Category Archives: News Briefs

Metro Communications expands

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•December 11, 2024•

Submitted by Kate Lacy

Metro Communications is expanding its Sullivan operations to accommodate growing demand for high-speed residential and commercial fiber-optic internet services.  

The company is constructing a new 25,000-square-foot facility adjacent to its current headquarters at 8 South Washington Street. This expansion will create additional space for support staff and further strengthen Metro Communications’ flagship brand, CONXXUS. As a leading provider of fiber-optic internet in central Illinois, CONXXUS continues to extend its network footprint throughout the Midwest. The project officially commenced on December 2, 2024, with the removal of several structures to make way for the new building.  

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Lights at the park

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Christmas in the Park was held on Saturday, November 30th at the Thomas L Conn Community Park in Lovington. Families came to see Santa, the Grinch, Olaf, and enjoy festive music while indulging in hot chocolate and sweets. Hometown Love started the tradition of illuminating the park.  When the organization dissolved, the board members decided to use the remaining funds to purchase a gorgeous set of angel wings; make sure to take a walk through the park, and get a picture with the wings. The donations received from this year’s event will help fund the Mapping the Future of Your Community program through the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs. 

Local Sullivan student to perform in ‘Christmas at Belmont: Live from Nashville’ streaming on Amazon Music and Prime Video

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Christmas at Belmont in Nashville, Tennessee. December 3, 2024. Photo by Matt Willoughby

•December 11, 2024•

Submitted 

Belmont University’s Triniti Preyer will be among more than 600 student musicians and vocalists to perform in the beloved annual concert tradition, “Christmas at Belmont: Live from Nashville.”

Beginning Wednesday, Dec. 11 at 8 p.m. EST / 7 p.m. CST, this popular holiday spectacular will stream to a global audience on Prime Video and the Amazon Music channel on Twitch. This year marks the first time the event has been available on a global streaming platform. A showcase of Belmont’s musical talent through an array of traditional carols, classical masterworks and seasonal favorites, this tremendous opportunity exemplifies the enduring value of a Belmont education.

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Remembering Who We Are……….38

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A Secret Mission

•December 11, 2024•

by Janet Roney

“Big Spring smoky hill Camp winter 1810” … “Plat 1-2-3-4 to Jefferson” … “old house 4 mens bones French guns” … “Johns Mary buryed Rok” … “watch trader Vandla 4 British 7 savage”…

These and other cryptic notes fill an 1811 map and report I found while doing a little “light reading” during a January snowstorm about 25 years ago. The book was the 1976 reprint of the History of Bond and Montgomery Counties, Illinois that I found in our Historical Society library. This book changed my life! (Yes, I do have a life! I just find searching for old trails fun, and I have a patient, helpful husband.)

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Master Gardener training

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For 46 years, University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners have measured success by gardens planted, insects identified, produce harvested, and the millions of hours volunteers have logged by helping others learn to grow.

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Through their eyes contest

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•December 11, 2024•

The Holocaust Education Center is hosting a student competition for 5th to 12th grade students interested in writing, painting or film with an interest in history. In this competition, students will get to show their creativity by learning about a Holocaust victim, resister, rescuer or liberator, through their eyes. Best in show pieces receive $50 student and teacher prize.  All submissions and additional information can be found at www.cujf.org/hec. All submissions must be made by January 17th, 2025.

Reducing Christmas holiday stress

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Safeguard your well-being and enjoy a more peaceful holiday season

•December 11, 2024•

by Angela Hogan

Christmas holidays often promise warmth, joy, and cherished moments with loved ones. However, it can also bring stress, anxiety, and emotional fatigue. High expectations, packed schedules, and financial pressures can create a season of exhaustion.

Why Are the Holidays Stressful?

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Christmas light contest

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•December 11, 2024•

The Village of Bethany has truly kicked into full gear for Christmas time, announcing the return of the Christmas lights contest, including some placement prizes for competitors. All light displays and fixtures must be ready from December 9th to December 25th, as judges will go around from dusk until 9pm for proper judging.  This years prizes are:  

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A Look Back…12-11-2024

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2014

The Lady Redskins improved to 6-0 on the season and maintained their number 14 ranking in Class 2A with a 51-27 over the Lady Knights. Sullivan’s Brittin Boyer went off for 27 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists.

The Sullivan boys’ basketball faced Jerseyville and nearly pulled off the upset in Reederbowl 1. Brothers Stote and Chester Reeder faced off as coaches in the 49-47 battle.

Despite Dylan Park dropping in18 points and Peyton Hagerman chipping in 15, the Okaw Valley Timberwolves fell to Sullivan 50-44. Nick Frerichs led Sullivan with 17.

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