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A Look Back…8-13-2025

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2015

Quick action by two young Sullivan teenagers at a neighbor’s house fire Sunday may have saved the day. The Sullivan Fire Department decided to honor that brave effort. “These boys thought quickly,” fireman Dan Baugher said of their reaction to the fire at Jim and Shelia Smith’s house in Country Club Estates. “They saw a situation that was bad and tried to make it better,” Baugher said, noting that the Department appreciated that effort and gave them honorary firefighter T-shirts. Leyton Burcham, 14, and Patrick Owen, 13, noticed the blaze at their neighbor’s and immediately got a ladder, two hoses, and went to work.

The sixth annual ‘Cruisin the Cornfields’ bicycle tour fundraiser, sponsored by SAArts had 48 riders. “The ride went really well this year,” event coordinator Stepheny McMahon said, noting that the weather was perfect and all the roads were clear and smooth.

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Blue Dolphins 2025/2026 tryouts

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•August 13, 2025•

The Sullivan Blue Dolphins will hold their swim team tryouts on Tuesday, August 19th at 5:00 p.m. at the Sullivan Civic Center. Session runs from August 2025 through mid-July 2026. The annual registration fee is $100.00; membership cost varies by practice group. Practices are held 2-5 times per week, based on practice group. Ages are five to eighteen. Remember to bring your suit and towel.

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MCRTA’s “Show and Tell”

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Moultrie County retired teachers gathered on Wednesday, August 6th, at the Moultrie County Historical and Genealogical Society Building in Sullivan. President Vickie Newberry conducted the MCRTA business meeting. During the meeting, Cole Huber, a current Sullivan teacher, made an appearance to thank the MCRTA for the grant he received. He was able to purchase  five new computer keyboards for the new school year. This grant was made possible by our  Monical’s Community Day’s monies. 

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Mindful invitation signs at Tabor Park

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•August 13, 2025•

Submitted by Cheri Burcham

U of I Illinois Extension Educator

There is increasing evidence that being in and around nature can benefit humans physically and mentally. There is also more research showing how mindfulness techniques can be beneficial to a person’s well-being.

A group of Illinois Extension staff, consisting of horticulture and family life educators and Master Gardeners, and Naturalists EPCs, formed an interdisciplinary workgroup called “Wellness in Nature.” This workgroup has been developing materials and a curriculum that focuses on how green spaces, gardens, and nature benefit your overall well-being.

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BASO ‘Car Show’ in Bethany

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•August 13, 2025•

On Saturday, August 23rd, the 2025 BASO car show will be held in Bethany at Crowder Park from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., with trophies presented at 6:30 p.m. The entry fee is $15.00, and all makes/models are welcome. There will be a 50/50 raffle, concessions, and dash plaques to the first fifty entries. This will be a participant-judged event, selecting the top 10 and an award for Best in Show. No alcohol or burnouts are allowed at this event. For more information, contact Terry Muzzy at (217) 412-0185. See classicpony.net for additional car shows.

Bethany senior potluck

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•August 13, 2025•

The Bethany Senior Citizen Potluck will be held on Wednesday, August 20th at 11:00 a.m. at the Bethany library, located at 216 W Main Street. Hamburgers and hot dogs provided. All are wel-come.

Fundraising cookout

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•August 13, 2025•

On August 16th from 10:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m., Kirby Foods in Sullivan will be hosting the Kyle Lehman Honorary Scholarship cookout to raise funds for the 2026 scholarship. Established in 2023, the Kyle Lehman family, since its inception, has awarded scholarships to eight deserving students, seniors who are graduating and work at Kirby Foods, honoring Kyle Lehman’s contribution to the Sullivan community. Foods served will be ribeye sandwiches and tenderized pork chops.

“Christmas for the Kids” Auction

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•August 13, 2025•

The 31st Annual Sparrow’s “Christmas for the Kids” Auction will be held on August 23rd at 120 E State Street, Lovington (tent outside) with the silent auction beginning at 11:00 a.m. and the live auction beginning at 4:00 p.m. Live music featuring Cash Hale, 50/50, mini duck derby, and pork chops on a stick, provided by Sons of the American Legion, can all be enjoyed at the event.

For those unfamiliar with Sparrows Unlimited, Inc., it began over thirty years ago when a group of people got together at Jerry’s East End in Lovington to hold a live auction and just have a good time. A good time was had, and Sparrows Unlimited Inc. was born. Originally, Sparrow’s Unlimited Inc., a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization, was to benefit families in need at Christmas in Lovington. While that is still the primary focus, Sparrow’s Unlimited has evolved into a vital tool within the Lovington community. 

Along with providing Christmas to families in need and delivering fruit baskets to the elderly for Thanksgiving, Sparrow’s acts as a resource and support system for many organizations.

If you wish to donate items for auction or have any questions, contact Pam at (217) 201-0062, Jessica at (217) 620-7579, or Barry Morgan at (217) 433-6123, or follow Sparrows on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SparrowsUnlimited.For more information or make a monetary donation, visit the website at https://www.sparrows-unlimited.com.

Windsor Harvest Picnic: schedule of events

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•August 6, 2025•

Windsor will be holding its 128th annual Harvest Picnic on August 14th, 15th, and 16th. The inflatables will be provided by 25/8 Extreme, and Bessie Bingo will be sponsored by Windsor FFA. The schedule of events is as follows:

Thursday, August 14th: 5:00 p.m.-pulled pork and Italian beef dinner; 5:00 p.m., Methodist church ice cream social; 6:00 p.m., Little Miss harvest picnic; 6:15 p.m., patriotic opening by the Windsor American Legion; and 7:00 – 8:30 p.m., Brad Brown.

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