ALAH Homecoming 2026
Category Archives: News
Matter of Balance classes return to Sullivan library
•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.
Read MoreLovington plans Halloween festivities, sets date for Safe-Trick-or-Treating
•September 23, 2026•
By E. Scott England
It was a relatively mundane meeting for the Village of Lovington this month. Absent member Andrea Wardrip, the remaining six carried out business efficiently.
Only one of the three attending members of the public chose to speak at this meeting. A concerned citizen was once again inquiring about the possibility of automatic debits for their water bill. The speaker had even gone as far as inquiring to the bank about the possibility of this. Unfortunately, the board informed, the software the village uses does not allow for automatic debits at this time. Asking if anything at all could be done, the village trustees said, regrettably, no, but they are hoping a future upgrade by the software company will allow for this down the road. The trustees did mention that they are willing to email a bill along with mailing a hardcopy to ensure the bill arrives in a timely manner.
Read MoreAn Amish Education
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.
Read MoreStory Time welcomes young children at Sullivan library
by Jamie Crosier
Wednesday mornings at Elizabeth Titus Memorial Library begin with a welcome song, followed by a choice made by some of the library’s youngest visitors: what to sing next.
Children can shake bells or play rhythm sticks during the songs before settling in for a story. Some weeks include a game or activity tied to the book. Afterward, children move to the library’s back room for a craft, then can spend time in the bounce house, play with hopper balls or explore the sensory table.
The library’s weekly Story Time begins at 10 a.m. each Wednesday and is designed primarily for children who have not yet started kindergarten, although children outside that age group are not turned away.
Read MoreSullivan school board adopts 2026-27 budget, reviews track progress
•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.
Read MoreMeet the Machines offers hands-on experience in Windsor
•September 16, 2026•
by Jamie Crosier
Children and families will have the opportunity to get up close to emergency vehicles, trucks, tractors and other machines during Meet the Machines from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, outside the Windsor Storm Memorial Public Library, 102 S. Maple St.
The Windsor Storm Memorial Public Library and The Red Barn are co-hosting the free, all-ages event, which will give children and families an opportunity to climb inside vehicles, ask questions and explore different machines.
Read MoreLove Where You Live aims to connect Lovington community
•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.
Read MoreSHS Honors English: Letters to the Editor
•September 16, 2026•
Letters to the Editor,’ written by Cami Badman‘s Honors English III students at Sullivan High School, explored controversial subjects with inquisitive minds and logic as well as emotion-based arguments. Badman opened the school year by challenging these 28 students to present well-rounded arguments for student-selected controversial subjects in the format of a ‘Letter to the Editor’.
Read MoreArthur Cheese Festival brings community together despite the heat
•September 9, 2026•
by Ariana R. Cherry
The 53rd Annual Arthur Cheese Festival returned to downtown Arthur Friday and Saturday, Sept. 4–5, bringing two days of food, contests, vendors and family activities to the community.
The festival has traditionally taken place over three days on Saturday, Sunday and Monday of Labor Day weekend. This year, organizers introduced a shorter Friday-and-Saturday format.
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