Economic impact data shows increased local impact of travel & tourism to area

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•August 21, 2024• Experience Champaign-Urbana (ECU) receives annual data on the economic impact of travel and tourism to East Central Illinois, from available jobs to local taxes generated from direct visitor spending. Recently received 2023 data (January 1–December 31, 2023) showed significant increases across spending, job growth, and taxes generated for the local economy.  ECU reports that travel and tourism supported 5,033 jobs (2.7% increase), generating $172.7 million in payroll (7.4% increase), plus $19.3 million in local taxes (11.5% increase) were generated through $666.9 million in visitor spending (9.5% increase). The counties supported by ECU in 2023 include Champaign, Douglas, … Read More

Treat fellow football fans to slow-cooked ribs and homemade sauce

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•August 21, 2024• Football and food go are a perfect and popular pairing. Though fans may not need to eat while watching their favorite team play, adding food to the football festivities certainly makes fall weekends more enjoyable. Certain foods have become Saturday and Sunday afternoon staples once football season kicks off. Few fans will turn down a plate of wings or walk away from a tray of nachos during football season. But fans hosting game watch parties at home can go beyond the norm and offer additional fare that’s sure to please a crowd. For instance, the following recipe … Read More

Sign up and shop

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•August 21, 2024• The Sullivan Dance Studio is throwing a sign up and shop event for the recital classes for the 2024-2025 class year on Wednesday, August 21st from two until seven that evening. This offers both parents and students time to get signed up and shop around for studio apparel, during this time students and parents can take a tour of the studio, learn more about classes and see what type of dances the studio teaches. For more information on this event visit the Sign up & Shop Facebook page or contact the Sullivan Dance Studio at (217)728-9111 or … Read More

Big group of freshmen join six returning runners for cross country

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•August 21, 2024• by E. Scott England Head XC coach Isaiah Plank now has a full year under his belt. And it was a relatively successful year that saw several PRs throughout the season for several runners and even concluded with sending one runner to Peoria for state finals. Now he looks to his sophomore year of coaching as one to continue to build. … Read More

Tryouts

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•August 21, 2024• The Sullivan Blue Dolphin Swim Team will be hosting swim team tryouts for children ages 5 and up on Monday, August 26th at five at the Sullivan Civic Center, 600 N Washington Street. There will be an information and check-in table set up in the lobby. Each swimmer trying out will need to be checked for the ability to make it across the pool in less than a minute in any form, do a forward flip into the water, no fear of water, put face in water and blow bubbles and follow instructions. For more information on … Read More

Sullivan golf ready to go despite weather delaying the season opener

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•August 21, 2024• by E. Scott England Last year, the Sullivan Golf team advanced both a boy golfer and girl golfer to the two-day state golf tournament. Brett Bushue earned 50th place in the tournament. Shae Ellis placed 38th. Bushue has graduated, Ellis is returning for her senior year. Bushue wasn’t the only senior to vacate a spot on the course. Daniel Downs and Maverick Palmer have also graduated. Hannah Righter, Ava Shriver, and Ruby Haegen did as well. Haegen’s absence will definitely be noticed as she helped the team to several key wins including a conference title and a … Read More

Remembering Who We Are…….22

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Raccoon Paradise •August 21, 2024• by Janet Roney My dear step-mother, Mabel Shuman, declared war on raccoons one dark night in late 1957.  When she heard a ruckus in the chicken house, she grabbed a broomstick, and went out into the winter night to check on it. (Mabel was eight months pregnant, I was asleep, and Dad was gone.)   At the chicken House, a dark form ran out into the chicken yard and climbed a little plum tree. Breathless, with her dim flashlight wasting on the ground, she swatted away at the dark shape with ringed tail until it … Read More

September programs at the Lovington Public Library

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•August 21, 2024• 2nd – Closed for Labor Day 3rd – Story time from 10-10:30 a.m,” Ten Red Apples” by Pat Hutchins. There will also have felt styled activities for the little ones. 6th – Teen craft time from 3:30-4:30 p.m, teach the teens how to make a Wall Hanging craft with popsicle sticks and string. 9th – Adult craft club from 5-7 p.m. Bring whatever craft you are working on. 10th – Tyke time form 10-10:30 a.m. This month they will have a fall themed sensory bin. … Read More