•September 13, 2023•

by Crystal Reed

The Illinois Amish Heritage Center will host Sharon K. Jack of Country Home Quilting and More on Saturday, September 30, at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on their campus. Cost is $10 which includes admission to the campus and the program. Jack will be doing a techniques demonstration on the evolution of quilting techniques from how her grandmother made quilts and how she makes quilts. She will have samples of the different tools used as well as display boards. Read More

•September 6, 2023•

The Arthur Cheese Festival was held on Saturday, September 2-Monday, September 4. This year the festival celebrated it’s 50th year. On Saturday the event featured a car show, buggy and pony rides, the International Cheese Curling Championships, Ceremonial Cutting of the Cheese, The Big Cheese Parade, Cheese Eating Nationals, Founders Day Dinner and music. On Sunday, the day started with a community worship service with other events throughout the day including cheese carving, kiddie tractor pull, an ice cream social, music, corn hole tournament. On Monday, the last day of the festival, there was the Rat Race 5K and 10K runs, cheese curd spitting contest and sub sandwich giveaway. Throughout the weekend each day there was free cheese given away at the cheese tent. More photos are on page 8.

photo by Crystal Reed
Sesquicentennial Essay Winner
A contest was held in Arthur earlier this year where students were asked to write essays in regards to Arthur’s Sesquicentennial. The overall winner of that contest Adyson Hopkins whose essay was titled “150 Years of Arthur” was given the honor of reading her essay during the Founders’ Day Dinner.

•September 6, 2023•

The Village of Arthur celebrated 150 years with a Founders’ Day dinner at Penn Station Saturday, September 2. The dinner celebrated Arthur being established on September 2, 1873.

The program began with a presentation from Illinois State Senator Chapin Rose, who presented a message from the Illinois Senate. That was followed by reading a letter of welcome from Richard J. Durbin. The National Anthem was sung by members of the ALAH High School Choir directed by Stephen McClarey. Read More

•August 30, 2023•

by Crystal Reed

The Sullivan City Council held a regular meeting Monday, August 28. There was a variety of items on the agenda including the approval of purchase of splash pad equipment and approval of a quote for ball diamond lights.

Commissioner Abbey Sherwood said they have the splash pad equipment but needed to approve payment of it. The cost for the equipment is $133,877.60 from Imagine Nation. This was approved.

The council addressed the waiving of bidding and approval of a quote from Musco Lighting for ball diamond lights. Sherwood said she spoke with Electric Distribution Foreman Chris Parsons, and he said he was unable to get any other quotes. The quote includes a 25-year warranty. Read More

•August 23, 2023•

by Ariana R. Cherry

At their meeting on Tuesday, August 8, members of The Arthur Area Arts Council spoke about starting an “Artists of the Month” program and creating opportunities to partner with local business owners in downtown Arthur who might be interested in displaying art. 

They will begin by putting out a “call for artists” via local news outlets and social media. Any age will be eligible for artist of the month. Their plan is to help get local artists’ names out in the community while also helping support local businesses and organizations in the area. If the council is able to find businesses who are willing to partner with them, the art from the individual who is named “artist of the month” will be showcased in that particular business which will get promotions throughout the month. Artist Don Chambers also offered the possibility of adding the business in the background of his comics that he publishes in the newspaper for added exposure as well. Read More