Category Archives: News Section

“Together, We Give Back to School”

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“Together, We Give Back to School”

Sullivan Elementary School recently received 60 backpacks filled with school supplies through Amazon’s “Together, We Give Back to School” campaign. End of the Line Tackle & Bait, an Amazon delivery partner, nominated Sullivan Elementary for the program, and the school’s submission was selected to receive the donation. Pictured (left to right) are Cameron Martin, Taylor Lilly, James Martin, Marla Martin and Angela McRill following the July 27 delivery.

Back-to-school prayer walk planned in Sullivan

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•August 5, 2026•

by Jamie Crosier

Just days before students return to the classroom, the Sullivan Area Ministerial Association is inviting the community to gather for a Back-to-School Prayer Walk on Monday, Aug. 10.

The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the concession stand area at Victory Field at Sullivan High School in Sullivan. Organizers have planned a brief welcome, two worship songs and instructions before community members are sent out to walk the school grounds.

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Final festival to celebrate six years of Gays’ Two Story Outhouse Festival

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•August 5, 2026•

by Jamie Crosier

The Two Story Outhouse Festival will celebrate its final year on Saturday, Aug. 8, with fireworks, live music and a full day of activities as organizers bring to a close a community tradition that has grown over the past six years.

According to a statement shared by the festival committee, the event began with a small group of volunteers who wanted to celebrate the history and uniqueness of the Village of Gays and its famous Two Story Outhouse. Starting with no funding, the festival grew through the support of volunteers, sponsors, donors and attendees.

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City of Sullivan water restrictions continue

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by Sharon Barricklow

Businesses and residents of Sullivan will have to continue to live under water restrictions after an extension was passed by the Sullivan City  Council.

Although a new well has been dug, it has not achieved full Environmental and Health approval to be used as a city water source. The council approved extending the water restrictions, which prevent lawn watering, car washing and private swimming pool filling, until October, but Mayor Mike Mossman said when the water approvals come back restrictions could ease.

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MCHGS hosts round barn tour

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•August 5, 2026•

Submitted by Larry Oathout, MCHGS Genealogist

and Tonya Frevert, MCHGS Publicity Chair

Photos by R.R. Best

The Moultrie County Historical and Genealogical Society recently held its July meeting at one of Moultrie County’s eye-catching landmarks: the round red barn on the southeast side of Bethany. Situated not far from Illinois Route 121, the barn is a 10-year labor of love by Bethany native George Bone. 

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Cruisin’ for St. Jude brings Bethany and Sullivan groups together

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•August 5, 2026•

Photo by Sonya Best
Team Mattoon runners stepped off for their journey to Peoria last Friday morning. Team Mattoon has raised over $2 million dollars for St. Jude’s. Several members of the team come from Moultrie County.

by Jamie Crosier

The Bethany Celebration and Sullivan Dash and Bash are joining forces for the first Cruisin’ for St. Jude Jeep and Bike Run Saturday, Aug. 22, beginning at The Publisher in Bethany.

Registration will open at 10:00 a.m., with the run departing at noon. The registration fee is $10 per person. Participants may preregister through the link posted on the event’s Facebook page or register at The Publisher the morning of the event.

Although the event is being promoted as a Jeep and bike run, all makes and models of vehicles are welcome.

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Golf outing to support Sullivan Community Development set

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•July 29, 2026•

by Jamie Crosier

Businesses, organizations and community members will gather at the Sullivan Country Club on Friday, Aug. 14, for the annual Sullivan Illinois Community Development Golf Outing, a fundraiser that supports projects aimed at strengthening the local economy and community.

Lunch will be served at 11 a.m., with a noon tee-off. The outing raises funds for Sullivan Community Development’s year-round efforts to support local businesses, encourage economic growth, promote tourism and partner with organizations on projects that enhance the community.

Executive Director Laurrie Minor said the golf outing has become one of the organization’s signature annual events and serves a purpose beyond a day on the golf course.

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Project 61 Ministries to host open house and 5K in Sullivan

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•July 29, 2026•

by Jamie Crosier

Project 61 Ministries will host its third annual 5K and an open house at the House of Ruth on Saturday, Aug. 22, at 1308 Illinois Route 121 in Sullivan.

Race registration begins at 7:30 a.m., with the 5K starting at 8:00 a.m. The registration fee is $25, with proceeds supporting Project 61 Ministries.

Food, activities and guided tours of the House of Ruth will be available from 9:00 a.m. to noon. This year’s event will include additional food options and train rides around the property.

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