Photo by RR Best
Slip Sliding Away
Sophia Smith is making the most of the Sullivan Fire Department water fun day at Wyman Park. This the third year that the Sullivan Fire Dept. has organized a cookout and water day for park rec students. More than 100 children enjoyed the day. Firefighters grilled and served hot dogs, chips and drinks to all the students. All food was donated by Courtyard Estates, Sullivan IGA and Sullivan Elementary School. After lunch, the aerial truck was pulled over to the open lots by the park shed and the children got to slip n’ slide on giant tarps as the aerial truck sprayed down on them. Fire Department volunteers also had a sprinkler system set up which cast off water that became tiny mud puddles which the children enjoyed even more. One group even created a dam, where the sidewalk slopes down, using grass, sticks and other things they could find. They all left filthy and wet but the most heard comment: “This was the best Park Rec day ever!” See Page 11 of this week's issue. There are also more photos here.

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 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 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.

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.