Local group works to help launch local community members’ business aspirations

•March 19, 2025•

by D.M. Williamee

On March 4th, the Lovington Working Women’s Collective (LWWC) held its quarterly Open House in Lovington, with guest speaker Nathalie Beck, CEO of the Heart of Illinois Foundation, who spoke about how her foundation provides resources to improve the quality of life for residents of the communities served. Natalie, “believes in philanthropy’s unique ability to deliver “innovation capital” while leveraging partnerships.” The soup and freshly baked sourdough bread were provided by Hanna Heady with “Hanna’s Sourdough & Signs” and enjoyed by all in attendance.

•March 5, 2025•

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is seeking campground hosts for the 2025 camping season for state parks, recreation areas, and historic sites throughout Illinois.

Campground hosting is the perfect position for anyone who enjoys camping and helping other people. Hosts are often the first face to greet state park visitors. They check on arrivals and departures, write camping permits, acquaint campers with park facilities and regulations, answer questions about local and statewide attractions, help visitors plan outings, and more.

•February 19, 2025•

SHS freshman River Polley, his parents Brenda and Jason Polley, and retired SHS English teacher Becky Lawson recently learned that their entry won first place in the “essay with photograph” division of the 2024 Rachel Carson Intergenerational Sense of Wonder/Sense of the Wild Contest.

An email from Ling Tan, an associate with the Rachel Carson Landmark Alliance, included a judge’s statement about their entry, “The Calling of the Rivers.”

•February 5, 2025•

Saturday, December 14th the Dolphins hosted the Bloomington Normal and Funky Fish Swim Team for the Christmas Jingle Invitational.

The following swimmers are the high point winners from the Christmas Jingle Invitational.  8u girls: Emme Kirkley 1st Stella Perrott & Natalie Rahn 3rd 8u boys: Owen Pogue 3rd 9-10 girls: Kinsley Eads 1st & Millie Hendry 3rd 9-10 boys: Jack VanUytven 1st & Bryce Badman 3rd 11-12: girls Avery Hess 1st & Micheala Blinkensderder 2nd 11-12: boys Jace VanUytven 1st & Mack Pogue 3rd 13-14: girls Addy Hendry 1st 13-14: boys Charles Guyot 1st Open age girls: Emily Crosier 1st, Emerson Risley 2nd, Cadence Schmohe 3rd Open age boys: Nathan Rafferty 1st, Grant Martin 2nd, Henry Woolery 3rd 

•January 22, 2025•

by E. Scott England

The Sullivan CUSD #300 school board held its regularly scheduled meeting Monday, January 13th. All members were present. 

Per usual, the meeting started with updates from both NEHS and NHS. Both reports were abbreviated thanks to a shortened December month. NEHS is excited to start pen pal letters with elementary schools. This program begins this month and last through April. They will finish with an in person event where they get to meet their pen pals.

NHS continues to recognize teachers at all three buildings for their hard work. It was reported that Military Appreciation night had to be cancelled for this year. Both student groups joined forces to decorate and prepare for this event, but due to inclement weather, the event had to be postponed. Unfortunately, the remaining schedule of games does not allow it to be rescheduled this year.