Sullivan Street Machine car show
•June 3, 2026•
by DM Williamee
On the afternoon of Saturday, May 23rd, the Sullivan Street Machine Association held its season-opener car show on the Square in Sullivan, whetting auto enthusiasts’ appetites as car show season begins for 2026. While early on it looked as if it might rain, the weather cooperated, and it was not only dry but perfectly temperate, with a nice breeze. Local enthusiasts and club members converged on the square to show off a wide variety of street machines, including classic cars, muscle cars, trucks, golf carts, and anything else proud owners brought down to be admired, whether classic or current. The sun might not have been shining, but the autos on the square were.
Their next events will be the St. Jude’s ‘Dash and Bash’ car show at Wyman Park in Sullivan on Saturday, June 13th, with registration at 10:00 a.m., 11:00 to 1:30 p.m. the car show itself, and awards presented at 2:30 p.m. The event following the ‘Dash and Bash’ will be “Cruise Night on the Square’ on Saturday, September 5th, on Sullivan’s Square. All makes, models, and years will be welcome, and dash plaques will be available for the first 100 registrants. There will also be free popcorn provided by Boy Scout Troop 39, live music by Shovelhead, and door prizes awarded at 6:00 p.m. For more information, call (217) 728-7848 or (217) 273-8487, or visit Facebook at www.facebook.com/SullivanSMA.
Read MoreALAH HS construction prep moves forward
•June 3, 2026•
by Ariana R. Cherry
Construction preparations continue to move quickly at Arthur CUSD #305 as district officials prepare for a summer filled with moving, demolition, and building activity, while also recognizing student accomplishments and community support during the May 20th school board meeting. Superintendent Shannon Cheek told board members construction efforts continue moving in a positive direction, with major project milestones approaching over the next several weeks. “As of right now, pretty positive, pretty positive,” Cheek noted.
One of the next major steps will begin on Tuesday, May 26th, when asbestos removal work starts in portions of the building, including areas around the chorus, band, and weight room spaces, along with additional smaller areas. Cheek said the district’s goal is to continue transitioning spaces as work progresses. Demolition activities are expected to begin on June 8th, with fencing around portions of the building also scheduled to be installed in early June.
Read MoreMoultrie County: new emergency notifications system
•June 3, 2026•
Submitted
The Moultrie County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) has announced a new emergency notification system for Moultrie County residents and business owners. Moultrie County has transitioned from the previous CodeRED system to a new Moultrie County Emergency Notifications service. It’s designed to quickly send notifications about severe weather, road closures, public safety matters, and other time-sensitive events to specific locations when and where they matter most.
When severe weather strikes, roads may close unexpectedly, or emergencies may affect your community. Timely information can help keep families, employees, customers, and property safe. Whether you’re a parent trying to keep your family safe or a local business owner responsible for employees and operations, receiving timely information can help you make decisions during rapidly changing circumstances.
Read MoreSpecial event at MCHGS: Lake Shelbyville dredging
•June 3, 2026•
If you’ve passed over the Fox Harbor bridge near Sullivan Marina recently and wondered what is going on with all of the heavy equipment at Lake Shelbyville, a special public event at the Moultrie County History Center seeks to answer your questions.
Read MorePOW/MIA Honor Chair
•June 3, 2026•
by DM Williamee
On Saturday, June 6th at 1:00 p.m., Rolling Thunder Chapter 3 will be placing a POW/MIA Chair of Honor at the Sullivan American Legion Post 68, located at 8 East Strain Street in Sullivan. POW/MIA Chairs of Honor are perpetually empty seats placed in public spaces to solemnly commemorate the tens of thousands of American service members who are Prisoners of War (POW) or Missing in Action (MIA) and have not yet returned home. The empty space is designed to remind the public that even though missing soldiers are absent, there is always a reserved space waiting for them upon their return, and these chairs symbolize a steadfast vow that America will never stop searching for those who have not returned. Rolling Thunder, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness of U.S. Prisoners of War (POWs) and Missing in Action (MIA), and supporting veterans and their families. Rolling Thunder is not a motorcycle gang; rather, they are a veterans’ advocacy group. Membership does not require you to own a motorcycle or be a veteran.
ETML summer reading kickoff
•June 3, 2026•
Lilah Wiltse with her colorful butterfly enjoys her snow cone in the shade.
On May 29th, the Elizabeth Memorial Library kicked off its annual Summer Reading Program, and it was the place to be, where droves of community members, both large and small, were eager to sign up and partake of the opening festivities. On offer were free snow cones and cotton candy, bounce houses, a croquet match-up game with prizes, the ever-popular face painting, and the actual sign-up, which will reward readers with prizes for their summer reading accomplishments. The event was high-energy and filled with kiddos, from tots to teens, enjoying all of the sweet treats and activities, with many leaving with armfuls of books to get their reading off to a stellar start. Inside, many were taking advantage of the computers, games, and play area, with clusters of youngsters passing through all genres and reading sections, especially the new releases.
Read MoreETML summer reading kickoff
American Legion Memorial Day ceremony
•May 27, 2026•
by DM Williamee
In the early morning hours of Monday, May 25th, the Sullivan American Legion Post 68 held a Memorial Day ceremony at Greenhill Cemetery in Sullivan, as well as at their Legion Hall, available for all to attend. The Legion’s Color Guard, Firing Squad, Chaplain, as well as Scouting America Troop number 39, somberly marched down East Water Street toward the cemetery, with police escort. The ceremony was solemn and reverent, which brought to the forefront that Memorial Day is a tribute; that it represents national unity, and the ceremony, as well as the day itself, is a tribute to the over one million U.S. service members who have died in the line of duty since the Revolutionary War.
Read MoreBurgers and Brats
•May 27, 2026•
by DM Williamee
On Saturday, May 23rd, Sullivan’s First United Methodist Church held its annual ‘Burgers and Brats’ event, and Elvis was in the building! Just kidding, it was Dennise Ozier playing the king of rock-n-roll for the entertainment of locals driving by, and many a horn was honked in humorous recognition. Chip Hagen and Ellowyn Hagen were also at the roadside waving signage and wearing their delightful hotdog hats, enticing locals to stop and enjoy the goodies. Last year, this event helped raise funds that enabled the church to assist 56 children and eighteen families in Moultrie County who were facing food insecurity, and enjoy a holiday meal with a gift certificate from Sullivan’s local Kirby’s grocery store.
Poppies to honor those who gave all
On Friday, May 22nd, Ruth Keown, Vice-President of the Sullivan American Legion Auxiliary Unit 68, greeted the public at the entrance to the local Post Office, distributing Memorial Poppies. Each year, millions of Americans wear these Memorial Poppies in memory of American service members who lost their lives in war while serving their country, and to assist those Veterans who are now hospitalized or in rehabilitation, suffering from wounds and illnesses. Memorial Day poppies distributed by the American Legion symbolize the ultimate sacrifice made by service members and are a tribute to those who lost their lives in war. Wearing the poppy is a way to honor the fallen and ensure their bravery is never forgotten.