•March 27, 2024•

Since 1941, Sullivan Lions Club, an affiliate of Lions International, has been committed to helping residents with vision and hearing services, hunger, and youth needs. Each year in November they hold the Turkey Party fundraiser, which is a family friendly event for all ages to attend with turkeys and hams as the prizes. Numerous door prizes are given out at the end of the event. Every penny raised at this fundraiser goes to local charitable causes, directly benefiting individuals, neighbors, and organizations in our community. No money is ever used for administrative expenses. Throughout the years funds have specifically been contributed to Boy Scouts (in various forms), Lions Pavilion at Wyman Lake, Sullivan FFA, Weekend Backpack Food Program, FCCLA Breakfast with Santa, Cotton Wood Pavilion (in downtown Sullivan), playground equipment at Wyman Park and much more. Scholarships are also given annually to at least one Sullivan High School senior.  If you are looking for a way to get involved and make an impact in your community, the club is seeking new members. Meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesdays at the Sullivan V.F.W. at 6:00 p.m. Contact Club President, Brent Mansfield 217-248-6180 or email bmansfield12@gmail.com for more information, and check out their Facebook page “Sullivan IL Lions Club.” 

•March 20, 2024•

A Pancake and Sausage Benefit will be held for Jason Brown on April 27 at the Lovington Fire Department from 6 - 11 a.m.

Jason, of Lovington, has been a quadriplegic for 22 years and his health recently has declined. The benefit will help him obtain specialized equipment for his home and van to ensure a stable quality of life.

A bake sale is being organized by the Post 429 Women’s Auxiliary. If you wish to donate to the bake sale contact Linda Alumbaugh at 217-259-1980.

A silent auction is also planned, to donate contact Pam Anklam 217-201-0662, Gary Smith 217-433-8260 or Barry Morgan 217-433-6123.

The benefit is hosted by Post 429 American Legion Family, Lovington Fire Department and Sparrows Unlimited.

•March 20, 2024•

Illinois Farm Bureau® (IFB) is accepting applications for its Illinois Veterinary Education and Training (IVET) loan program. Loans are available to second-year veterinary students attending any accredited college of veterinary medicine in the U.S. and who are focusing on Illinois food animal medicine.

The IVET Program helps offset the high cost of veterinary education. The program loans up to $40,000 to as many as three veterinary students each year. Loans are made over a period of two to three years. IVET awards recipients a $1,500 stipend during their fourth year in school to help pay expenses associated with clinical rotations. Loans are repaid over five years, during which graduates must commit to working in a food animal practice that services Illinois livestock producers.

Applications are due May 15 and can be found online at www.ilfb.org/IVET. 

The selection committee will interview eligible applicants in spring 2024. Successful applicants will be notified by mail. Loan disbursements begin in August.

IFB established IVET in 2005. Since then, the organization has awarded more than $610,000 to 29 veterinary students who focus on caring for food animals in Illinois.

For more information about the program, contact Tasha Bunting at 309-557-2993 or tbunting@ilfb.org.

About Illinois Farm Bureau

The Illinois Farm Bureau is a member of the American Farm Bureau Federation, a national organization of farmers and ranchers. Founded in 1916, IFB is a non-profit, membership organization directed by farmers who join through their county Farm Bureau. IFB has a total membership of more than 364,452 and a farmer membership of 75,959. IFB represents three out of four Illinois farmers.

Learn more about Illinois agriculture at www.ilfb.org. Connect with Illinois Farm Bureau on Facebook: Illinois Farm Bureau | Facebook. Follow IFB on Instagram @ilfarmbureau or on X @ILFarmBureau

•March 13, 2024•

Sparrows Unlimited will hold a biscuit and gravy fundraiser this Saturday at the Lovington Church of God Community Building. The by-donation breakfast will be served from 7-10:30 a.m. All proceeds benefit local families.

•March 13, 2024•

The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive hosted by the Lovington Christian Church on Thursday, March 28 from 12:30-5:30 p.m. The drive will be held in the Fellowship Hall, 301 S. County, Lovington. Walk-ins are welcome but appointments are preferred. For appointment call Darlene 217-855-9397 or visit www.RedCrossBlood.org.