•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.
Read MoreCrossing the River
•May 21, 2025•
by Janet Roney
I had always wanted to hike the old Charleston Road that cut across my family farm where I grew up, and that my ancestor had followed into Moultrie County when he first came here from Kentucky in 1853. It was also the trail that Abraham Lincoln had traveled often as he practiced law. Abe had even waved at my great-grandmother when she was a child playing in their yard when he passed by. So, one hot July evening in 1982, we began our adventure…our hike to Mattoon on the Charleston Road.
Read More“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.
Read More2015
Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond baseball had their season come to an end at home versus the Purple Riders from Arcola. The first-round regional hosts got an absolute gem from Tyler Schuring, who relieved Ross Ryan after the first inning, but it was not enough. Schuring pitched six innings without allowing an earned run while striking out nine.
Okaw Valley senior night game saw masterful play on the mound by Peyton Hagerman, who had Meridian missing the ball just about all evening long as he and his fellow teammates cruised to a 7-0 victory. One of six seniors went all seven innings.
Okaw Valley High School senior baseball players were celebrated before their contest against Meridian, which they won 7-0. Seniors celebrated were Peyton Hagerman, Tim Jones, Logan Tipsword, Devon Still, Joe Jeffers, and Jay Orris.
Read More•May 14, 2025•
Sarah Bush Lincoln is teaming up with the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois to host a kidney screening event from 10 am to 2 pm on Friday, May 23, in the Lumpkin Education Center, located in Entrance C at the Health Center.
Read More•May 14, 2025•
The Windsor Storm Library book club will meet on Thursday, June 5th, in the meeting room at 6:00 p.m. Join them for tea and conversation regarding their May selection, “Wild Dark Shore” by New York Times bestselling author Charlotte McConaghy and check out a copy of their June selection, “The Book Blub for Troublesome Women” by Marie Bostwick, a New York Times bestselling author, as well.
For more information, visit their Facebook page, call (217) 459-2498, or email WindsorLibraryJess@gmail.com
•May 14, 2025•
On Saturday, June 21st, at Crowder Park in Bethany, beginning with sign-ins at 10:30 a.m. the Bethany “Bake off” will begin with judging of items submitted at 11:30.
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•May 14, 2025•
by Jody Boulay
As Memorial Day approaches, Americans nationwide prepare to honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Ceremonies will be held, flags will be flown at half-staff, and families will gather to pay tribute. But amid the solemnity and gratitude lies a quieter, often overlooked truth. Many of our heroes return home not to peace but to a new battlefield, one waged within.
It’s a battle that doesn’t make headlines and is waged silently behind closed doors, far from the front lines. Military service members and veterans face unique and profound challenges that can linger long after their tours of duty end. While we rightfully celebrate their courage and sacrifice, we too often fail to recognize the invisible wounds many carry, particularly those that lead to substance use disorders.
Read MoreState lawmakers must curb illicit vape sales in Illinois
In my professional life as a former senior special agent with the ATF and now as an educator teaching in secondary and higher education throughout Illinois, I have a unique view into both the criminal underworld and the communities it harms. I strongly support HB2634 because I believe it is critical to protect our state from the dangerous networks infiltrating our schools and neighborhoods through the illicit vape trade.
From an enforcement perspective, illicit vape sales and associated crimes aren’t isolated violations. They are part of complex trafficking systems that rely on cross-border deception, shell distributors, and digital marketing aimed squarely at minors. I’ve seen these products come through ports mislabeled as electronics, sold in stores without any oversight, and end up in the hands of teenagers who don’t understand the risks.
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