Heartland Mini-Hoofs

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Local Seniors enjoy equestrian visitors


•June 25, 2025•

by DM Williamee

Photo by Tawnya Marshall Carolyn Doss, 87, enjoys her visit with 14-year-old Jasper. A former farm girl, she said, “It takes me down memory lane, makes me happy” about her time with Jasper. Her brother was a great horseman, and she cared for his horses while he was serving his country in Vietnam.

On Tuesday, June 17th, Andra and Bill Ebert of Taylorville, who own “Heartland Mini-Hoofs,” brought their American Miniature horses to the Mid-Illinois Senior Services in Sullivan. Accompanying them were 14-year-old Jasper and 4-year-old Ollie. Andra advised the group they visit day cares, nursing homes, children’s hospitals, homes for the blind, and have an anti-bullying program that they take to schools, free of charge. Jasper has had well over 1,300 visits under his reins and is one of the top service horses in the country. 

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Native Mike Keown selected as 4th of July Parade Grand Master

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•June 25, 2025•

American Legion Post 68 has selected Sullivan Native and United States Military Veteran Mike Keown as this year’s 4th of July Parade Grand Master. Mr. Keown has been a member of the American Legion for 56 years, becoming a member in 1971 and becoming active in 1978, and began moving through the Chain of Command in 1980-1981, serving as Commander. Mr. Keown has served on the Honor Guard since 1978 and is active in funeral military rights for veterans. Mr. Keown has also headed the Fireworks fundraiser since 2014, began managing the American Legion’s scholarships in 2007, was elected to the board in 2013 and has served since that time, continuously, as a board member, and is also very active in multiple local community activities as well as his duties with the American Legion. Mr. Keown considers his most important work to be that of the rights of Military Veterans.

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Scott State Bank 25th

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•June 18, 2025•

Photo by DM Williamee

On Thursday, June 12th, Scott State Bank in Sullivan celebrated its appreciation for their clients and customers, grateful for their patronage in the community for the past 25 years. Locals turned out en masse, enjoying a free lunch, beverages, and the sense of community shared at the event.

Air quality- a week of unhealthy conditions, concerns

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•June 18, 2025•

by DM Williamee

Last week, many residents in Sullivan and surrounding communities noticed a marked decline in local air quality, raising health concerns for some area residents. The poor air quality can be attributed to several factors, such as increasing pollen counts, agricultural activities as the growing season moves into full swing, the increase in summer travel and resulting vehicle emissions, and smoke and ash from the Canadian Wildfires that made their way into the area. Other conditions, such as stagnant air and low wind speeds, contribute to the accumulation of particulate matter. When atmospheric conditions trap pollutants closer to the ground, residents experience an increase in unhealthy air quality.

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Water vessel Safety Exams; Ensuring watercraft safety is critical

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•June 18, 2025•

Submitted

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary will be performing Vessel Safety Checks at Lake Shelbyville Dam West over the 4th of July weekend. Vessel exams are currently scheduled from July 2nd through July 6th. An individual can also request specific times or days.

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary checks all boats, personal watercraft (PWC), kayaks, canoes, and standing boards for federal, state, and local safety requirements. The examination is a voluntary examination, and boaters can refuse it at any time. In addition to the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary doing the free, voluntary examinations, the U.S. Power Squadron (Americas Boating Club), a 501C3 organization, is authorized to do them as well. Both organizations actively teach boating safety courses along with the State Boating Law Administrator, in Illinois, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Boats, personal watercraft (PWC), kayaks, canoes, and stand-up boards that pass the examination get a sticker reflecting that they have passed the examination.

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Lovington ‘Junefest’; something for everyone

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Photo by DM Williamee

On Saturday, the 14th, Lovington held its annual ‘Junefest’ Celebration. Beginning the day’s festivities were the annual Volunteer Firemen Pancake Breakfast and the Car Show, which featured a variety of autos ranging from classic muscle cars to newer models. Later in the day at Thomas Conn Community Park, live music, activities for the kids, and vendors were on hand with a wide variety of goods; the park was filled with the sounds of a country carnival. The weather also cooperated, bringing sunshine for all in attendance to enjoy. More photos are on pages 11 & 12.

Red, White, and Boom

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Arthur’s Freedom Celebration

•June 18, 2025•

The Arthur Rotary Club, along with the whole community of Arthur, will roll out the red, white, and blue carpet as they welcome thousands of visitors on Saturday, June 28th, for the annual Freedom Celebration downtown and in Jurgens Park (the Moultrie-Douglas County fairgrounds).

The celebration has two parts, with a parade downtown and the Arthur Rotary fireworks in the park south of the high school.

Two special 6-horse hitches will once again be featured in this year’s parade. The first team is Tim Berry of Villa Grove, and the second is Duane Herschberger from Missouri. They will trot through the parade route just before the parade, stepping off at 2:00 pm, and then will make another pass towards the end of the parade at a walk. Both hitches are sponsored by Tri-County Welding of Arthur.

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SFD local response

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Photo by DM Williamee On Friday, June 6th, at 12:21 p.m., the Sullivan Fire Department was called to a vehicle fire that was contained to the engine compartment. The bulk appeared to have been knocked down by an ABC fire extinguisher just prior to the Department’s arrival. Fire Department personnel also deployed additional extinguishers to complete the extinguishment. An Engine, Tanker, and Ambulance responded. The incident was cleared at 12:41 p.m.

Boy Scouts annual cookout during town wide rummage

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Photo by DM Williamee On Friday, June 6th, Sullivan Boy Scouts Troop #39 was in the Kirby’s parking lot serving tasty items including ribeye and pork chop sandwiches, brats and dogs, chips, and beverages. Pictured L-R: Aidan Coil, Evan Young, Gideon Walk, Charlie Conlin, David Ryherd, Will Flexser, Josh Bailey, Liam Coil, Eric Bettinger, Boaz Heywood, and James Conlin.

City council makes appointments

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•June 11, 2025•

by Sharon Barricklow

The Sullivan City Council made several appointments and approved some routine matters during a brief city council meeting Monday night. 

The council approved a recommendation from Commissioner Woodworth to appoint LJ Vincent as Water Distribution Collections Systems Foreman. They also approved recommendations from Mayor Mossman appointing Amanda Mayberry, Karen Reed, Jennifer Love and Kathy Price to terms on the Elizabeth Titus Memorial Library Board.  

Also on the agenda was financing for the Sullivan Chamber and Economic Development. On the recommendation of several council members, Mossman agreed to postpone the vote until the council could meet with members of the group. 

The council held a closed executive session to discuss internal and external audits.