Nadene Cochran Nadene Cochran, 106, of Lovington, passed away 7:50 a.m. on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at Heritage Woods of Sullivan. Funeral services were held Monday, August 11, 2025, at the McMullin-Young Funeral Home in Lovington. Burial took place in the Keller Cemetery, Lovington. Memorials may be made to the First Christian Church of Lovington. … Read More
•August 13, 2025• Submitted Ready to change a life – and maybe even your own? The Special Olympics Family Festival (SOFF) volunteer board is calling on big-hearted individuals to join the fun at the 42nd annual SOFF, happening Saturday, Sept. 20. This one-of-a-kind event brings together hundreds of Special Olympics Athletes from across East Central Illinois for a high-energy, joy-filled celebration. Picture a day packed with music, dancing, karaoke, a festive parade, hayrides, games, and more – all shared between Athletes and their “Friend-for-a-Day” volunteers. It’s not just a festival. It’s a movement of love, laughter, and lifelong friendships. … Read More
2015 Quick action by two young Sullivan teenagers at a neighbor’s house fire Sunday may have saved the day. The Sullivan Fire Department decided to honor that brave effort. “These boys thought quickly,” fireman Dan Baugher said of their reaction to the fire at Jim and Shelia Smith’s house in Country Club Estates. “They saw a situation that was bad and tried to make it better,” Baugher said, noting that the Department appreciated that effort and gave them honorary firefighter T-shirts. Leyton Burcham, 14, and Patrick Owen, 13, noticed the blaze at their neighbor’s and immediately got a ladder, two … Read More
•August 13, 2025• The Sullivan Blue Dolphins will hold their swim team tryouts on Tuesday, August 19th at 5:00 p.m. at the Sullivan Civic Center. Session runs from August 2025 through mid-July 2026. The annual registration fee is $100.00; membership cost varies by practice group. Practices are held 2-5 times per week, based on practice group. Ages are five to eighteen. Remember to bring your suit and towel. … Read More
Submitted Moultrie County retired teachers gathered on Wednesday, August 6th, at the Moultrie County Historical and Genealogical Society Building in Sullivan. President Vickie Newberry conducted the MCRTA business meeting. During the meeting, Cole Huber, a current Sullivan teacher, made an appearance to thank the MCRTA for the grant he received. He was able to purchase five new computer keyboards for the new school year. This grant was made possible by our Monical’s Community Day’s monies. … Read More
•August 13, 2025• Submitted by Cheri Burcham U of I Illinois Extension Educator There is increasing evidence that being in and around nature can benefit humans physically and mentally. There is also more research showing how mindfulness techniques can be beneficial to a person’s well-being. A group of Illinois Extension staff, consisting of horticulture and family life educators and Master Gardeners, and Naturalists EPCs, formed an interdisciplinary workgroup called “Wellness in Nature.” This workgroup has been developing materials and a curriculum that focuses on how green spaces, gardens, and nature benefit your overall well-being. … Read More
•August 13, 2025• On Saturday, August 23rd, the 2025 BASO car show will be held in Bethany at Crowder Park from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., with trophies presented at 6:30 p.m. The entry fee is $15.00, and all makes/models are welcome. There will be a 50/50 raffle, concessions, and dash plaques to the first fifty entries. This will be a participant-judged event, selecting the top 10 and an award for Best in Show. No alcohol or burnouts are allowed at this event. For more information, contact Terry Muzzy at (217) 412-0185. See classicpony.net for additional car shows. … Read More
•August 13, 2025• The Bethany Senior Citizen Potluck will be held on Wednesday, August 20th at 11:00 a.m. at the Bethany library, located at 216 W Main Street. Hamburgers and hot dogs provided. All are wel-come. … Read More
•August 13, 2025• On August 16th from 10:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m., Kirby Foods in Sullivan will be hosting the Kyle Lehman Honorary Scholarship cookout to raise funds for the 2026 scholarship. Established in 2023, the Kyle Lehman family, since its inception, has awarded scholarships to eight deserving students, seniors who are graduating and work at Kirby Foods, honoring Kyle Lehman’s contribution to the Sullivan community. Foods served will be ribeye sandwiches and tenderized pork chops. … Read More
•August 13, 2025• The 31st Annual Sparrow’s “Christmas for the Kids” Auction will be held on August 23rd at 120 E State Street, Lovington (tent outside) with the silent auction beginning at 11:00 a.m. and the live auction beginning at 4:00 p.m. Live music featuring Cash Hale, 50/50, mini duck derby, and pork chops on a stick, provided by Sons of the American Legion, can all be enjoyed at the event. For those unfamiliar with Sparrows Unlimited, Inc., it began over thirty years ago when a group of people got together at Jerry’s East End in Lovington to hold a … Read More