by Ariana R Cherry
Color, creativity, and community spirit will fill the Fellowship Hall of the Arthur United Methodist Church on Saturday, August 30th, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. during the bustling Arthur Cheese Festival.
Read Moreby Ariana R Cherry
Color, creativity, and community spirit will fill the Fellowship Hall of the Arthur United Methodist Church on Saturday, August 30th, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. during the bustling Arthur Cheese Festival.
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•August 13, 2025•
by Tonya Frevert and Randy Fair

On August 9th, the Moultrie County Historical and Genealogical Society hosted the “2nd Native American Artifacts Roadshow” at 1303 S. Hamilton Street in Sullivan. The community was invited to bring Native American artifacts to the History Center for assessment and evaluation by Randy Fair of Sullivan and Tommy Bryden of Springfield, two longtime collectors and consultants with over 70 years combined experience.
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•August 13, 2025•
Photos by DM Williamee
The Outhouse Festival held last Saturday in Gays drew crowds, both young and old, and there was certainly something for everyone. Among the favorites for children were the ‘corn pit’, a live Mermaid and Pirate Show, a live and interactive Dino show, multiple inflatables, a petting zoo, and glitter tattoos.
For parents, there was a car show, live band performances, multiple vendor booths offering a wide array of wares, food and beverage trucks, and for all, the legendary 2-story out-house itself, which saw many visitors. Parking was free, and despite warmer temps, the shows were much enjoyed, and smiles abounded.







•August 13, 2025•
The Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Foundation will host its 18th annual SBL Hospice Binga on Tuesday, September 9th, at the Mattoon Eagles Club, 1917 Oak Avenue. Net proceeds support an endowment for SBL Willow Breeze Hospice House.
Contributions to Hospice Binga directly impact people throughout East Central and Southern Illinois by helping those with limited resources pay for their stay at Willow Breeze. “Willow Breeze has already impacted many families in the region,” SBL Special Events Officer Kim Lockart said. “Proceeds from Hospice Binga will support the endowment and ensure that we can continue to help families who need assistance.”
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Photos by DM Williamee
Last Saturday, Jonathan Creek Christian Church held a ‘Back to School Bash’ for all students in the Sullivan and surrounding communities who are returning to school this week. Kids enjoyed a waterslide, bounce house, and cornhole amongst other festivities, and a grilled lunch was provided free of charge to all who attended. As can be seen, this last bash of summer was pursued with great enthusiasm by those who attended.


Last Wednesday afternoon, SHS seniors showcased their creativity and flair as they painted their parking spaces at the school. Some tented over their spaces to beat the heat, used stencils, and even recruited friends and family to help, but what was most obvious to all was how much thought had gone into planning the designs and text.

Sullivan HS students Piper Conlin, Grace Crothers, Savanna Dendy, Lillian Hood, and Avery Renfro won 1st place in the Apex 2025 4V4 Sand Volleyball Tournament, winning $200 and a 1st place trophy for the school’s volleyball program.
•August 13, 2025•
Lake Land College will celebrate the start of the new school year by hosting Welcome Week, a week-long event designed to help new and returning students prepare for a successful year. Welcome Week will begin the week before classes start, offering students a chance to settle in at the College, meet staff and faculty, make new friends, and familiarize themselves with campus. Welcome Week activities include a range of fun and helpful opportunities, such as campus tours, information sessions, resource stations, photobooths, a scavenger hunt game, planner decorating, and more.
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A work fan for AMBUCS workers was donated by Chuck Norris in appreciation for a ramp built.
•August 13, 2025•
Submitted
The ‘Makers Market’ at Building 1225 will be back on Saturday, September 6th, from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., offering a vibrant day of shopping, sipping, and community connection at 1225 S. Hamilton Street.
Now an annual tradition, the ‘Makers Market’ brings together more than 50 local vendors, all offering handmade or homegrown goods just in time for the fall season. Visitors can browse a curated selection of items, including boutique jewelry, home décor, cozy candles, garden goods, farmhouse signs, fresh-baked treats, and much more.
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