by DM Williamee 

With the theme, “Rio” this year, the Homecoming Parade in Sullivan last Friday had a wide variety of floats with their interpretation of the theme, as well as the homecoming court hopefuls. The weather helped facilitate a large turnout, with children lining the streets to get candy and proud parents taking photos. Both community and school spirit were tangible.

Photos by DM Williamee

•October 1, 2025•

by DM Williamee

Word redundancy (not corporate downsizing) is something most are ‘guilty’ of, myself included. I have been known to use phrases such as “Close proximity,” “absolutely essential,” and “end result.” Truth be told, I still do, not even realizing I have done it. Hats off to anyone who has mastered the elimination of redundancy! But what is it, and why does it matter?

Word redundancy is the unnecessary repetition of words, phrases, or ideas that don’t add any new meaning to what you are trying to say. Unlike effective repetition, which emphasizes a point (and is another topic in and of itself), redundancy bulks up communication and makes it less impactful. Short and sweet for the win. But exactly how does it impact what is being said?

•October 1, 2025•

Sullivan Southern Baptist Church invites the community to join in celebrating its 75th Anniversary on Sunday, October 12th, at Sullivan Southern Baptist Church, 615 E. Jackson Street in Sullivan.

The day will begin with a 10:00 a.m. worship service that will highlight the history and heritage of the church since its founding in 1950. The guest speaker will be former pastor Don Evans. Pastor Don Lusk will bring the morning message, and longtime members will share stories of God’s work through the congregation over the past seven and a half decades.

•September 24, 2025•

by Ariana R Cherry

A public hearing was held to discuss the board’s intent to sell up to $22,000,000 in School Fire Prevention and Safety Bonds. These bonds are designated for the high school replacement project and are linked to a health life safety study conducted by BLDD, which was submitted to the state. The information provided by BLDD to the state determined the necessary repairs and their associated costs. After deliberation, the school board agreed to grant the district a fifteen-year repayment period for the bonds. Many believed this timeframe would offer the district financial flexibility, especially given ongoing state funding issues. The next board meeting will include a formal submission of the bonds, detailing the fifteen-year term, along with a resolution setting the tax levy and interest rate.

Other conversations from school board members included reaching out to former alumni and alumni groups who may have an interest in owning remaining pieces of the high school for memorabilia, which could be donated or sold for fundraising purposes. 

•September 17, 2025•

by DM Williamee

Two local Sullivan Fire Department cadets recently completed their nine-week academy orientation and are enrolled in Lake Land Community College’s EMT Basic program. They both received their Certificate of Graduation on August 26th. Mitchell Bennett and Kaden DalPonte will both remain with the Sullivan Fire Department as probationary volunteer firefighters. Sullivan Fire Chief Chris Wright shared that both are very capable, and SFD is excited to have them there as they progress in both their education and careers.