Photo by RR Best
Tragic Crash
Services were held Tuesday for 41 year old Robert Day of Hammond. Day, a member of the Hammond Fire Department, died as a result of a 6:30 p.m. July 20 crop sprayer/train accident on CR2000N near the Hwy. 121 intersection south of Dalton City. First responders from Sullivan, Bethany, Mt. Zion, Dora Township and Illinois State Police assisted at the scene. Area first responders formed the processional from Hammond to St. Isidore Catholic Church Cemetery.
Photo furnished
European Vacation
Young adults from Sullivan recently traveled to London, Paris, Florence and Rome with Marsha Kirby through Education First Tours. Pictured from left: Lexi Elder, Kelsey Clark, Katie Webb, Jon Gavin, Brendan Rau. The students were able to visit many historical sites including Buckingham Palace, the Eiffel Tower, the Palace of Versailles, Trevi Fountain, and Pompeii. Kirby is currently putting together a trip to Germany, Austria & Switzerland for the summer of 2018 and a trip to Washington D.C. for summer 2019. This is not limited to students but is open to all members of the community. Those interested should call Marsha Kirby at 217-853-6842 for more information.
Photo by Ellen Ferrera
What Is This?
Every time motorists drive north on Route 32 to Lovington they pass a monument on the right side of the road, but they may not have noticed it. It is a memorial to Charles R. France who donated some 200 acres to Masonic Charities. The inscription on the plaque reads:
Charles R. France, Apr. 1, 1888 Jan. 17, 1968.
Memorial Farm: By his widow Mrs. Enid R. France. A freemason of the past, who provided for those of the future by dedicating this farm to Masonic Charity.
This plaque erected by the Illinois Masonic Home AD 1980 AL 5980
Photo by Mike Brothers
Chesterville Derby Winner
Winning the first Belgian Draft Horse race in the world at the Illinois Amish Heritage Center July 21 was Rose. In a two furlong race Rose won by a length, in a world record eight second time. The Cadwell entry is pictured with rider Daniel Yoder claiming the inaugural Chesterville Derby trophy which remains on display at the Amish Interpretive Center located west of Chesterville on Hwy 133. The Belgian Draft horses racing included members of the Moses Yoder house pull team from September 2016.
Photo by Alex Menke
Summer Fun at Wyman
The Wyman Park Summer Recreation program directed by Jake and Melissa Haegen hosts recreational activities for local children every Monday-Friday for eight weeks in the summer. Activities are held throughout Wyman Park in Sullivan from 8:30 a.m. until 2:30.p.m. Kids make weekly trips to the Sullivan Civic Center pool, games of all kinds, and numerous other forms of recreation. New ventures this year include creating a mosaic on display in front of the Sullivan Civic Center with the help of the Sullivan Area Arts Council.
Melissa Haegen stated the highest number of participants this year was 150 and the least 85. Haegen said numbers have been increasing each year and is correlated with the rising poverty level in the community. The program would not be sustainable without the help of donations from the SAArts, 100 Women Who Care, Sullivan VFW, Sullivan Fire Department, and private donations.
Operation Secret Santa Success
Jeepin in Memory of Jessi, the annual Secret Santa Fundraiser, hosted the largest crowd ever at The Toy Bar July 15. With some 175 people registered the single day event earned almost $16,000 for the local non-profit organization. The theme was Christmas Vacation with prizes for best outfits. Sparrows Inc. of Lovington participated along with other volunteer groups. Secret Santa helps families at Christmas with gifts for kids and throughout the year with families and individuals in need. Like them on Facebook at Operation Secret Santa. Operation Secret Santa is a not-for-profit organization. Photo by RR Best
photo furnished
Majors Participate
Okaw Valley Drum Majors Caleb Hildebrandt and Connor Powers participated in the Smith Walbridge Clinic at Eastern Illinois University this past week. OV band camp runs from July 24th-July 28th at OVHS.
Photo furnished
Lovington Legion Family
Recently elected officers of the Lovington American Legion Post #429, American Legion Auxiliary and Sons of American Legion gathered at the Post. Pictured from left standing: Post Commander George Clark, Senior Vice Curt Clough Jr., Vice/Finance Mike Wainscott, Chaplain Neil Owens, Auxiliary Sgt. at Arms Cindy Helton, Aux. Vice Jennifer Mechling, SAL Commander Dennis Fedie, Aux Sec-Treas, Dina Owens, American Legion Auxiliary President Lind Alumbaugh, SAL Sr. Vice Robert Riley and Legion Adjutant Tom Brown. Seated: Post 429 Historian Charlie Dyer.
Photo by Mike Brothers
Fireworks over Wyman
Sullivan American Legion Post 68 ended the Fourth of July celebration in grand fashion with fireworks in the air and on the ground, entertaining the huge crowd gathered around Wyman Park lake. This was the second year Central States Fireworks of Athens lit up the Sullivan skies on the Fourth of July.
Photo by Mike Brothers
Chamber Jackpot Winner
Winning the annual Sullivan Economic Development and Chamber Fourth of July Jackpot for 2017 was Barb Dobbs of rural Sullivan. Pictured are Chamber Director Laurrie Minor, $4865 prize winner Barb Dobbs and Chamber Adminstrative Asst. Malinda Calhoun Hurt during the presentation. Dobbs said she has plans to get tires for her car and replace the 1970s shag carpeting in her home.