Sullivan School Board approves track project, property purchase and balanced budget

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•July 8, 2026• by Jamie Crosier  The Sullivan Community Unit School District 300 Board of Education approved several major financial and facility decisions Monday night, June 29, including a balanced amended budget, a contract for the district’s long-awaited track replacement project and the purchase of property that could support future transportation needs.  The board unanimously approved the district’s amended fiscal year 2026 budget following a public hearing. Superintendent Dr. Walk reported the district finished the year with a budget surplus of approximately $111,900 while maintaining a balanced operating budget.  Walk said the district experienced its first year in nearly a … Read More

Arthur Freedom Celebration shatters attendance records for America’s 250th Milestone

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•July 8, 2026• by Ariana R. Cherry Despite steamy temperatures and heavy July humidity, thousands of visitors poured into Arthur on Saturday, June 27, transforming Jurgens Park into a sea of lawn chairs and patriotic pride for the community’s annual Freedom Celebration. According to members of the Arthur Rotary, the event appeared to draw a record-breaking crowd, as residents and tourists alike gathered for what has become one of Central Illinois’ premier Independence Day traditions. This year’s celebration carried extraordinary significance as Arthur joined the nation in commemorating the 250th anniversary of America’s founding. The semiquincentennial milestone was woven into … Read More

Allenville church concert series

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•July 8, 2026• The Allenville Christian Church, located at 201 Allen Street, will present Riven on Saturday, July 11 at 6:00 p.m. Riven is a newly formed Southern Gospel ministry from the St. Louis area. Riven came together as four puzzle pieces of God’s plan, fit together in perfect harmony. The mission of Riven is to preach the Gospel through song and to share our faith experiences with audiences young and old. What does riven mean? Jesus as He was on the cross was riven, pierced in His side. The blood and water flowed from His side. When He took … Read More

MCHGS presents local barn tour

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•July 8, 2026• As you travel through the southeast corner of Bethany, a beautiful red round barn is likely to catch your eye. If you’d like to see more of this unique structure and learn about its design conception, please join the Moultrie County Historical and Genealogical Society for a free tour of George Bone’s Round Barn on Thursday, July 16th. A long labor of love, George Bone’s Round Barn is a testament to the power of perseverance.  Attendees are welcome to meet at the History Center to carpool or drive themselves directly. If carpooling: meet at the History Center … Read More

Recent Obituaries: Dawn Becker

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Dawn L. Becker, 69, of Sullivan, Illinois, passed from this life to life eternal at 9:50 p.m. on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at Willow Breeze Hospice House in Mattoon, Illinois. Dawn was born November 3, 1956 in Effingham, the daughter of Van and Eva Dunagan Anderson. She married the love of her life, Bill Becker, on May 20, 1978, in Arcola. Together they built a loving home centered on family, laughter, and unwavering support for one another. Dawn served as a secretary for Sullivan Middle School for 20 years, volunteered on the Board of Elizabeth Titus Memorial Library and was … Read More

SBD strong at CCC in Springfield

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Screenshot The Sullivan Blue Dolphins had a strong showing at the 2026 Capitol City Classic in Springfield, finishing 5th overall out of 14 teams. The team’s top point scorers were Emily Crosier – 204.5 points in the Girls Open Division; Mack Pogue – 208 points in the Boys 12 and Under Division; and Stella Perrott – 103 points in the Girls 10 and Under Division.  These outstanding performances, along with contributions from the entire team, helped lead the Dolphins to an impressive 5th-place finish. Next up, the Sullivan Blue Dolphins are headed to Quincy, Illinois, to compete at the SST … Read More

MoDo 4-H sewing club a big draw 

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•July 1, 2026• Members of the Moultrie-Douglas 4-H Sewing Club: Front row (left to right): Jasper Herbert, Aubrie Stenger, Clara Stenger, Gwen Taylor, Norah Reineke, Isabella Taylor, and Clara Henry. Back row (left to right): Club helper Kelly Pierce, Lily Theriault, Milo Herbert, Natalie McKibben, Club helper Anamary Bicknel, Club helper Sharon Jack, and club leader Brenda Pierce. Additional members not pictured include Bria Hershberger, Oaklee Stenger, Remington Scribner, and Adilyne Scribner. The newly formed Moultrie-Douglas 4-H Sewing Club has stitched together a successful first season, with 14 youth members participating in hands-on learning and creative project work. The club … Read More

Mid-Ilinois Senior Services July schedule

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•July 1, 2026• 1: 1:00 Hand & Foot, 1:00 Bridge 2: 10:00 Exercise Class, 12:00 Birthday Party, 12:30 BiNGO sponsored by: Country Financial Houser Agency 3: Closed in observance of the 4th of July holiday 6: Pedicures by Robin. Must call to register. 1:00-3:00 New Sewing/Quilting. Group volunteers welcome. 7: 11:00-1:00 Dine with a Doc, Cheri Burcham speaker. Free lunch provided by Eastview Terrace of Sullivan. 8: 1:00 Hand & Foot, 1:00 Bridge 9: 10:00 Exercise Class … Read More

Deer population surges around lake

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•July 1, 2026• by Sharon Barricklow A doe and her fawn are regulars near Lake Shelbyville. Is your shrubbery looking jagged? Is your garden not producing? Are their hoof prints in the mud and something on the ground bigger than any dog business? If so, you may have been visited by Moultrie County’s resident deer. Believe it or not, in 1900 the white tail deer population in Illinois was virtually extinct. Obviously, in the last 126 years that has changed, with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources estimating the state’s deer population at 660,000 in 2025. Moultrie County doesn’t have … Read More