A Look Back…2-26-2025

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2005 Bethany Mayor John Felter got a taste of post-9-11 U.S. security while visiting Washington, D.C. While touring the Smithsonian with Ed Cobau of the Illinois Municipal Utilities Assn., Felter was stopped by guards. “Boy! Word sure gets around!” Felter said when asked about the incident. “One of the people putting together the meetings and I were out sightseeing. We were just walking along visiting, and Ed was taking pictures of all the sights. He is a camera buff, and the buildings are so unique, you can get some great pictures. I guess we looked like we were up to … Read More

District struggles with filling job vacancies

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School bleachers in need of repair or replacement •February 26, 2025• by Ariana R Cherry “It is becoming challenging to replace and hire new staff in the district.” commented Superintendent, Shannon Cheek at the most recent ALAH School Board meeting held at Lovington Grade School on February 19, 2025. Currently, several positions are open in the district. Some of those positions include two openings for Junior High Science, School Psych, Band, Chorus/Music, High School History, elementary education positions, and ELA at LGS. Job descriptions can be found on the district website under job vacancies. (https://www.cusd305.org/page/job-vacancies).  … Read More

FCCLA Chapter meet for conference

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•February 26, 2025• As part of National FCCLA Week, Sullivan FCCLA attended the IL FCCLA Section 7 Winter Rally Conference in Charleston on Thursday, February 6th, 2025. Fourteen students from Sullivan High School attended along with advisors Jennifer Vogel and Kali Taylor. FCCLA members from nine area schools made up the approximately 130 participants at the event.  … Read More

Council approves road name change

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•February 26, 2025• by Sharon Barricklow The Sullivan City Council took care of a lot of business in a 37-minute council meeting Monday night. The council spent the most time discussing a road name change for county road 1200N. The road, located between Route 32 and Patterson Road, will now be called Empower Road as the future location of Empower Academy, a dance and day care facility. … Read More

Open house at Sweet Vail Café

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•February 26, 2025• The Sullivan Area Ministerial Alliance (SAMA) invites the entire community to a special Open House at Sweet Vail Café on Monday, March 3, from 5-7 p.m. This gathering is an opportunity for neighbors to come together, enjoy light snacks, and connect in a spirit of faith and fellowship. Whether you are new to the area or a longtime resident, SAMA welcomes you to stop by, meet local Pastors, and learn more about how we can strengthen our community together. “We believe that building a strong, compassionate community starts with meaningful connections,” said a SAMA representative. “This event is a simple way … Read More

Shrove Tuesday pancake breakfast

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•February 26, 2025• Tuesday, March 4th is the final day of Mardi Gras, also known as Shrove Tuesday, and the Sullivan First United Methodist Church is throwing a free party. Historically, Shrove Tuesday is a day to feast on pancakes before the Season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday.  You are invited to enjoy the festive music and delicious pancakes with sausage-free of charge- from 5:30-7:00 p.m. on March 4th at the church, located across the street from the Sullivan fire station.  … Read More

LWWC community event

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•February 26, 2025• The Heart of Illinois Community Foundation will have guest speaker, Natalie Beck, sharing the mission of the organization and its resources on March 4th at 6:00 p.m. in the Lovington Community Building, with a free dinner included.  The event, brought to the community by the Lovington Working Women’s Collective, will provide resources to improve the quality of life for all residents of the Lovington community. For more information, contact Jamie Franklin at (217) 972-2001. … Read More

Recent Obituaries: Ted King

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Ted G. King Ted G. King, 91, of Sullivan, passed away 3:35 p.m. on Friday, February 21, 2025, at Mattoon Rehabilitation and Health Care Center. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at the McMullin-Young Funeral Home, Sullivan. No visitation will be held. Burial will be in Greenhill Cemetery, Sullivan. Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.Ted was born on May 31, 1933, in Sullivan; the son of Paul J. and Velma Fern (Messmore) King. He attended Smyser Schools. Ted worked on the farm with his father and brother. He later went to work at … Read More

Recent Obituaries: Raymond “Red” Reynolds

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Raymond “Red” Reynolds Raymond H. “Red” Reynolds, 89, of Kirksville, stepped into the presence of his Savior 3:31 p.m. on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at Decatur Memorial Hospital. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Friday, February 21, 2025, at McMullin-Young Funeral Home, Sullivan. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, February 22, 2025, at the McMullin-Young Funeral Home, Sullivan. Burial will take place in the Moultrie County Memorial Park, Sullivan. Memorials may be made to Community Home Care: 107 E Jefferson, Sullivan, IL 61951 or to the Sullivan Senior Center.Red was born March 10, 1935; … Read More

Singers continue to shine

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•February 19, 2025• Photo provided The Sullivan Singers and Singers Jr both finished 2nd runner up in their respective divisions at the Manteno Main Event last Friday and Saturday. Their next on competition is this weekend at the El Paso-Gridley Show Choir Showdown in El Paso, IL.  The groups will also be performing at their spaghetti supper on February 27th at Sullivan High School. The show choirs supper will be served from 4:30-6:30 with the performance beginning at 6:30. … Read More