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 … Read More

Bethany firefighter Curt Robinson to retire after 26 years

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•September 2, 2026• by Jamie Crosier Photo by R.R. BestFrom 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 … Read More

Blood Drive Sept. 19

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•September 2, 2026• A Blood Drive in honor of Riley Machine will be held at the Sullivan American Legion on September 19 from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. For an appointment call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit RedCrossBlood.org (Enter Sponsor Code SULLIVAN) . In March 2026, Riley survived an accident that left him fighting for his life. Blood was prepared for him at every step, giving his family comfort they desperately needed, even though he never ultimately needed a transfusion. Now, his family is hosting a blood drive to pay that gift forward. Join them to honor Riley’s resilience and … Read More

Allenville concert series 

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•September 2, 2026• Allenville Christian Church will host a concert featuring Still Waters on September 12th at 6:00 p.m. at the Allenville Christian Church, located at 201 Allen Street in Allenville. Snacks and fellowship time will follow this family-friendly gospel series concert.  Still Waters it is a mixed quartet from Lovington and Atwood consisting of Sara Rawlins, Shari Schable, Dennis Garmon and Bill Schable. The quartet comes together to reach out to people thru music to tell of the love, grace, hope and forgiveness of God A love offering will be taken. For more information, contact Pastor Bob Vail at … Read More

Recent Obituaries: Marjory Queen

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Marjory Queen Marjory J. Queen, 87, of Bethany, passed away August 31, 2026, at her home. Graveside services will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, September 4, 2026, at Marrowbone Township Cemetery, Bethany. Memorials may be made to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Bethany or to the Marrowbone Public Library, Bethany. McMullin-Young Funeral Home is in care of the arrangements. Marjory was born on July 4, 1939, in Sidell; the daughter of Clarence V. and Rachel E. (Guthrie) Goodall. She graduated from Eastern Illinois University with her Bachelor’s degree in teaching. Marjory went on to teach in the local schools for many … Read More

Sixth annual Tommy Houser Memorial Golf Outing continues his legacy in Sullivan

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•August 26, 2026• by Jamie Crosier Tommy Houser 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 … Read More

Young entrepreneur turns hobby into hometown business

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•August 26, 2026• by Jamie Crosier What began as a childhood hobby has grown into a small business with a growing reputation and a mission to give back. Sarah Windhorst, an incoming freshman from Sullivan, started making jewelry when she was about 10 years old after watching someone else create handmade pieces. Curious to see if she could do it herself, she purchased a few supplies and discovered a hobby she enjoyed. Over time, that hobby naturally became Sarah’s Jewels, a business known for custom jewelry, school spirit accessories and community involvement. “There was no defining line of turning it … Read More

Remembering Who We Are…..

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More Descendants of the Revolution •August 26, 2026• by Janey Roney If your family roots in America go back to the 1700s, it’s very likely you have a Revolutionary War veteran or two in your past. It’s worthwhile for you to search for them, because the stories you might find will give you a deeper appreciation of our freedom given to us by the personal sacrifices of those veterans. The volunteers at the Moultrie County History Center on South Hamilton in Sullivan can help you search. The Revolutionary War was not some distant, forgotten event in the past to Moultrie … Read More