•October 7, 2026•

by Jamie Crosier

For most shoppers, Christmas decorations may still be packed away in early October. Inside the Sullivan ReStore, however, preparations for Christmas begin six weeks before the doors open for one of the store’s biggest events of the year.

The Sullivan ReStore Habitat for Humanity will hold its eighth annual Christmas Open House from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9. The two-hour event features Christmas décor donated throughout the year, with proceeds helping fund a future Habitat for Humanity home in Moultrie County.

ReStore Manager Tara Reed started the event eight years ago shortly after taking over as manager. When she looked through the inventory stored in the warehouse, she discovered Christmas merchandise occupied about half of the space.

•September 30, 2026•

by Jamie Crosier

Adults looking to improve their balance and maintain their independence will have an opportunity to take part in a series of Matter of Balance classes at the Elizabeth Titus Memorial Library in Sullivan this October.

The classes will meet from noon to 2 p.m. every Monday and Wednesday throughout October. The eight-session program is designed to reduce concerns about falling while helping participants increase their activity levels.

For two hours, I traded my reporter’s notebook for a chalkboard slate
•September 23, 2026•

by Ariana R. Cherry

For a few hours on Saturday, Sept. 12, an old schoolhouse became a classroom again — and I became one of its students. I arrived at the Illinois Amish Heritage Center expecting to learn about Amish education. I didn’t realize quite how literally that would happen.

Inside the historic Miller Amish German School, about 15 to 20 of us gathered in the small classroom, including visitors and local Amish residents who would lead us through the experience. At the front of the room was Sharon Miller, who had once been an Amish schoolteacher herself.

Before long, I had a chalkboard slate in my hands. And then school began. We started with German, learning the alphabet and hearing the familiar “ABC” song sung in a language that has played an important role in Amish faith and education for generations. We heard the Lord’s Prayer in German and listened as German songs filled the little schoolhouse. Then came spelling. Reading. And math. I found myself working with Roman numerals and subtracting fractions — subjects I hadn’t exactly expected to encounter when I walked through the schoolhouse door that morning. We read aloud, too. One of our stories was about a little girl determined to sew a doll by herself. Her determination didn’t end particularly well when she got a needle stuck in her finger. Beneath the simple story was a familiar lesson: sometimes patience — and listening to your parents — really is the better choice.

•September 23, 2026•

by Jamie Crosier

The Sullivan Community Unit School District 300 Board of Education adopted its 2026-27 budget Monday, Sept. 14, with district officials reporting a balanced overall budget despite declining state and federal funding and rising transportation costs.

Superintendent Dr. Ted Walk said the final budget remains very similar to the tentative version presented in July, with only minor adjustments. While some individual funds are expected to operate at a deficit this year, he said those decreases are planned, including spending connected to previously scheduled capital projects.

Walk said the district has maintained balanced budgets for the past 10 years, but future budgets may require additional discussion as revenues tighten.

State and federal funding received by the district declined last year and is expected to be lower again this year. Transportation is one area creating additional pressure. State transportation funding has remained relatively flat while districts’ actual costs continue to increase.

•September 16, 2026•

by Jamie Crosier

The Lovington Working Collective is planning a Sept. 17 event aimed at helping residents learn more about their community and ways to become involved.

According to information provided by the Lovington Working Collective, “Love Where You Live: Get Involved in Lovington” is planned for 5 to 7 p.m. in the park during the final farmers market of the season. The event is being organized as LWC’s third-quarter meeting.

The Lovington Working Collective, or LWC, is a community-driven network focused on connecting residents, organizations and local leaders with funding opportunities, resources and ideas. Its work includes grants, youth programs, community events and economic development, with an emphasis on keeping investment local and supporting Lovington schools, nonprofits, businesses and families.