Who’s Here?

•May 28, 2025•

by Janet Roney

First, it was one dog; then two; then three more. Soon, every dog in town was barking. I guess hikers don’t often walk through Allenville. 

We were a curious sight as our family trudged along the old Charleston Road on our hike to Mat-toon. Our backpacks, topped with sleeping bags and a tent, towered over our heads; canteens clat-tered at the kids’ sides; and a stuffed animal peered out of a pocket in Cynthia’s pack. 

A dozen men and boys were milling about or leaning on a car in a yard ahead of us. More were draped over the fenders, peering under the hood. All held an open beverage can except for the man who was actually working on the engine with a wrench. When we got even with them, they spotted us. Their banter and laughter stopped.

•May 28, 2025•

If you are having trouble finding room in your budget to send your child to camp this summer, CEFS has Youth Summer Scholarships available for families who qualify based on income guidelines. These scholarships cover the costs of camps such as dance, acting, art, sports, cheer, and swimming.

Income-eligible families can apply by visiting their local CEFS office and picking up and completing an application. Required information: proof of 30-day gross income for all household members, state ID for the parent/guardian submitting the application, Social Security cards for all household members, and camp registration form and information that reflects the cost of the camp. Participants will also have to provide verification of completion of the camp once it has concluded. Income guidelines based on family size and gross monthly income are as follows: 

2015

Demolition of Findlay’s old elementary school, which saw a brief stint as Okaw Valley Intermediate School following the consolidation of Bethany and Findlay school systems, began after members of the board of education voted to dismantle the building during their April meeting. The old schoolhouse became disused back in 2010 when the decision was made to send elementary-aged children living in Findlay to Bethany’s more modern and robust elementary school.

Members of the SOV girls’ track and field team went home with a third-place team trophy at the IHSA state track in Charleston. Members included head coach Kali Taylor, Ashlynd Risley, Amanda McClain, Emily Neuhauser, Carlin Nuzzo, Bailey Turnbaugh, and Abby Cravatta.

•May 21, 2025•

On Saturday, May 17th at the Sullivan VFW Post No. 6410, Rolling Thunder Inc., Illinois Chapter 3, in a solemn and emotional ceremony, placed a Chair of Honor outside of the entrance. Chapter President Tony Schmidt spoke before the placement and unveiling, formally reading off the names of local Sullivan servicemen and women who were listed as POW/MIAs. 

“Turn Awareness into Action”

•May 21, 2025•

Mental Health Awareness Month began in the United States in 1949 and was started by Mental Health America (MHA) (then known as the National Association for Mental Health) by presidential proclamation. 

The purpose of Mental Health Awareness Month is to raise awareness and educate the public about mental illnesses, such as the 18.1% of Americans who suffer from depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder. It is important to educate and raise awareness concerning the realities of living with these conditions, plus share strategies for attaining mental health and wellness. Mental Health Awareness Month also strives to reduce the stigma (negative attitudes and misconceptions) that surrounds mental illnesses.