Dolan, 82, of Sullivan, passed away 5:42 p.m. Monday, April 20, 2026, at St. Elizabeth Hospital in O’Fallon, IL.
Funeral services will be held 3:00 p.m. Saturday, April 25, 2026, at the McMullin-Young Funeral Home, Sullivan. Visitation will be held from 1:00-3:00 p.m. Saturday, at the funeral home. Burial will be held in French Cemetery, Allenville, with Military Rites by the Sullivan American Legion Post #68. Memorials may be made to the Sullivan American Legion Post #68.
Gene was born September 18, 1943, in Decatur; the son of Paul James and Mary B. (Rochat) Dolan. He served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Gene married Arletta Walker on February 28, 1965, in Gays; she survives. He was a member of the Sullivan American Legion Post #68.
From humble beginnings, Gene grew up on the family farm in rural Moultrie County, where he developed an early love for agriculture. Under the guidance of his father and uncles, he learned the values of hard work, discipline, and dedication that would shape the course of his life. In high school, he further cultivated his passion through his involvement in FFA, laying the groundwork for a lifelong career in farming.
Gene went on to become a respected and accomplished livestock farmer, known for his strong work ethic and commitment to providing for his family. His dedication to the land and to his animals was evident in all he did, and he took great pride in the life he built through years of perseverance and care. In his younger years, Gene enjoyed hunting and fishing, finding both adventure and peace in the outdoors. He was well known for his fun-loving spirit and, as many would fondly say, his “ornery” personality—qualities that endeared him to friends and family alike. Above all else, Gene’s greatest joy was his family, whom he loved deeply and wholeheartedly.
Gene is survived by his wife, Arletta Dolan of Sullivan; daughter, Paula (Tim) Coffer of Sullivan; grandchildren, Gareth Coffer and Anyssa Coffer both of Sullivan; brother, Lynn (Sarah) Dolan of Normal. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents.
Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mcmullinyoung.com
OVHS 2026 Prom Court
Front row: (L to R) Katelin Livingston, Reese Bruns, Aubree McBride, and Ava Harshman. Back Row: (L to R) Brady McQuilling, Ames Drollinger, Tucker Montgomery, and Wyatt Hildebrandt. This year’s Prom will be held on April 25th, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Mt. Zion Convention Center.
Lovington pavilion renovation
•April 22, 2026•
by DM Williamee
As many locals have noticed, the much-loved park in Lovington has been closed for renovations, much to the chagrin of those who enjoy the park on a nearly daily basis. As part of the renovation process, Mayor Brittany Bates contacted a generational Lovington resident to gather historical information on the pavilion, and he provided newspaper articles indicating the park may have first received the pavilion around 1904. While historical records are limited, it is clear that this structure has been an important part of Lovington for well over a century. The pavilion has undergone several changes over the years, including the removal of the original side walls and stage area to accommodate restrooms and storage space, as well as multiple roof replacements and ongoing concrete repairs as needed.
Read More