For Sullivan High School’s graduation Class of 2026, the Class President was Zaden Hussong, who also gave the official welcome. SHS Class Valedictorian was Mae Dawkins, and the Salutatorian was Madilyn Shonkwiler. A total of 77 students graduated this year, and 73 walked in the graduation ceremony. Graduation was held Sunday, May 17th.
•May 27, 2026•
Sarah Bush Lincoln will provide sports physicals to athletes from Sullivan schools and the Okaw Valley school district. Sports physical clinics will be held from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (closed noon to 1:00 p.m.) on Wednesday, June 3rd, and on Wednesday, August 5th at the SBL Sullivan Clinic, 7 Hawthorne Lane, Sullivan.
“We’re proud to offer these sports physicals as a way to give back to our local schools and support student-athletes,” SBL Vice President of Practice Management Brooke Zerrusen said. “By donating the fee to the schools’ athletic booster clubs, we’re helping strengthen programs that mean so much to our communities.”
The cost is $20 per physical. All fees from the June 3rd clinic will be donated to the Sullivan Sports Boosters, and fees from the August 5th clinic will be donated to the Okaw Valley Sports Boosters. Appointments are required and can be made by calling (217) 728-8441. These physicals do not meet the kindergarten, sixth, or ninth grade physical requirement. For more information, visit https://www.sarahbush.org/sportsphysicals/.
On Friday, May 22nd, Ruth Keown, Vice-President of the Sullivan American Legion Auxiliary Unit 68, greeted the public at the entrance to the local Post Office, distributing Memorial Poppies. Each year, millions of Americans wear these Memorial Poppies in memory of American service members who lost their lives in war while serving their country, and to assist those Veterans who are now hospitalized or in rehabilitation, suffering from wounds and illnesses. Memorial Day poppies distributed by the American Legion symbolize the ultimate sacrifice made by service members and are a tribute to those who lost their lives in war. Wearing the poppy is a way to honor the fallen and ensure their bravery is never forgotten.
The Battle of Sullivan’s Island
•May 27, 2026•
by Janet Roney
Two hundred and fifty years ago on June 1, 1776 (this coming Monday), a British fleet of nine warships carrying 300 cannon and seven regiments with 2,200 British soldiers, arrived in the harbor of Charleston, South Carolina. At the time, Charleston was as important to southern colonial trade as New York City was to the northern colonies. After scouting out the city’s only defense which was an unfinished fort on Sullivan’s Island at the entrance to Charleston’s harbor, the British believed it would be an easy victory and ordered the patriot rebels in control of Charleston to surrender. The British were in for a surprise.
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•May 27, 2026•
Bethany’s annual ‘Bethany Celebration’ will be held on Friday, June 19th, and Saturday, June 20th. The exciting schedule of events is as follows:
Friday the 19th
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•May 27, 2026•
by E. Scott England
The best of the best were on display in Charleston for the IHSA Class 1A girls’ state track prelims and finals held last week. Several athletes competed in both individual and relay competitions.
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•May 27, 2026•
by E. Scott England
It’s been a season of rebuilding for the Sullivan Redskins track team. Dominated by underclassmen, the team has seen its ups and down. But several highlights from the season have head coach John Bertetto only looking positive. “Our boys had another strong season with a young roster. Thirty-seven athletes are slated to return next season. The future is looking bright for our track program,” remarked Bertetto.
Read Moreby DM Williamee
Last Thursday, May 15th, Sullivan Elementary School held its annual Track and Field event, with parents, family, friends, and community members coming together to watch the elementary students give it their all. They competed in multiple events and enjoyed a wonderfully sunny late afternoon. As promised last week, the finish times, as well as historical record data, have been compiled for the students who competed this year, showing some love to our younger athletes.
2026 Placements
Kindergarten
Softball throw, Boys: Oliver Manuel, 1st, Bennett Daily, 2nd, Ollie Carpenter, 3rd
Kainan Weaver, 4th, Shane Artis, 5th.
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On Saturday, May 23rd, Sullivan American Legion Commander Rick Read, accompanied by his lovely bride Ronda Read, was at the corner of Hamilton and Jackson Streets with Post 68’s American Legion 1937 American LaFrance firetruck, distributing Poppies for Memorial Day. American Legion fire trucks are restored antique or modified fire engines owned by local Legion posts, serving as powerful symbols of community connection, veteran camaraderie, and patriotic service. Across the country, these trucks act as rolling tributes.
Dixie Johnson
Dixie Irene Johnson, 80, of Bethany, passed away 2:59 p.m. Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at St. Mary’s Hospital, Decatur.
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