•August 19, 2026•

by Jamie Crosier

Isn’t it amazing how quickly we can adjust to darkness?

I notice this most nights when I go to bed early. My husband graciously takes care of the last-minute tasks like locking the doors, turning off lights and making sure everything is settled while I crawl into bed and enjoy the rare gift of quiet.

As the night goes on, and let’s be honest, in midlife that can mean getting out of bed more than once, something interesting happens.

By the second trip across the bedroom, I don’t even bother turning on a light. I know exactly where the dresser is, how to avoid the corner of the bed and which floorboard will creak if I step on it.

•August 12, 2026•

by Ariana R Cherry

In 1786, Scottish inventor Andrew Meikle developed the first successful mechanical threshing machine, transforming the way farmers separated grain from chaff. More than two centuries later, visitors experienced that history firsthand during Steam Threshing Days, held Friday, July 31, and Saturday, Aug. 1, at the Illinois Amish Heritage Center near Arthur.

•August 12, 2026•

by Jamie Crosier

The 129th Windsor Harvest Picnic will return Aug. 13-15 in Windsor, bringing three days of live entertainment, food, a carnival, family activities and longtime community traditions.

This year’s theme, “Stars & Stripes & Summer Nights,” highlights the annual celebration, which will feature nightly entertainment, community dinners, a parade, a 5K run and activities for all ages.

•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.

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.