•August 12, 2026•
by Ariana R Cherry
In 1786, Scottish inventor Andrew Meikle developed the first successful mechanical threshing machine, transforming the way farmers separated grain from chaff. More than two centuries later, visitors experienced that history firsthand during Steam Threshing Days, held Friday, July 31, and Saturday, Aug. 1, at the Illinois Amish Heritage Center near Arthur.
•August 12, 2026•
By Jamie Crosier
The Bethany Advocates and Support Organization (BASO) will host its annual car show from 4 to 7 p.m. Aug. 22 at Crowder Park.
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•August 12, 2026•
by Jamie Crosier
The 129th Windsor Harvest Picnic will return Aug. 13-15 in Windsor, bringing three days of live entertainment, food, a carnival, family activities and longtime community traditions.
This year’s theme, “Stars & Stripes & Summer Nights,” highlights the annual celebration, which will feature nightly entertainment, community dinners, a parade, a 5K run and activities for all ages.
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•August 12, 2026•
As another school year begins across the region, Regional Office of Education #11 Regional Superintendent Kyle Thompson is reminding motorists, parents, and students that back-to-school season also marks the return of thousands of children traveling on school buses each day.
With buses back on city streets, county roads and rural highways, Thompson said every driver has a responsibility to slow down, eliminate distractions and remain alert for children boarding and exiting school buses.
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•August 12, 2026•
by Jamie Crosier
Older adults, caregivers and individuals with disabilities from throughout the area will have an opportunity to learn about services available during the Mid-Illinois Senior Services Senior Expo on Friday, September 4.
The free event will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Mid-Illinois Senior Services, 113 E. Jefferson St., Sullivan. Organizers expect between 150 and 200 participants and encourage anyone planning to attend to register by Aug. 21 to receive a free sack lunch.
The expo has been a community tradition for more than two decades. Executive Director Kathi Garvey said the event was created to bring organizations that serve older adults and people with disabilities together in one place.
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Photo Submitted
“Together, We Give Back to School”
Sullivan Elementary School recently received 60 backpacks filled with school supplies through Amazon’s “Together, We Give Back to School” campaign. End of the Line Tackle & Bait, an Amazon delivery partner, nominated Sullivan Elementary for the program, and the school’s submission was selected to receive the donation. Pictured (left to right) are Cameron Martin, Taylor Lilly, James Martin, Marla Martin and Angela McRill following the July 27 delivery.
•August 5, 2026•
by Jamie Crosier
Just days before students return to the classroom, the Sullivan Area Ministerial Association is inviting the community to gather for a Back-to-School Prayer Walk on Monday, Aug. 10.
The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the concession stand area at Victory Field at Sullivan High School in Sullivan. Organizers have planned a brief welcome, two worship songs and instructions before community members are sent out to walk the school grounds.
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•August 5, 2026•
by Jamie Crosier
The Two Story Outhouse Festival will celebrate its final year on Saturday, Aug. 8, with fireworks, live music and a full day of activities as organizers bring to a close a community tradition that has grown over the past six years.
According to a statement shared by the festival committee, the event began with a small group of volunteers who wanted to celebrate the history and uniqueness of the Village of Gays and its famous Two Story Outhouse. Starting with no funding, the festival grew through the support of volunteers, sponsors, donors and attendees.
Read Moreby Sharon Barricklow
Businesses and residents of Sullivan will have to continue to live under water restrictions after an extension was passed by the Sullivan City Council.
Although a new well has been dug, it has not achieved full Environmental and Health approval to be used as a city water source. The council approved extending the water restrictions, which prevent lawn watering, car washing and private swimming pool filling, until October, but Mayor Mike Mossman said when the water approvals come back restrictions could ease.
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•August 5, 2026•
Submitted by Larry Oathout, MCHGS Genealogist
and Tonya Frevert, MCHGS Publicity Chair
The Moultrie County Historical and Genealogical Society recently held its July meeting at one of Moultrie County’s eye-catching landmarks: the round red barn on the southeast side of Bethany. Situated not far from Illinois Route 121, the barn is a 10-year labor of love by Bethany native George Bone.
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