•July 29, 2026•

by E. Scott England

It was a fairly unremarkable board meeting for the Village of Lovington on Monday, July 20. The regular board meeting had been postponed a week after failing to get a quorum the previous Monday. With all but one present—Todd Hale was absent—the July meeting went off without a hitch.

Speaking before the meeting in the public comments were Scott Freese and David Bowers. Freese was representing the Lions Club and expressed his interest in starting a chapter in Lovington. He invited the trustees to an upcoming Candy Jamboree to be held on the second Monday in August at Yoder’s Kitchen in Arthur. The trustees said they would recommend places where Freese could hold a meeting to see if there was local interest in starting a chapter.

•July 29, 2026•

by Jamie Crosier

Community support for mental health continued well beyond Mental Health Awareness Month as proceeds from the second annual CHI Color Run were presented July 16 to two organizations serving residents in Moultrie and Douglas counties.

The run, held May 30 at CHI in Arthur, drew 146 preregistered participants, 43 day-of registrations and more than 40 volunteers. Participants raised more than $6,000, which CHI matched, resulting in more than $12,000 being donated to the Moultrie County Counseling Center and the Douglas County Public Health school-based clinic.

For CHI, the event represents more than a fundraiser. It reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to supporting the physical and emotional well-being of its employees and the communities where they live and work.

•July 22, 2026•

by Jamie Crosier

At its board meeting held Monday evening, July 13, the Sullivan Community Unit School District No. 300 Board of Education approved a tentative budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year, giving the district an initial financial framework while officials await final state funding figures expected later this summer.

Superintendent Dr. Ted Walk said the tentative budget is intended to provide a general outline for the coming year. Because the district has not yet received its state funding allocations, a more complete budget with updated revenue projections will be presented for board approval in September.

The board unanimously approved the tentative budget.

Capital projects included in the tentative budget primarily focus on the district’s track project, though Walk said transportation-related projects may be added before the final budget is adopted. Updated figures related to payments for the new high school are expected to be included in the September budget as well.

The board approved the purchase of two residential properties to support future transportation operations.

•July 22, 2026•

by Jamie Crosier

Patriotic decorations, American flags and familiar songs welcomed guests Thursday, July 16, as Mid-Illinois Senior Services Inc. hosted a celebration honoring America’s 250th birthday.

Mid-Illinois Senior Services serves as the Aging and Disability Resource Center and Coordinated Point of Entry for the East Central Illinois Agency on Aging. The celebration featured guest speaker Becky Lawson, followed by a free lunch of Blackstone-grilled hamburgers, sides and dessert. Entertainment was provided by the American Patriots Band.