Photo Submitted
Pictured in the first row from left to right are Hannah Goad, Charlie Emel, Emily Stutzman, Summer McClain and Danielle Tingey. In the second row are Robin Sesko (media specialist), Grant King, Ross Metzger, Ryan Baker, Evan Barker, Tyler Green and Cami Badman (English teacher). In the third row are Adam White, Zane Uphoff, Blake Stewart, Dalace Ray and Austin Minnigerode.

•April 6, 2016•

Students from Sullivan High School visited Booth Library on the campus of Eastern Illinois University in Charleston March 29.

The AP English students were conducting research for papers on social issues.

The students took a tour of the library and were given a demonstration on finding resources both on the bookshelves and through the library’s online database.

During the spring semester, Booth Library’s regular hours are 8 a.m. to 1 a.m. Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and noon to 1 a.m. Sunday.

For more information on the library, visit the website, www.library.eiu.edu; call 581-6072; or find the library on Facebook or Twitter. [/s2If]

Compiled by Bekki Ferguson-Stevens

25 Years Ago This Week

Participants in girls’ and boys’ basketball, football, swimming, pom pom squad and cheerleading were all recently honored during an awards night at Bethany High School. Juniors Greg Dickens and Steve VanLoon took top honors in football as Dickens was named the most valuable player on defense and best lineman, while VanLoon was chosen MVP on offense. Shelly Reed received an award for her participation in swimming competition. Alison Ferguson was the only senior to letter in girls’ basketball.

Several Sullivan firemen and ambulance crew members were recently honored for years of service. Volunteer firemen honored were Rod Fleming 18 years; Doug Farris, 16 years; Gary Booker, Scott Blomeley and Jerry Issacs, 15 years; Ron Coy, 12 years; Reid Cornwell, 11 years; and David Reed and George Risley, 10 years.

Work on the Sidewalk of Stars in Sullivan started this morning, and all 177 granite squares are expected to be in place for the opening of Sullivan’s first Festival of Stars May 10-12. Each granite square will feature a star and the date or dates the star performed at The Little Theatre—On The Square in its 33 year history.

Four seniors earned straight A’s during the third quarter at Sullivan High School. They are Keena Baumgartner, Eric Crouse, Amy Peters and Matthew Stone. Read More

•April 6, 2016•

The benefit fundraiser for Leah Dolan, who is undergoing treatment for stage four breast cancer is noon- 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 23. held at New Life Church, east of Sullivan on the Cadwell/Arthur Road.

The public is encouraged to attend and enjoy a day filled with various entertainment  with a concert by David and the Giants at 6 p.m. David Rayborn, Clayborn Huff along with Keith Thibodeaux (Little Ricky from I Love Lucy) recorded 17 albums over 40 years and are back together for a reunion tour. Read More

1000 Books Before Kindergarten Program Begins 

•March 30, 2016•

The Elizabeth Titus Memorial Library has spared no expense in presenting several events in the next month.

Starting April 1, the library will take part in a nationwide program titled “1000 Books Before Kindergarten.” This program encourages parents and caregivers to provide positive experiences to their children by reading aloud to and with them regularly.

If reading 1000 books before kindergarten sounds like “Mission Impossible”, we are here to tell you it isn’t. We will let you in on the secret to successfully reaching that “impossible” goal. Specific information may be picked up at the main desk.  Read More

•March 30, 2016•

By Gerald Tilley
Social Security District Manager in Decatur, IL

Now that it’s March, your annual tax filing deadline is fast approaching. If you receive Social Security benefits, one of the documents you need to file your federal income tax return is your Social Security Benefit Statement (Form SSA-1099/1042S).

Your Social Security benefits may be taxable. This includes monthly retirement, survivor, and disability benefits. About one-third of people receiving Social Security benefits must pay taxes on some of these benefits, depending on the amount of their taxable income. This usually happens if you have other substantial income — such as wages, self-employment, interest, dividends, and other taxable income that must be reported on your tax return — in addition to your Social Security benefits. You will never have to pay taxes on more than 85 percent of your Social Security benefits, based on Internal Revenue Service (IRS) rules. Read More