West Nile Virus: Health Concerns and Prevention Tips

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First case of West Nile virus in Illinois confirmed; act now to reduce risk •July 2, 2025• by Angela Hogan  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently confirmed Illinois’ first human case of West Nile virus (WNV) in 2025. An individual from Southern Illinois was hospitalized due to complications of the infection. This case underscores the importance of avoiding mosquito bites. WNV can pose elevated health risks for individuals with weakened immune systems and those over 65. According to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), WNV has already been confirmed in 19 counties, including Clinton and Christian … Read More

Remembering Who We Are……….65

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Hidden Worlds •July 2, 2025• by Janet Roney I used to know every hill and ravine in our family’s timber pasture along the Kaskaskia River southeast of Sullivan. At least, that’s what I thought. My frequent hikes of exploration usually began by going under the railroad bridge in the east pasture. There, the Angus cattle herd had worn down the creek banks into a mud flat pockmarked with water-filled cattle hoof prints.  One spring day, as I was picking my way across the muddy morass on slippery flat stepping stones, I heard the noise of rippling water. A rivulet was … Read More

Annika Kelley earns 7th National Taekwondo title

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•July 2, 2025• Photo Submitted Annika Kelley holding her hard-won competition medal. Annika Kelley of Sullivan earned her 7th National title on June 27th at the 2025 UTA Grand Nationals in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The Taekwondo school did not go as a group to the UTA nationals this year, but Annika attended and competed in weapons and forms. She has set a personal goal for herself to earn 10 National titles by the time she is 13 years old. With receiving her 7th one at 10 years old, she is well on her way. She also took 3rd place in traditional … Read More

July programs at the Lovington Library

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•July 2, 2025• 4th – Closed in observance of Independence Day. 7th & 21st – Needle Night from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. If you would like to learn to crochet, knit, needlepoint, or even how to sew, we have people who can help teach you. If you already know how and just want to hang out, come join us.  8th – Summer Reading from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Macon County Conservation District will be here to present an Astronomy Program. 11th – Story time from 10:00 to 10:30 a.m. Kids craft from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. 14th – Adult Craft … Read More

ETML happenings for July

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•July 2, 2025• Closed on July 4th Story times: Every Wednesday, July 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, and 30th at 10:00 am. The bounce house will be available after the story and craft. Every Monday at 9:00 a.m., ETML hosts a Memory Café: This is a social gathering for individuals with dementia and their caregivers. Helpful information and support is available from others who also have loved ones who struggle with memory loss. … Read More

Grievance aired at Unit #305 school board meeting

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•July 2, 2025• by Ariana R Cherry A large crowd of unit teachers filled the room at the regular meeting of the Arthur CUSD #305 school board on Wednesday, June 18 in the high school cafeteria. During public comment, Heather Strack, a Special Education teacher, approached the board with grievances regarding Superintendent Shannon Cheek. She opened her speech. “I am passionate about my job. We work hard for the kids, and we are here for the kids.”  Heather then began to tell her story, mapping it out as a timeline. “In August 2021, Shannon Cheek assigned Mrs. Amy Hooten and … Read More

Obituaries 7-2-2025: Sara Gale

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Sara L. Gale, 82, of Lovington, passed away 4:10 a.m. on Sunday, June 29, 2025, at the Arthur Home. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 5, 2025, at the McMullin-Young Funeral Home in Lovington. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Burial will take place in the Keller Cemetery, Lovington. Memorials may be made to the Lovington Library. … Read More

A Look Back…7-2-2025

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2015 Benedictine University at Springfield announced its Dean’s Recognized List, which included part-time students who achieved a 3.5 grade point average or above. Making the list were Kari Marie Burnett of Lovington and Amanda J. Dickens-Montgomery of Sullivan. Lake Land College Spring graduates included, from Bethany: Gene-Austin Birch, AS, Bioscience Non-Teaching; Ashton Doty, AS, Elementary Education; Leah Oathout, AA, Art; Taylor Piper, AAS, Nursing; Tamra Sims, ALS. From Findlay: Katelyn Coleman, AAS, Early Childhood Care and Education; Slade Keller, AAS, IT-Network Administration.  … Read More

Utility concerns on Sullivan council agenda

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•July 2, 2025• by Sharon Barricklow Hot weather placed a strain on Sullivan City Utilities, commissioners learned at the Sullivan City Council meeting Monday night. Commissioner Mike Kirk said Ameren, the city’s energy supplier, had notified the city that they would be having planned outages, forcing the city to use its own electrical generating plant. Ordinarily, the city purchases power from Ameren. The outages are expected during overnight hours. “I’m afraid that’s going to be happening, happening and happening,” Kirk said. Mayor Mike Mossman said the city’s electrical plant staff had done a good job of preparing for the hot … Read More