MCHGS presents local barn tour

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•July 8, 2026• As you travel through the southeast corner of Bethany, a beautiful red round barn is likely to catch your eye. If you’d like to see more of this unique structure and learn about its design conception, please join the Moultrie County Historical and Genealogical Society for a free tour of George Bone’s Round Barn on Thursday, July 16th. A long labor of love, George Bone’s Round Barn is a testament to the power of perseverance.  Attendees are welcome to meet at the History Center to carpool or drive themselves directly. If carpooling: meet at the History Center … Read More

Recent Obituaries: Dawn Becker

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Dawn L. Becker, 69, of Sullivan, Illinois, passed from this life to life eternal at 9:50 p.m. on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at Willow Breeze Hospice House in Mattoon, Illinois. Dawn was born November 3, 1956 in Effingham, the daughter of Van and Eva Dunagan Anderson. She married the love of her life, Bill Becker, on May 20, 1978, in Arcola. Together they built a loving home centered on family, laughter, and unwavering support for one another. Dawn served as a secretary for Sullivan Middle School for 20 years, volunteered on the Board of Elizabeth Titus Memorial Library and was … Read More

SBD strong at CCC in Springfield

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Screenshot The Sullivan Blue Dolphins had a strong showing at the 2026 Capitol City Classic in Springfield, finishing 5th overall out of 14 teams. The team’s top point scorers were Emily Crosier – 204.5 points in the Girls Open Division; Mack Pogue – 208 points in the Boys 12 and Under Division; and Stella Perrott – 103 points in the Girls 10 and Under Division.  These outstanding performances, along with contributions from the entire team, helped lead the Dolphins to an impressive 5th-place finish. Next up, the Sullivan Blue Dolphins are headed to Quincy, Illinois, to compete at the SST … Read More

MoDo 4-H sewing club a big draw 

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•July 1, 2026• Members of the Moultrie-Douglas 4-H Sewing Club: Front row (left to right): Jasper Herbert, Aubrie Stenger, Clara Stenger, Gwen Taylor, Norah Reineke, Isabella Taylor, and Clara Henry. Back row (left to right): Club helper Kelly Pierce, Lily Theriault, Milo Herbert, Natalie McKibben, Club helper Anamary Bicknel, Club helper Sharon Jack, and club leader Brenda Pierce. Additional members not pictured include Bria Hershberger, Oaklee Stenger, Remington Scribner, and Adilyne Scribner. The newly formed Moultrie-Douglas 4-H Sewing Club has stitched together a successful first season, with 14 youth members participating in hands-on learning and creative project work. The club … Read More

Mid-Ilinois Senior Services July schedule

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•July 1, 2026• 1: 1:00 Hand & Foot, 1:00 Bridge 2: 10:00 Exercise Class, 12:00 Birthday Party, 12:30 BiNGO sponsored by: Country Financial Houser Agency 3: Closed in observance of the 4th of July holiday 6: Pedicures by Robin. Must call to register. 1:00-3:00 New Sewing/Quilting. Group volunteers welcome. 7: 11:00-1:00 Dine with a Doc, Cheri Burcham speaker. Free lunch provided by Eastview Terrace of Sullivan. 8: 1:00 Hand & Foot, 1:00 Bridge 9: 10:00 Exercise Class … Read More

Deer population surges around lake

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•July 1, 2026• by Sharon Barricklow A doe and her fawn are regulars near Lake Shelbyville. Is your shrubbery looking jagged? Is your garden not producing? Are their hoof prints in the mud and something on the ground bigger than any dog business? If so, you may have been visited by Moultrie County’s resident deer. Believe it or not, in 1900 the white tail deer population in Illinois was virtually extinct. Obviously, in the last 126 years that has changed, with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources estimating the state’s deer population at 660,000 in 2025. Moultrie County doesn’t have … Read More

Remembering Who We Are……….

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The Declaration of Sarah’s Cousin•July 1, 2026• by Janey Roney One of our home movies from the 1970s captured our daughter squirting water from a hose into a growing puddle in the lane. When her big brother splashed through her puddle, she burst into tears and screamed, “He’s stepping in my stream!!!” We all step in someone’s stream now and then, but for most of the last 250 years, we Americans have managed to live in peace with one another. Among notable exceptions, of course, are the Civil War, the black civil rights struggle, and that awful year, 1968, but … Read More

July Peace Meal

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•July 1, 2026• For Peace Meal reservations at Sullivan Senior Center call 217-728-8521 1: Chickens strips, scalloped potatoes, green beans, mandarin oranges, bread/roll 2: Spaghetti & meat sauce, seasoned greens, corn, broccoli salad 3: Closed in observance of the 4th of July … Read More

Work begins on new city well

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•July 1, 2026• Construction began on a new water well for Sullivan last week. by Sharon Barricklow A new addition to Sullivan’s well field is under construction last week after the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency issued a drilling permit. Sullivan has been under water restrictions since earlier this year due to low water levels in the aquifer that supplies the city with water. City council members said the new well will not entirely alleviate the water shortage but is a step forward.  … Read More