Oliver Elder
Oliver “Ollie” D. Elder, 80, of Sullivan, passed away on Friday, May 22, in Mattoon, IL.
Read MoreObituaries 5-27-2026: Oliver Elder
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A Look Back…5-27-2026
2016
The 4th Grade Wax Museum at Sullivan Elementary School displayed a mix of pop culture and history. Students in the three 4th-grade classes of Kurt Freise, Drew Campbell, and Kay Lehman spent the past two months learning about characters from history and pop culture. Inside the elementary school gymnasium, those students became the characters they were studying.
The ALAH Knight softball team, under head coach Jerry Lane, ended the season with a 14-10 record, following regional tournament play at Catlin-Salt Creek. Macy Hollingsworth pitched 69 innings for the Knights with a 6-5 record and a 477 ERA. She allowed 73 runs, 114 hits, of which 16 were doubles, three triples, and a home run, while fanning 16 players.
Read MoreIAHC’s “All about horses” day June 13
•May 27, 2026•
On Saturday, June 13th, the Illinois Amish Heritage Center (IAHC) will be holding a fun, all-day, and family-friendly event titled “All About Horses.”
There will be three demonstrations on equine therapy by the Trinity Horsemanship Foundation with horses, a link up with one of their therapy horses, and demonstrations and explanations of why they do what they do, as well as the numerous proven benefits of equine therapy. They will demonstrate the link-up ---a small round pen with the horse, using the horse’s natural instincts to make a connection that allows the horse to select that person as the leader of the interaction.
Read MoreProperty tax time: a guide
•May 27, 2026•
While not everyone’s favorite time of year or bill, Moultrie County Treasurer Stephanie Helmuth and her office are keen to keep residents well-informed. As everyone begins to receive their property tax bills over the next few days, the office has released a guide to help residents better understand the bills, as this year they will have a new format, and the stubs are different as well. What Mrs. Helmuth has to say about this change is, “We made these updates in order to make the information on the back of the tax bill more visible and user-friendly, and easier to navigate so our taxpayers can get the most out of the information we provide.” There is plenty of helpful and well-organized information on the back of your bill this year.
Read MoreColor run for mental health
•May 27, 2026•
On Saturday, May 30th (with a rain date of June 6th), with check-in time at 8:00 a.m., C.H.I Overhead Doors of Arthur will be hosting its second annual Color Run/Walk for Mental Health-fun, fitness, and feel-good vibes. 100% of proceeds raised will go to local mental health service organizations, with C.H.I. matching donations to double the impact.
Read MoreSFPD Truck 504 ‘Push in ceremony’
•May 27, 2026•
SFPD personnel, their families, and children all stand proudly in front of the department’s new truck, #504.
The Sullivan Fire Protection District officially placed its new rescue pumper in service with a “push-in ceremony” on Monday, May 18th. The ceremony was performed by several of the Department’s children, “pushing” the truck into the apparatus bay. The ceremony is rooted in traditions of the past when fire apparatus were pulled by horses. The firefighters would have to push the wagons back into the station after a call to return them to service. Much has changed since then, while in some ways still remaining the very similar. The new engine features several updates while carrying older traditions into the future. Most noticeable is the blue paint color that Sullivan FPD has been known for for many years. Another tradition that was brought back was the single green light on the passenger side of the front of the apparatus. This is a tradition that is borrowed from the navy, which ships display a red light on the port side and a green light on the starboard side. It is meant to signify that help is coming toward you. Many past fire apparatus in Sullivan featured this light arrangement in the past, and it returns with the new Engine.
Read MoreLovington townwide sale
•May 27, 2026•
The Village of Lovington will be holding its yearly townwide rummage sale May 28th through 30th. All are welcome to come find amazing deals and hidden treasures-there’s something for everyone to be found.
Recovery Grub Fest
•May 27, 2026•
On Saturday, June 20th, from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m., the Moultrie County ROSC council will be hosting a ‘Recovery Grub Fest’ in Wyman Park, Sullivan. There will be food trucks, vendors, tie-dye T-Shirts, live music, and a special celebrity guest. For more information, contact Josh Forbes, ROSC Council Coordinator at joshf@hourhouserecovery.org. This event is funded in whole or in part by the Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery.
Bethany ‘Bake-off’
•May 27, 2026•
The Bethany Celebration’s annual Bake Off will be held on June 20th at Crowder Park, with sign-ins beginning at 2:00 p.m., judging at 4:00 p.m., and awards and auctions at 7:00 p.m. There will be two age categories: Adults (eighteen and over) and Youth (those under eighteen). Item categories will be cakes, cookies, cupcakes, and pies. All baked goods should arrive ready for judging. Judges will be scoring based on appearance, taste, texture, aroma, and overall flavor. Awards will be given for 1st and 2nd place in each Adult category, and 1st place in each Youth category.
Recent Obituaries: Colleen Brewer
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