2026 Windsor Harvest Picnic
Sixth annual Tommy Houser Memorial Golf Outing continues his legacy in Sullivan
•August 26, 2026•
by Jamie Crosier
Six years after the first golf outing was held in memory of Thomas M. “Tommy” Houser, his family continues using the annual event to help others in ways they believe would have mattered to him.
The sixth annual Tommy Houser Memorial Golf Outing will be held Saturday, Aug. 29, at the Sullivan Country Club in Sullivan. The outing has reached capacity and is full for golfers, but community members are welcome to stop by during the day to visit, donate and support the event.
For Houser’s wife, Elizabeth, the purpose extends well beyond the golf course.
“I wanted to give back in ways he would want me to,” she said. “We do so much good in his name.”
Houser died Feb. 27, 2020, at age 52. His law enforcement career spanned more than 31 years, beginning with the Sullivan Police Department and continuing with the Moultrie County Sheriff’s Department and Illinois State Police.
Read MoreLandmark torn down
The home at the intersection of Route 133 and Route 32 in Lovington was torn down last week. The house had become a major hazard after a box truck struck it, taking out a large portion of the north wall. The owners had the home demolished after it was deemed a public safety issue.
Illinois Amish Heritage Center presents “Amish Education”
•August 26, 2026•
A special event, “Amish Education,” will be held for a 2nd year at the Illinois Amish Heritage Center (IAHC) on Saturday, September 12.
The event is held in a 1920’s-era one-room schoolhouse at the new IAHC Living History Farm between Arcola and Arthur, Illinois.
The event is on Saturday, September 12, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and includes a bag lunch. Pre-registration is required.
Read MoreMoultrie County approves $3.25 million bid for new county building
•August 26, 2026•
by Jamie Crosier
The Moultrie County Board approved a $3.25 million construction bid Thursday for a new county building designed to bring several departments and services together while providing additional storage, training and emergency-response space.
The board voted during its Aug. 13 meeting to accept the $3,251,000 bid from K. Wohltman Construction Inc., the lowest responsible bidder. The overall project budget is approximately $4 million and includes construction, a new drive, contingency funds, architectural and engineering fees, furnishings, technology and landscaping.
Construction is expected to begin in September, with the project estimated at 270 calendar days.
Read MoreSullivan youth performers invited to audition for two Little Theatre productions
•August 19, 2026•
Young performers take the stage during The Little Theatre On The Square’s April 2026 production of Disney’s Finding Nemo Jr. The production was part of the theater’s Future Stars Program and featured local youth performers in grades four through 12.
by Jamie Crosier
Young performers from Sullivan and surrounding communities will have an opportunity later this month to audition for two productions at The Little Theatre On The Square in Sullivan, with each offering a different kind of theatrical experience.
Auditions for Matilda Jr. and A Christmas Story: The Musical will be held Sunday, Aug. 30, and Monday, Aug. 31, at The Little Theatre On The Square’s Dance Studio, 9 E. Jefferson St. Auditions are open to students in fourth through 12th grades. Participants must schedule an individual audition and attend a dance call at 5 p.m. on one of the audition days.
While young performers are being sought for both shows, the productions are different. Matilda Jr. is a student production, while A Christmas Story is a Little Theatre mainstage production that will include approximately 12 roles for children.
John Stephens, executive producer of The Little Theatre On The Square, is entering his 21st season with the Sullivan theater. He said choosing productions begins in part with considering the performers already involved in the theater’s programs and the skills they have developed.
That was particularly important with A Christmas Story, which requires children who can sing and act while handling significant dance requirements. Most of the children’s roles require tap dancing.
“We had to wait until we had kids at the level we needed them to be able to dance at in order to do that show,” Stephens said.
Read MoreSullivan schools enter new year fully staffed as district wraps up summer projects
•August 19, 2026•
by Jamie Crosier
Sullivan Community Unit School District 300 is entering the new school year nearly fully staffed while completing a series of facility, technology and maintenance projects across the district.
During the Sullivan school board’s Aug. 10 meeting, Superintendent Dr. Ted Walk reported that the district was fortunate to fill teaching vacancies quickly and with strong candidates. Approximately seven or eight teachers participated in new teacher orientation.
Walk noted that the openings were largely created by employees retiring, accepting promotions or leaving for other personal or professional opportunities, rather than teachers departing for neighboring districts.
Read MoreLake Land College announces spring semester part-time honors list
•August 19, 2026•
Lake Land College recently announced part-time students earning academic honors for the 2026 Spring semester.
To qualify for the president’s list, a student must have completed at least 12 credit hours in courses numbered 040 or higher per semester, excluding summer term, with a GPA of 3.8-4.0.
To qualify for the dean’s list, a student must have completed at least 12 credit hours in courses numbered 040 or higher per semester, excluding summer term, with a GPA of 3.65- 3.79.
To qualify for the honor’s list, a student must have completed at least 12 hours in courses numbered 040 or higher per semester, excluding summer term, with a GPA of 3.5-3.64.
Read MoreTodd Hale resigns, Dena Norris appointed as Village of Lovington trustee
•August 19, 2026•
by E. Scott England
Following an absence from previous meetings, Todd Hale has officially resigned his post as trustee for the Village of Lovington. In a resignation letter read by President Brittany Bates, Hale remarked that his time as a trustee has “been an honor” and he vowed that the board “keep fighting the good fight.” His resignation was unanimously accepted by the board.
The remaining trustees then briefly convened into closed session before resuming the open meeting to take action on the appointment of new trustee, Dena Norris. Norris, a lifelong Moultrie County resident, has resided in Lovington for over 10 years. Norris says she is looking forward to “helping out the community” and “giving back more” to the village.
Read MoreSullivan fourth-grader builds Little Miss Duzy one craft at a time
•August 19, 2026•
by Jamie Crosier
When Charlotte Duzan learned how much it cost to participate in competitive cheerleading, she wanted to help.
The 9-year-old Sullivan Elementary School student had read her All Star cheer contract and offered to help pay the fees. Her parents, Heather and Cody Duzan, told her they appreciated her willingness to contribute but would cover the costs. Instead, they encouraged her to earn spending money for the family’s travel to competitions.
That conversation sparked the beginning of Little Miss Duzy.
Now preparing to enter fourth grade in Mrs. Wilson’s class at Sullivan Elementary School, Charlotte creates and sells handmade items including Spirit Sparkle hair glitter, keychains, beaded pens, lanyard pulls, T-shirts and other crafts. She has participated in five vendor fairs and sets up at the Sullivan American Legion Quarter Auction on the second Wednesday of each month. The auction raises money for local organizations, and Charlotte regularly donates items to help support those efforts.
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