Photos by R.R. Best

On Friday, December 5th, Dove, Inc., in collaboration with East Central Illinois ROSC, held a free “Santa’s Little Workshop” event at Mid-Illinois Senior Services in Sullivan. With free food, crafts, activities, hot chocolate, cookie decorating, and warm holiday cheers, the event was enjoyed by many locals. Santa was also present, happily hearing the Christmas list requests of children of all ages.

•December 10, 2025•

by DM Williamee

As the chill of winter sets in and the selection of outdoor activities dwindles, many find themselves searching for ways to stave off boredom while maintaining mental, physical, and emotional health during the chillier winter months. Believe it or not, winter provides an opportunity to explore indoor activities that can both bust boredom and enhance well-being. From creative pursuits to physical fitness, there are options other than binge-watching television that can enhance the season.

Get crafty and unleash your creative side. Winter is the perfect time to dive into arts and crafts, for example. Engaging in creative activities not only provides a productive outlet for stress but also enhances mood and reduces that stress. Painting and/or drawing are simple examples. Experiment with watercolors, acrylics, sketching, or even just doodling. You don’t need to be a professional artist—just let your imagination take over. You can also create handmade gifts, decorations, or upcycle old items into something new. Knitting or crocheting is not only therapeutic but also functional. Both can result in cozy accessories such as scarves, hats, slippers, and lap-blankets, perfect for this chillier season.

•December 10, 2025•

by DM Williamee

When one is unable to care for themselves at home due to age, illness, or injury and lacks the requisite support system to ensure proper care on a day-to-day basis, nursing care and rehabilitation facilities exist to fill that gap. Unfortunately, not all facilities are created equal when it comes to safe, quality care, as reflected by the recent IDPH “Quarterly Report of Nursing Home Violators” report.

43 nursing homes and care facilities throughout the Central Illinois region were recently fined in the April-June 2025 “Quarterly Report of Nursing Home Violators” by the Illinois Department of Public Health. These encompassed violations of both state and federal law. Some reports included multiple violations; some facilities have multiple reports against them, and some had fines statutorily doubled.

•December 10, 2025•

The Sullivan Fire Protection District responded to a structure fire on December 4th, 12:27 a.m. at 925 State Highway 32, at the NorthEnd Pub and Grill at the Sullivan Marina. Fire crews arrived to find heavy fire conditions present on the east side of the building. Firefighters began a fire attack and searched for victims, but no one was found inside the structure. A Second Alarm was called at 1:02 a.m., bringing additional resources and manpower to the scene. Limited access and icy conditions presented many obstacles for firefighters to overcome on this fire. There were no injuries to firefighters or civilians. Crews remained on scene until 5:06 a.m.

•December 3, 2025•

by DM Williamee

With winter now here, ensuring your vehicle is prepared for the colder months is essential for safety and reliability. From icy roads to unexpected snowstorms, being proactive can help you avoid breakdowns and keep you safe on the road. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to DIY prepare your vehicle for winter and what to carry for emergencies.

Winter driving can be tough on your vehicle’s fluids. Here’s what to check: Antifreeze/Coolant: Ensure your coolant levels are adequate and consider using a winter-grade coolant to prevent freezing. Oil: Check your oil level and consider switching to a winter-grade oil for better performance in cold temperatures. Thinner oil flows better in frigid conditions. Windshield Washer Fluid: Use a winter formula that won’t freeze, and top off your washer fluid reservoir. This is crucial for maintaining visibility in snowy conditions.

Cold weather can drain your battery faster than you think. Here’s how to ensure it’s up to the task: Check Battery Health: Look for corrosion on battery terminals and clean them if necessary. If your battery is more than three years old, consider having it tested at an auto parts store. Secure Connections: Ensure battery cables are tight and free of corrosion to avoid starting issues.