Sullivan Elementary artwork marks step toward larger playground vision

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•September 9, 2026•

by Jamie Crosier

Brightly painted obstacle courses, hopscotch challenges, an alphabet scramble and other activities now stretch across the blacktop at Sullivan Elementary School, giving students new ways to move, create and play during recess.

The artwork is a visible change students can enjoy now, but it is part of a larger, multi-year effort by the Sullivan Elementary School PTO to improve the school’s outdoor spaces and eventually replace playground equipment that is approximately 30 years old.

The idea grew from what the PTO calls its annual “Dream Big” requests, which give school staff an opportunity to suggest improvements they would like to see for students. Over time, the PTO noticed a recurring theme: Teachers were asking for playground repairs, outdoor toys and a shaded area where students could learn and spend time outside.

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AMBUCS provide wheels

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•September 2, 2026•

by Sharon Barricklow

A Shelbyville boy is the most recent recipient of a specially equipped mobility trike for getting around with his family. 

Lawson Reedy received the “amtryke” from the Sullivan chapter of AMBUCS, an organization dedicated to improving mobility and accessibility for everyone. The Sullivan group provides adaptive riding machines for children like Lawson, builds accessibility ramps, and raises funds for scholarships for physical therapists. With more than 150 chapters in 36 states, AMBUCS’ stated goal is to provide accessibility and empower others.  

Upon receiving his amtryke in Sullivan, Lawson expressed a desire to ride it home to Shelbyville. Within minutes he was moving along at a pace, his mother Lindsey says will enable him to participate in  family bike rides with dad Kevin, mom Lindsey and sister Chloe. 

In the photo, Kevin and Lindsey Reedy with son Lawson and his new “amtryke”.

Sullivan Trap Team makes its mark at National Championship

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•September 2, 2026•

by Jamie Crosier

Kolten Kidd displays his eighth-place trophy after competing in the individual championship finals at the 2026 USA High School Clay Target League National Championship.

The Sullivan High School Trap Team capped off its season this past summer on the national stage, competing among approximately 400 teams and 1,800 individual shooters at the USA High School Clay Target League National Championship.

For Sullivan, simply arriving as a team marked a milestone. It was the first time the young program had fielded a team at Nationals, and only Carter Honchell and Kolten Kidd had previously experienced the national competition.

Despite entering an unfamiliar environment and facing teams from across the country, Sullivan posted a score of 460 in the team qualifier, finishing 89th. Only the top 80 teams advanced to the championship round, leaving Sullivan just nine places — and two targets — short of moving on.

Head Coach Rob Kidd said the magnitude of Nationals creates an entirely different atmosphere for shooters.

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BASO Car Show a success

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Photo by R.R. Best

The Bethany Advocates and Support Organization hosted its annual car show on August 22 at Crowder Park. The perfect afternoon weather bought out 52 entries and many enthusiastic onlookers. Greg Fitzgerald’s 1966 Pontiac GTO took home Best off Show honors.

On to the next chapter

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Photo by Sonya Best

A retirement open house was held Thursday, August 27, to honor Dave Cole at the Moultrie County Counseling Center. Cole served as executive director of the counseling center since March 2003.

Sullivan Scout programs face leadership shortage

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by Jamie Crosier

Six active Scouts remain in Boy Scout Troop 39 in Sullivan, while the community’s Cub Scout Pack 39 is currently unable to hold meetings after it was unable to renew its charter with Scouting America because of insufficient adult leadership.

The two situations are connected. Cub Scout Pack 39 has traditionally provided a path for younger Scouts to advance through the Cub Scout ranks before moving into Boy Scout Troop 39. Without an active pack, the troop loses that source of future members.

Eric Bettinger, who has been involved with Scouting for 14 years, said his own son has been out of Scouts for four years. Bettinger continued his involvement and had been serving as Cubmaster in an effort to keep Sullivan’s Cub Scout program going.

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City of Sullivan well project continues

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•September 2, 2026•

by Sharon Barricklow

A frustrated Sullivan City Council tabled approving a $452,000 invoice for well work Monday, August 24, because the vendor has failed to finish the job. Commissioner Chuck Woodworth said Cahoy Pump Service had not returned to finish completing pumping tests on the new well. “They said they’d be there next week and that was three weeks ago,” Woodworth said. “I recommend we not pay the invoice until the work is completed.” The council approved construction of the new well earlier this year after a drop in the aquifer that supplies the city’s water led to summer water usage restrictions.

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Sullivan AMBUCS opens Big Jim’s fishing derby to more children

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•September 2, 2026•

by Jamie Crosier

A fishing derby created in memory of a Sullivan man who spent years sharing his love of fishing and serving his community will welcome more children this year.

Sullivan AMBUCS will hold the fourth annual Big Jim’s Kids Fishing Derby from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 26, at the west entrance of Woods Lake on County Road 1000 E. in Sullivan. The free event is open to children ages 12 and younger, regardless of where they live.

The derby honors the late Jim “Big Jim” Bales, who died in February 2022. His grandson, Brock Bales, who is helping organize the event, said fishing was one of his grandfather’s favorite pastimes.

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Sullivan Backyard Bluegrass Festival grows from front-yard idea to national draw

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•September 2, 2026•

by Jamie Crosier

When Ed Herschberger first considered holding a bluegrass festival at his family’s Sullivan property, he thought a couple hundred people would make the first event a success.

About 800 showed up.

Eight festivals later, the Backyard Bluegrass Festival has grown into a two-day event that Herschberger estimates draws 1,200 to 1,500 people each day, with visitors traveling from neighboring states and across the country.

The festival will return Friday and Saturday, Sept. 11-12, at 790 Souther Road in Sullivan. Admission is free, although donations are accepted. This year’s event will be the final festival with free admission before organizers move to a ticketed format in 2027.

The idea began with the Herschberger family’s own experiences attending bluegrass festivals.

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Bethany firefighter Curt Robinson to retire after 26 years

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•September 2, 2026•

by Jamie Crosier

Photo by R.R. Best
From left: Assistant Chief/Paramedic Curt Robinson, Fire Chief/Paramedic Michael Jennings and Assistant Chief/Paramedic Student Markus Deel.

After 26 years of answering calls and serving in roles ranging from firefighter to fire chief, Curt Robinson is preparing for his final shift with the Bethany Fire Protection District.

Robinson, who currently serves as assistant fire chief, will be recognized during a retirement gathering from 2 to 4 p.m. Sept. 4 at the Bethany Fire House.

His career began as a volunteer firefighter. Robinson later earned his EMT-Basic certification and continued his education to become an EMT-Intermediate while moving through the department’s ranks as lieutenant, captain and assistant fire chief. He served as fire chief from 2008 to 2010.

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