Photo submitted The Windsor Stew-Stras High School Bass Fishing Team has brought home the State Championship after two days of intense competition at the IHSA State Tournament. The duo competed against 60 schools from across Illinois at Lake Shelbyville for the win. Pictured left to right are junior Myles Verdeyen, coach Pat O’Dell, and junior Hayden Porter. … Read More
•June 18, 2025• Archer McPheeters, 7th grade student at Okaw Valley Middle School, finished 1st at the IESA Class 1A State Track and Field Finals in East Peoria held May 16th and 17th. Archer set a new state record in the pole vault with a vault of 8’ 11 3/4”. Archer also placed 7th in the 400 meter with a time of 106.83. Archer is the daughter of Mindy and Aron McPheeters. … Read More
•June 18, 2025• With reports of elder abuse on the rise in Illinois since 2022, Department on Aging Director Mary Killough is reminding community members to learn the warning signs and speak up about suspected abuse of older adults. “Elder abuse is sadly more common than many people realize, but it is largely preventable,” said IDoA Director Mary Killough. “By understanding what elder abuse is, recognizing the signs, and taking steps to prevent it, we can create safer and more supportive communities for older adults.” … Read More
•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 … Read More
Barbara Sue Smith, 80, of Lovington, passed away 5:37 a.m. on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at her home. … Read More
James L. Myers, 87, of Dundee Florida, passed away at 9:11 a.m. Friday June 6, 2025 in Winter Haven Hospital, Winter Haven, Florida. … Read More
•June 18, 2025• At the June 9th Sullivan School Board meeting, the below Personnel Report was presented. Transfer: Micah Wiley, Social Worker, effective 7/1/25; New hires: Jake Haegen, JV Volleyball Coach, effective 6/9/25; Neil Floor, SES teacher, effective 7/1/25; Notice of retirement: Lori Kirk, Special Education teacher, end of 2027-2028 school year. … Read More
2015 Sullivan Kiwanis Club President presented Cindi Reed the club’s gavel by Jim Dooley as part of the charter ceremony. Hilari Elzy of Sullivan performed a mentorship at Mustang Public Schools, Mustang, Okla., June 6 – July 18, through a fellowship she received at Eureka College. Winners of the tug-of-war competition between the Sullivan Fire Department and the Jackson Family of Dealerships team, who won, were Alexis Nattee, Alicia Pettyjohn, Dustin Stutzman, Josh Roe, and William Flexser. Other award winners included Best Grub Award-Solid Rock Chapel, Best Tent Award-Miller’s Heavenly Angel (”Wipe Out” cancer decorations complete with toilet paper), and … Read More
•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 … Read More
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. … Read More