•February 25, 2026•

by DM Williamee

On Friday, February 20th, actor Shawn Woods, known for his roles in Charlie’s Angels and Sons of Anarchy, made a special speaking appearance at the invitation of Moultrie County’s ROSC and Dove programs at the Mid-Illinois Senior Services Center. The theme was ‘Loving yourself.’ This free, family-friendly event also included treats, as well as provided an opportunity for those in attendance to make their own valentines to themselves, as an expression of self-love. Mr. Woods also provided photo opportunities as well as autographs.

•June 4, 2025•

First Apostolic Church House of Prayer has announced the appointment of Reverend Gary Barnes as Pastor. Reverend Barnes and his wife, Angie Barnes, have a combined 60+ years in ministry. 

Rev. Barnes is originally from North Mississippi, having grown up under the ministry of Rev. JC Hall in Walnut, Mississippi, and is a licensed minister with the ACJC. He is a certified Genesis Process Relapse prevention facilitator and has been involved in all facets of ministry, including prison/jail and outreach ministry, home missions, home Bible studies, pastoring, teaching, and evangelizing. He served the ACJC Mid-South District of Tennessee/Mississippi as the Home Missions Director for three years and continues to support home missions in any way possible. Rev. Barnes has pastored two home missions works in north Mississippi and, most recently, assisted at Living Hope Church in Rainsville, Alabama.

    Login or Subscribe to read the rest of this story.

Local youth lead book discussions and showcase program’s value

•April 2, 2025•

by DM Williamee

On Monday, March 24th, One Book, One Sullivan met at Sullivan’s First United Methodist Church for their reading of the book, “The Lost Year” by author Katherine Marsh. The event was very well attended, with nearly one hundred participants and an atmosphere alternating between lively and serious. 

Rikki Ray and Rebecca Powell greeted the community while also moving from table to table as the discussions took place. Ms. Ray shared, “I loved the conversations between the adults and the students about listening to your grandparents’ stories and learning about your family history. One table was discussing what people learned from the book. Ann Wheeler talked to the kids about not wasting food, as she firmly believes in eating what is on your plate and not throwing food out. When we think about people starving around the world, this thought becomes very important.” Ms. Ray continued, “Some of the adults debated whether or not they liked the character Matthew in the story. We learned earlier that day in the live-stream reading with the author that Mat-thew was not even in Katherine Marsh’s original writing of the book, which she began in 2019. Then Covid happened. At that point she added in the character, Matthew, to help kids connect the story to their real-life experiences. For me, the relationship that blooms between Matthew and (his?) Grandma is so touching. I feel the unpacking of Grandma’s belongings is a metaphor for unpacking Grandma’s life story. I overheard Dr. Walk telling kids that doing the right thing…even when it is hard, was a theme he took away.”

1840’s re-enacting club holds arms and crafts show at the Sullivan American Legion

•March 19, 2025•

by D.M. Williamee

The Prairieland Frontiersman held their annual “Historic Arms and Craft Show” Saturday, March 7 and 8 in Sullivan at American Legion Post 68. There was much to see, from weaving and gunsmithing to jewelry and period clothing at the event. It was well attended; the American Legion Hall was packed with vendor tables selling their wares and sharing history.

Prairieland Frontiersmen, Inc., an 1840’s re-enacting club, is an Illinois not-for-profit corporation organized almost 50 years ago. The Club is not strictly a primitive Club, as buckskinners and “blue-jean” shooters are about equally represented. Only black powder muzzleloading or cartridge firearms are permitted to be fired on the range.

Photo courtesy of Timmy Valentine

•June 12, 2024•

by Ariana R Cherry

Thrifting is a great way to save money on gently used items. In today’s economy, second hand shopping is an ideal way to find the clothing brands and products for your home at a fraction of its original price. At least 93% of Americans shop online for second-hand items and in 2023, the U.S. second-hand market generated an estimated amount of $53 billion according to Capital One’s thrifting statistics.

If you are a regular thrifter, you will notice that not all thrift stores are the same. The creative minds behind Second Act are the dynamic trio of Timmy Valentine, John Stevens, and Ty Mosier. These Theatre enthusiasts and artists have poured their hearts and souls into creating a thrift store that is as unique and creative as the plays that the Little Theatre produces.

“We wanted to create an experience, not just a thrift store,” Valentine noted. “We have everything displayed beautifully and theatrically. It’s not like walking into your average store,” he added.  When you walk into Second Act, you might even notice the retro music lightly playing in the background which creates the perfect atmosphere when shopping for second-hand items.   Read More