Category Archives: News Section

Findlay to celebrate farming roots during 38th annual Walleye Festival 

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•July 15, 2026•

by Jamie Crosier

The message appears on the cover of this year’s Findlay Walleye Festival booklet: “Grow Where You’re Planted.” Inside, that theme carries through nearly every page as organizers recognize local farming families, honor longtime volunteers and invite the community to celebrate the festival’s 38th year July 24-25. 

The cover describes farmers as “the backbone of our nation,” while a letter from the Walleye Festival Board thanks generations of farming families for helping feed America and recognizes the role they have played in building the Findlay community. 

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New Arthur-Atwood Lions officers inducted

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At their June 18 meeting, the Arthur-Atwood Lions Club inducted officers for 2026-2027. Past District Governor Lion Butch Guennewig performed the induction and was assisted by his wife and District Cookie Lady, Connie Guennewig. Pictured are Lion Stan Harris, President and Membership Chair; Lion Jim Fleming, Tail Twister; Lion Linda Kay Cain, Secretary & Food Chair; Lion Sharon Mellor, Director & Easter Egg Hunt Chair; Lion Doug Beachy, Director; Lion Arlone Doan, Director; PDG Butch Guennewig; Lion Jennifer Perrine, Treasurer & Publicity Chair; Lion Ammon Miller, Second Vice President; Lion Kevin Conlin, First Vice President; and Connie Guennewig. Not pictured are Lion Moe Chupp, Director, and Lion Marty Jones, Lion Tamer.

Kindness matters

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•July 15, 2026•

by DM Williamee

In a fast-paced world that often causes many to feel disconnected, acts of kindness remain a powerful way to combat much of what ails us all. Whether it’s lending a helping hand, sharing a smile, listening when another is struggling, or even simply staying silent, acts of kindness can soften difficult moments and benefit lives. The saying that “We are all in the same boat” is now too often met with a sardonic, “Sure, some just have bigger boats than others, right?” I think most of us have been guilty of being impatient, short-tempered, and brusque with others. We are only human after all, but what if we could do better?

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Tribe Trek program gives Sullivan Middle School students summer learning adventure

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•July 15, 2026•

by Jamie Crosier

For many students, summer break means time away from the classroom. For participants in Sullivan Middle School’s Tribe Trek program, it means learning through hands-on experiences across the Midwest.

On June 30, students traveled to Chicago to explore the Adler Planetarium, where they toured interactive exhibits and attended two shows inside the facility’s domed theaters. The visit was one of four educational and recreational trips offered through the Tribe Trek summer enrichment program.

The program was created to keep students engaged during the summer months while giving them opportunities they might not otherwise experience. Although Tribe Trek was originally scheduled to launch in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic delayed its start until 2021. This summer marks the program’s sixth year.

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Sullivan City Council approves purchases

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by Sharon Barricklow

A new dump truck and continued work on city park facilities were among the approvals made Thursday night at a special city council meeting.

The council moved the meeting  from their usual second Monday to Thursday to accommodate council members’ schedules. On the agenda were several approvals for Open Spaces Land Acquisition grant money to be used for improvements at the city parks including baseball diamonds.

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Serve your community as an election judge

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•July 15, 2026•

Want to make a real difference in your community? Become an Election Judge and help ensure fair, accurate, and secure elections. Election Judges are essential to the voting process. You’ll assist voters, help operate polling places, and work alongside fellow community members to uphold the integrity of Moultrie County elections.

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Moultrie‑Douglas 4‑H Fair

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•July 15, 2026•

The Moultrie‑Douglas 4‑H program invites the public to attend a full week of exciting 4‑H Fair events celebrating the achievements, talents, and hard work of local youth. Community members of all ages are encouraged to come out, enjoy the activities, and support 4‑H members throughout the week.

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Second Annual Guns vs. Hoses scheduled for Saturday

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•July 15, 2026•

by E. Scott England

It’s fun. It’s competitive. It’s for a good cause. The Second Annual Moultrie County First Responder softball game is scheduled to take place on Saturday, July 18 starting at 6:00 p.m. The event will be held at Crowder Park in Bethany. 

Organized by Moultrie County Deputies Alec Ballinger, Bryce Farris, Jesse Scribner; Sullivan Fire Captain Kenny Graven; and Bethany Fire Chief Mike Jennings, this fundraiser is for school supplies for local schools. “We split the money raised between Sullivan, Bethany, and Lovington elementary schools,” said Deputy Farris. 

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Sullivan celebrates America’s 250th

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Photo by R.R. Best

The annual Fourth of July parade kicked off a fun filled day of celebration hosted by the Sullivan American Legion Saturday.  Wyman Park was the next destination for the always entertaining watermelon eating contest, turtle races and sack races. At dusk, an amazing fireworks display capped off the festivities. More photos can be found on page 12.

Sullivan School Board approves track project, property purchase and balanced budget

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•July 8, 2026•

by Jamie Crosier 

The Sullivan Community Unit School District 300 Board of Education approved several major financial and facility decisions Monday night, June 29, including a balanced amended budget, a contract for the district’s long-awaited track replacement project and the purchase of property that could support future transportation needs. 

The board unanimously approved the district’s amended fiscal year 2026 budget following a public hearing. Superintendent Dr. Walk reported the district finished the year with a budget surplus of approximately $111,900 while maintaining a balanced operating budget. 

Walk said the district experienced its first year in nearly a decade in which state and federal funding declined from the previous year. Transportation funding was particularly affected after the state reduced reimbursement payments. 

Even with those reductions, Walk said the district remains in stable financial condition. 

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