•August 26, 2026•

by Jamie Crosier

Six years after the first golf outing was held in memory of Thomas M. “Tommy” Houser, his family continues using the annual event to help others in ways they believe would have mattered to him.

The sixth annual Tommy Houser Memorial Golf Outing will be held Saturday, Aug. 29, at the Sullivan Country Club in Sullivan. The outing has reached capacity and is full for golfers, but community members are welcome to stop by during the day to visit, donate and support the event.

For Houser’s wife, Elizabeth, the purpose extends well beyond the golf course.

“I wanted to give back in ways he would want me to,” she said. “We do so much good in his name.”

Houser died Feb. 27, 2020, at age 52. His law enforcement career spanned more than 31 years, beginning with the Sullivan Police Department and continuing with the Moultrie County Sheriff’s Department and Illinois State Police.

•August 19, 2026•

by Jamie Crosier

Young performers from Sullivan and surrounding communities will have an opportunity later this month to audition for two productions at The Little Theatre On The Square in Sullivan, with each offering a different kind of theatrical experience.

Auditions for Matilda Jr. and A Christmas Story: The Musical will be held Sunday, Aug. 30, and Monday, Aug. 31, at The Little Theatre On The Square’s Dance Studio, 9 E. Jefferson St. Auditions are open to students in fourth through 12th grades. Participants must schedule an individual audition and attend a dance call at 5 p.m. on one of the audition days.

While young performers are being sought for both shows, the productions are different. Matilda Jr. is a student production, while A Christmas Story is a Little Theatre mainstage production that will include approximately 12 roles for children.

John Stephens, executive producer of The Little Theatre On The Square, is entering his 21st season with the Sullivan theater. He said choosing productions begins in part with considering the performers already involved in the theater’s programs and the skills they have developed.

That was particularly important with A Christmas Story, which requires children who can sing and act while handling significant dance requirements. Most of the children’s roles require tap dancing.

“We had to wait until we had kids at the level we needed them to be able to dance at in order to do that show,” Stephens said.

•August 19, 2026•

Lake Land College recently announced part-time students earning academic honors for the 2026 Spring semester.

To qualify for the president’s list, a student must have completed at least 12 credit hours in courses numbered 040 or higher per semester, excluding summer term, with a GPA of 3.8-4.0.

To qualify for the dean’s list, a student must have completed at least 12 credit hours in courses numbered 040 or higher per semester, excluding summer term, with a GPA of 3.65- 3.79.

To qualify for the honor’s list, a student must have completed at least 12 hours in courses numbered 040 or higher per semester, excluding summer term, with a GPA of 3.5-3.64.

•August 19, 2026•

by Jamie Crosier

When Charlotte Duzan learned how much it cost to participate in competitive cheerleading, she wanted to help.

The 9-year-old Sullivan Elementary School student had read her All Star cheer contract and offered to help pay the fees. Her parents, Heather and Cody Duzan, told her they appreciated her willingness to contribute but would cover the costs. Instead, they encouraged her to earn spending money for the family’s travel to competitions.

That conversation sparked the beginning of Little Miss Duzy.

Now preparing to enter fourth grade in Mrs. Wilson’s class at Sullivan Elementary School, Charlotte creates and sells handmade items including Spirit Sparkle hair glitter, keychains, beaded pens, lanyard pulls, T-shirts and other crafts. She has participated in five vendor fairs and sets up at the Sullivan American Legion Quarter Auction on the second Wednesday of each month. The auction raises money for local organizations, and Charlotte regularly donates items to help support those efforts.

•August 19, 2026•

by Jamie Crosier

As families prepared for the start of a new school year, C.E.F.S. Economic Opportunity Corporation helped 104 Moultrie County children with some of the expenses that come with heading back to the classroom.

Through its School Supply Program, C.E.F.S. assisted families with school supplies during a time of year that can bring several expenses at once, including school fees and clothing.

Crystal Edwards with C.E.F.S. said the organization understands the effect those costs can have on a family’s budget.

“Because many of our staff members and clients have families, we understand the financial impact that the back-to-school season can bring,” Edwards said. “The School Supply Program is one way we can help ease that burden.”