•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.
Category Archives: free news stories
Fundraising cookout
•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
•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.
Wade celebrates 1 year with HICF
•August 6, 2025•
August 1st marked one year since Grant Wade joined the Heart of Illinois Foundation team as their Moultrie County philanthropic advisor. Grant launched HICF’s outreach to Moultrie County and brings his community knowledge to all HICF initiatives and grant-making. Grant shows up to help others in many ways. His dedication, creativity, and positive energy have made a lasting impact and a meaningful difference within the HICF and the communities it serves.
‘Warrior Wheels’ Jeep run
•August 6, 2025•
On September 6th at the Sullivan VFW, the “Warrior Wheels” fundraiser for the Warrior Fund will hold their ‘Warrior Wheels’ Jeep run. Sign-up begins at 10:015 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. The registration fee is $10.00 per person. Departure will be at noon from the Sullivan VFW. All vehicles welcome, but Jeeps will take the lead.
The run begins at the Sullivan VFW and includes the Shelbyville VFW, Bethany American Legion, and Lovington American Legion, with the end of the run being the return to the Sullivan VFW. Food will be available at the stops for purchase or donation, depending on location, including BBQ sandwiches, a taco bar, chips, and cookies. Donations are encouraged. There will be meat boards and a 50/50 raffle. All donations will go to the Warrior fund.
“Back to School Bash
•August 6, 2025•
On August 9th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Jonathan Creek Christian Church will be hosting a “Back to School Bash” at 1425 Jonathan Creek Road in Sullivan. There will be bounce houses, activities, water games, and a lunch will be served as well. This event is open to the public and free for everyone to attend. Questions should be directed to (217) 728-4369.
“Echoes of Grace” to perform
•July 30, 2025•
On August 9th at 6:00 p.m., the band, “Echoes of Grace”, a Southern Gospel Group based out of Decatur, comprising of Gary Perry and Glenda Weldy, will be performing at the Allenville Christian Church, located at 201 Allen Street in Allenville. The band performs in the Central Illinois area at churches, festivals, and private events. and come on a love offering basis. A love offering for the band will be taken, and refreshments and fellowship will follow the concert.
Back-to-School Prayer Walk
•July 30, 2025•
The Sullivan Area Ministerial Association and Liz Dolan are sponsoring a Back to School Prayer Walk in Sullivan on Monday, August 11th, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Sullivan Victory Field, concluding before 7:30 p.m. This event is open to everyone - students, families, parents, church members, clergy, and community members. The prayer walk will be a meaningful and uplifting experience as we focus on spiritual support and blessings for the new school year ahead. Once the prayer walk begins, participants can leave at their leisure after they have walked and prayed. The purpose of this Prayer Walk is to come together as a community to support and uplift our schools as they embark on a new academic year, praying over our schools, administration, students, and more.
Sullivan Preschool open house
•July 30, 2025•
Sullivan Preschool will have an Open House on Friday, August 1st, from 4:15 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. at its facility located at 10 Hawthorne Lane in Sullivan. The public is invited to tour the school and meet the staff and Board of Directors. The children’s creative work will be displayed, and refreshments will be served. Applications for child enrollment will also be available. For more information, call (217)728-7511.
Local annual charity golf outing
•July 23, 2025•
The 16th Annual George A. Sentel #764 golf outing will be held on Saturday, August 23rd at Timberlake Golf Course, just outside of Sullivan. This is a 4-person best ball scramble. Proceeds from this event go to the George A. Sentel #764 Scholarship Fund, which awards scholarships to graduating seniors from Sullivan and Okaw Valley schools, as well as other local charities. Prizes will be awarded for the first-place team, longest drive, longest putt, and closest to the pin.
Entry fee of $60.00 per golfer (or $240.00 per team) covers greens fee, cart, and a meal. Registration begins at 8:00 a.m., with a shotgun start at 9:00 a.m. Sponsorship opportunities are available as follows: cart sponsor-$25.00, and hole sponsor-$75.00.
Registration and sponsorship forms can be mailed to the George A. Sentel Lodge, PO Box 402, Sullivan, IL, 61951. For more information, contact Sean Vogel at (217) 273-5774 or sevplumber@gmail.com.