by DM Williamee
Since 2019, Misty Parrish, with her friendly companion Zo, has dressed in numerous kid-friendly costumes (with the T-Rex being a crowd favorite) and shared smiles, waves, and comments of good cheer and encouragement with students on their way to SES on their morning trek to school. Parrish, a former preschool teacher of 12 years, bought the costumes while she was teaching to greet students each day.
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Photo Submitted
‘Christmas for the Kids’
Sparrows Unlimited, of Lovington, held its popular (31st annual now) “Christmas for the Kids” fundraiser last Saturday. Supporters filed in throughout the day to bid on silent auction items, listen to live music by Cash Hale, with Sons of the American Legion providing the ‘pork chop on a stick’ concessions. Many came out for the event and, forgoing the auction portion, donated to the cause with cash donations and enjoyed the socialization, music, and food. Pictured are members representing the Keystone Chapter of the Widows Sons, who presented a check to Sparrows president, Pam Anklam.
•August 20, 2025•
DM Williamee
This year’s 128th (a most impressive number) Windsor Harvest Picnic drew crowds to the small community, despite ongoing record-high temperatures. Beginning on August 14th, the 3-day fete included events such as dinners, ice-cream socials, live musical performances from the Kentucky Headhunters and tribute band Fleetwood Gold, auctions, a 5k run, pedal tractor pulls, Bessie Bingo (sponsored by Windsor’s FFA chapter), inflatables (brought by 25/8 Extreme), ‘Little Miss Harvest’ picnic, and of course, a parade.
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•August 20, 2025•
by Sharon Barricklow
Residents of Sullivan will have a new way to receive community notifications and report problems, including non-working streetlights and water main breaks, with a new community “app” the council approved Monday night.
City Treasurer Kassie Waggoner brought the proposal to sign a contract with textMyGov.com to provide services to the city for three years for $5,000, with a $2,500 setup cost. Waggoner learned of the program at a meeting of Illinois Municipal League treasurers earlier this year. Considering the problems facing area communities after the recent Lake Mattoon algae bloom, Waggoner said the app, which allows up to 50,000 text messages each year, could allow the city to reach a majority of citizens very quickly in a similar emergency, and also provide an outlet for them to report issues to the city.
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•August 20, 2025•
by DM Williamee
The City of Sullivan Animal Code requires that not only dogs, but cats as well, must be kept under the control of the owner and not be let to roam free, unsupervised, or unrestrained. Due to the growing number of feral cats in Sullivan and the growing number of complaints because of them, live traps, which are humane, have been deployed to capture feral cats, which are then released to farmers who are more than happy to rehome them on their property.
Read MoreSubmitted by Natalie Beck, HICF CEO
Three area community leaders, in partnership with the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation, announce the launch of the Impact Giving Circle. Linda Carlton-Huber, Susie Inman, and Grant Wade are inviting the community to join them in this new giving circle to fuel lasting change.
The Impact Giving Circle invites community-minded men and women to pool their donations and decide together how to best invest in programs that support and empower education and social service agencies in Moultrie County and the surrounding area.
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•August 20, 2025•
by Sharon Barricklow
Aone percent grocery items tax the state has been collecting will be collected next year by Moultrie County after the county board approved the change at the meeting Thursday night.
The Grocery Service Occupation Tax has been collected by Illinois and passed back to local governments. After the state legislature voted to end the tax beginning January 1st, area communities and counties are voting on keeping it in place for themselves. Moultrie County’s tax will only apply to food sellers in the unincorporated areas of the county.
Read Moreby Ariana R Cherry
Color, creativity, and community spirit will fill the Fellowship Hall of the Arthur United Methodist Church on Saturday, August 30th, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. during the bustling Arthur Cheese Festival.
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•August 13, 2025•
Photos by DM Williamee
The Outhouse Festival held last Saturday in Gays drew crowds, both young and old, and there was certainly something for everyone. Among the favorites for children were the ‘corn pit’, a live Mermaid and Pirate Show, a live and interactive Dino show, multiple inflatables, a petting zoo, and glitter tattoos.
For parents, there was a car show, live band performances, multiple vendor booths offering a wide array of wares, food and beverage trucks, and for all, the legendary 2-story out-house itself, which saw many visitors. Parking was free, and despite warmer temps, the shows were much enjoyed, and smiles abounded.
Photos by DM Williamee
Last Saturday, Jonathan Creek Christian Church held a ‘Back to School Bash’ for all students in the Sullivan and surrounding communities who are returning to school this week. Kids enjoyed a waterslide, bounce house, and cornhole amongst other festivities, and a grilled lunch was provided free of charge to all who attended. As can be seen, this last bash of summer was pursued with great enthusiasm by those who attended.