•May 13, 2026•
The Illinois Department of Agriculture has designated the Shuman farm as a Sesquicentennial Farm. To qualify as a Sesquicentennial Farm, a straight or collateral line of descendants must own the agricultural property for at least 150 years. The family received this historical distinction to their farm after their application for designation as a Sesquicentennial Farm was approved.
Read Moreby DM Williamee
Sullivan High and Middle School students will notice some changes when they return to school after this summer, most notably a modernized revamp of their library. The library is currently a small, utilitarian space compared to what students will find when they return to classes this fall. Principal Nathan Ogle, lead of the project, shared the new floor plans, layout, furniture, and modernization in the design of the coming space, which were all impressive and reflected a great deal of detailed planning.
Read More
Okaw Valley High School’s Prom was held on April 25th at the Mt. Zion Conventions Center. Reese Bruns was crowned Queen, and Ames Drollinger King.
•May 6, 2026•
by Sharon Barricklow
Recent rains notwithstanding, Sullivan water users are still under water restrictions as drought conditions continue in Central Illinois. Sullivan City Council member Chuck Woodworth said last Monday night that the area remains under drought conditions. “I know we’ve had a lot of rain, but down deep, there’s still drought,” he said. Woodworth said Sullivan is taking steps to address water shortages with a test well in a new location looking very promising for the city. “We’ll be building on that,” he said.
He also thanked the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers for posting notices about water restrictions at the Forrest “Bo” Woods campground. “They’ve been very considerate and good to work with,” he said. Mayor Mike Mossman said working with the Corps benefited the city. “We draw a lot of visitors each summer from the lake,” Mossman said. “The campground generates a lot of revenue for the community.”
Read More
•May 6, 2026•
by DM Williamee
The BEACON (Behavioral Health Care and Ongoing Navigation) system, designed for Illinois youth mental health services, officially launched in January 2025. This centralized portal was developed by the Illinois Children’s Behavioral Health Transformation Initiative and Google Cloud to streamline access to care across multiple state agencies. It is currently fully operational and was rolled out to system partners, including the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS-manages health benefits and state-funded programs), the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), and the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice (IDJJ).
Read More
•May 6, 2026•
Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia is one of the most demanding roles a person can take on. It impacts emotionally, physically, and mentally. The Senior Resource Center at Family Services and the Moultrie County Health Department are teaming up to offer a free resource designed specifically for family caregivers. In other words: you don’t have to do this alone.
Read More
•May 6, 2026•
Photo by DM Williamee
Weaver Kiri Fagen-Ulmschneider demonstrates
the split-shed weaving of a sampler tapestry.
by DM Williamee
On Saturday, May 2nd, the Illinois Amish Heritage Center (IAHC) held its annual (and newly named) “Sheep to Yarn to Quilts’ event in Arthur. The parking area was packed full, as attendees, both young and old, from near and far, attended the event. One young lady shared she came from Altoona, Pennsylvania, with a group of friends to attend the event and experience the Arthur and Amish communities and learn more about the Amish and their history.
The shearing of the sheep took place in the lower level of the Hershberger-Miller barn, with the animals both comfortable and familiar with the process as their heavy woolen and lanolin-laden coats were sheared off. Those shearing the sheep worked quickly and efficiently, from positioning the sheep to safely maneuvering them throughout the shearing process, which reflected practiced efficiency and years of experience.
Read More
Photo by R.R. Best
On Tuesday, April 28th, under the direction of Dr. Ian Kinkley, Band Director, the Sullivan Band Program presented its symphonious Spring Band concert, titled “Evening Escapes,” which showcased the magnificent and diverse talents of the Sullivan 6th, 7th and 8th grade bands, combined with the Sullivan High School Band and Jazz Band.
Photo Submitted
SHS Prom court:(L to R): Front Row - King - Owen Smith, Queen - Kate Bushue, Back Row - Devon Richardson, 2025 King Lucas Floyd, Carter Thurston, Johnathon Iacobazzi, Riane Bear, Caden Saul, James Feldkamp, Eiley Poe, Emily Crosier, and 2025 Queen Katilyn Kirby.
•April 29, 2026•
by DM Williamee
On April 13th, the Village of Lovington held its regular monthly meeting, with Lovington locals in attendance who were armed with questions ranging from water bill payments to liquor licensure, and whether ordinance changes to the liquor ordinance were legal and/or ethical. Before the regular meeting, a brief appropriations meeting was held. Appropriations remained unchanged through to 2027, with no dissenting votes by the village board.
Resident Carolyn Trower spoke, requesting that the Village create an online payment and billing portal for utilities, specifically the water bill. Mrs. Trower advised the board that bills sent via U.S. Mail were frequently lost in transit, requiring her to call the Village to find out what she owed so she could make the payment on time and avoid late fees. She contended that, based on her previous banking and finance experience, for the cost the Village spent on postage, an online/ ACH system could be implemented to access utility bills and online payment. These missed utility bills had become so prevalent for her that she spoke to the local post office and was advised by them that the best remedy for missed mail was to rent a PO box for an annual fee of $72, which was a cost she did not feel she should have to shoulder. “It’s the 21st century, and it’s convenient,” she stated. In closing, Mrs. Trower shared her list of positives and negatives for implementing her suggestion with the board, closing with, “Jeff and I did not come to this meeting this evening to create disruptions, but to bring this issue to your attention. It’s just been such a problem to monitor and get our water bill…. We look forward to hearing your decision concerning this issue.”
Read More