Young entrepreneur turns hobby into hometown business
•August 26, 2026•
by Jamie Crosier
What began as a childhood hobby has grown into a small business with a growing reputation and a mission to give back.
Sarah Windhorst, an incoming freshman from Sullivan, started making jewelry when she was about 10 years old after watching someone else create handmade pieces. Curious to see if she could do it herself, she purchased a few supplies and discovered a hobby she enjoyed. Over time, that hobby naturally became Sarah’s Jewels, a business known for custom jewelry, school spirit accessories and community involvement.
“There was no defining line of turning it into a business from a hobby,” Windhorst said. “It just slowly worked its way into that category while getting bigger and bigger.”
Read MoreSullivan First United Methodist Church welcomes Pastor Bill Wiggs
•August 12, 2026•
by Jamie Crosier
A new chapter has begun at Sullivan First United Methodist Church as Pastor Bill Wiggs settles into the community and begins serving the congregation.
Wiggs officially began his appointment July 1 after serving Marshall First and Dunlap United Methodist churches. While his assignment to Sullivan came through the United Methodist Church’s appointment process, he said he and his family have already found a warm welcome from both the congregation and the community.
Read MoreGirls grow more than flowers through family project
•July 29, 2026•
by Jamie Crosier
What started as a walk to a backyard flower garden has blossomed into a summer project that is teaching two young Sullivan sisters lessons about hard work, patience and financial responsibility.
Bretton and Hattie Crouse’s daughters, Josephine, 5, and Dorothy, 3, spend part of their summer helping care for a patch of colorful zinnias before arranging bouquets that are sold to the community. Every dollar earned goes into investment accounts for the girls, giving them an early introduction to saving for the future.
The idea for the flower stand grew from a simple family tradition.
Read MoreStudents shine in Holocaust Education Center contest
•July 8, 2026•
Three Sullivan students recently brought home Best in Show and first place honors for the creative pieces they submitted to The Champaign-Urbana Jewish Federation’s Holocaust Education Center’s Through Their Eyes: A Holocaust Arts and Writing Contest while two other students had pieces that placed in their age divisions.
Junior Claire Kursell won Best in Show for the Painting and Drawing category and first place in the 11th and 12th grade division for “Pills.” Kursell’s art work depicted a bottle of pills held by Holocaust survivor Ruth Fenton.
Read MoreHabitat for Humanity awards home
•June 10, 2026•
On Tuesday, June 2nd, members of Habitat for Humanity gathered at Heritage Woods to notify Shelia Anderson that she and her family will be the recipients of the next home built by Habitat for Humanity in Sullivan. Habitat for Humanity representative Sandy Sanders stated, “We look forward to working with this family. We are so fortunate to live in a community that supports the efforts of our local Habitat for Humanity affiliate.” Shelia Anderson was surprised at work with the notification, and expressed her deep gratitude to all present, with many hugs and warm exchanges resulting.
L-R: Marc Hall, Tara Reed, Salisa Olmsted, Nancy Hall, Sandy Sanders, Sheila Anderson, Ava, Kya, Mia, and Becky Comstock.
Agri-Fab donates to Regional Cancer Center expansion
•April 15, 2026•
Agri-Fab of Sullivan has donated $30,000 to the Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Foundation’s Expanding Hope Campaign to support the expansion of the Regional Cancer Center. “This donation ties into our values,” said Deacon Patient, President of Agri-Fab. “At Agri-Fab, we are all about community, and this Cancer Center is important to our community. We all know someone who has been affected by cancer. I am personally inspired by these three employees who have battled cancer at Sarah Bush Lincoln.”
Read MoreActor Shawn Woods speaks on ‘Loving Yourself’
•February 25, 2026•
Actor Shawn Woods shares his insights into recovery and self-love with those in attendance.
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.
Read MoreOVHS hosts grand opening of Career Exploration Center
•February 18, 2026•
Okaw Valley Community Unit School District #302 celebrated the official ribbon cutting of the Okaw Valley High School Career Exploration Center on Thursday, February 12th, marking an exciting milestone for students, families, and the broader community. While the Center has been serving students throughout the school year, the ceremony marked its official grand opening.
The Career Exploration Center was made possible through a generous $13,000 grant from the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation, helping bring the space to life under the leadership of Jena Atchison, Bonnie Scott, and Matthew Shoaff. Representatives Grant Wade and Andrea Gerhard attended on behalf of the Foundation and joined students, educators, and community leaders as the doors officially opened.
Read MoreFirst Apostolic Church House of Prayer: new Pastor appointment
•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.
Read more: First Apostolic Church House of Prayer: new Pastor appointmentMethodist Church Easter eggs nearing completion
Made-to-order delights a community tradition
•April 9, 2025•
Sullivan First United Methodist Church’s group of 30 volunteers are still hard at work completing their yearly Easter Egg orders. This year, over a thousand eggs will be crafted for those who placed their advance orders and who will be called as soon as they are ready for pick up.
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