A Look Back…9-16-2026

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1966 King and queen candidates for the Bethany Homecoming were announced. Emily Roby and Steve Brown were elected from the senior class and Kathy Goetz and Mike Welch, juniors; Sheila Mathias and Roger Crowder, sophomores; and Renee Freeland and John Weakley, freshman. Three Lovington High School senior girls were selected to compete for the homecoming queen. Candidates were Diane Elliott, Peggy Phelps and Linda Rudolph. They were to be escorted by John Bailey, Mervin Gillenwater and Richard McCoy. … Read More

SHS Honors English: Letters to the Editor

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•September 16, 2026• Letters to the Editor,’ written by Cami Badman‘s Honors English III students at Sullivan High School, explored controversial subjects with inquisitive minds and logic as well as emotion-based arguments. Badman opened the school year by challenging these 28 students to present well-rounded arguments for student-selected controversial subjects in the format of a ‘Letter to the Editor’. … Read More

Suicide Prevention Month brings focus to struggles that are not always visible

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•September 16, 2026• by Jamie Crosier Three years ago, Ashley Florey was a wife, mother, coach, coworker and local park ranger. She went to work, cared for her family and continued meeting the responsibilities of everyday life. What many people around her could not see was that Florey was struggling with her mental health. She eventually survived a suicide attempt and was hospitalized for psychiatric treatment. Now, during Suicide Prevention Month, the lifelong Shelby County resident is sharing her experience in hopes of encouraging more open conversations about mental health and helping people recognize that someone in crisis may not … Read More

Lovington library petitions available

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•September 16, 2026• Petitions are available for residents who would like to run to serve as a trustee of the Lovington Public Library Board in the April 6, 2027 Consolidated Election. Interested candidates may pick up a packet at 110 W. State St., Lovington. Hours are Monday 9:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m., Tuesday-Friday 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. & 2:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m., Saturday 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.  Offices up for election are (3) Trustee 4 year Term, (2) 2 year unexpired term. The filing period is November 16, 2026 through November 23, 2026 (on the final day, the library will accept petitions until 5:00 p.m.). … Read More

Benefit dinner and fundraiser

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•September 16, 2026• A community benefit dinner and fundraiser for Tracy Willoughby will be held on Saturday, September 26 from 5:00 – 11:00 p.m. at the Lovington American Legion, 1981 State Highway 32. Tracy has been diagnosed with advanced fast-moving small cell carcinoma in her chest and has begun an aggressive chemotherapy regimen and is preparing for radiation treatments. During the event, a spaghetti dinner will be served for $10 per plate, there will be a large raffle, silent auction and a bake sale. All proceeds go directly towards expenses related to treatment. … Read More

SHS 20 year reunion

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•September 16, 2026• The Sullivan High School Class of 2006 will hold their 20 year reunion on Saturday, October 3 at 6:00 p.m. at the Sullivan VFW. A potluck will be held, a sign up sheet is available. For more information, contact Lindsay Kopel at (217) 521-5201. Other events on Homecoming weekend: Friday 4:00 parade, 7:00 football game vs Tri-County Titans, Saturday, TBD, tour of the high school. … Read More

Arthur Cheese Festival brings community together despite the heat

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•September 9, 2026• by Ariana R. Cherry The 53rd Annual Arthur Cheese Festival returned to downtown Arthur Friday and Saturday, Sept. 4–5, bringing two days of food, contests, vendors and family activities to the community. The festival has traditionally taken place over three days on Saturday, Sunday and Monday of Labor Day weekend. This year, organizers introduced a shorter Friday-and-Saturday format. … Read More

On display

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Photo by R.R. Best The Sullivan Street Machine Association Labor Day weekend cruise-in car show brought car enthusiasts to the Sullivan square Saturday afternoon. … Read More

Sullivan wins two on the road, moves to 3-0

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•September 9, 2026• by E. Scott England The Sullivan Redskins have been on the road for the past two weeks, first traveling to Arcola and then heading to Nokomis for a Redskin Battle. After Arcola was easily dispensed, Sullivan encountered a bit of a roadblock courtesy of the Redskins of Nokomis. Arcola The opening quarter looked like it was going to be a hard fought battle between the Redskins and the Purple Riders. After a tough defensive stand that forced Arcola to punt their first possession, Sullivan began to move steadily down the field, effectively using both passing and running … Read More

Measles outbreak reported in Douglas County 

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What you need to know and do•September 9, 2026• by Angela Hogan On September 2, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced a measles outbreak in Douglas County. Area residents are encouraged to understand how measles spreads, recognize its symptoms, and make sure they and their loved ones are protected. Why is it called an Outbreak? On September 2, the IDPH announced that four confirmed, linked cases of measles had been identified among Douglas County residents. An outbreak is defined as three or more cases connected through a common exposure. This outbreak comes during a year of increased measles … Read More