•January 8, 2025•

As the time for making New Year’s resolutions is here, the American Red Cross asks you resolve to make a difference and support your community by becoming a volunteer in 2025. 

“We’re seeing both the frequency and intensity of disasters increase across the country and the Red Cross is responding to nearly twice as many large disasters as we did a decade ago to help people. This uptick in responses means we need more volunteers. The need to help has never been greater,” said Catherine Rabenstine, Interim CEO of the Illinois Red Cross.

•January 1, 2025•

by Ariana R Cherry

The December meeting of the ALAH Board of Education was marked by a continued discussion on the referendum that had recently failed to pass. Community member Jeremy Hale voiced his disappointment at the outcome, emphasizing the community’s division and the urgent need to prioritize the children’s education and future. 

“I am here to help, and I want success for us,” Hale began. “I’ve heard a lot of good and bad things here about this school. I am disappointed that not everyone is on the same page in this community. I don’t feel that everyone is putting our kids first,” he continued. I feel good about the growth of the referendum from both the first and second time. I feel there are still potential yes votes out there about the referendum and those who still haven’t been informed enough yet,” Hale went on. “We should all be on the same page when it comes to our kids. We shouldn’t be focusing on the building. All the other towns (Tuscola, Sullivan, etc) - they are all moving forward. We are stagnant…and keeping our kids stagnant. We’ve got to improve, rebuild, and we have to make it better for our kids and our future,” he concluded. 

•December 25, 2024•

Don’t let your Christmas tree go to waste this year after the holidays. Extend your tree’s life by donating it for Fish Habitat Improvement Day at Lake Shelbyville. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Lake Shelbyville Fish Habitat Alliance and Illinois Department of Natural Resources will place the discarded trees into Lake Shelbyville to enhance the fisheries for years to come. 

•December 11, 2024•

by E. Scott England

The Sullivan CUSD #300 school board held its regularly scheduled December meeting this past Monday. Both Zachary Hughes and Joshue Green were absent. There were far fewer guests than the previous month as well as no volunteers to talk during the citizen non-agenda items.

The evening got started with updates from the Spanish Club. They have been quite busy collecting nonperishable items for families in need. The club then partnered with the organization Baby Talk to help get the collected items distributed to around five families. Club members also made cookies to deliver to various organizations around town as well as sing Christmas carols in Spanish.

•December 4, 2024•

by Sharon Barricklow

After the resignation last month of Lovington Village Board President Dennis Jarman the Lovington Village Board held a special meeting last week and elected Brittany Bates Village President. Bates had been serving as parks commissioner for the village.

Board member April Daily questioned Bates’ qualifications for the job, calling into questioned Bates’ current status with her cosmetology license. After some discussion, Bates was elected.

“I’m ready to learn and I think we’ve got plenty to look forward to,” Bates said.