Larry Barker Larry Joe Barker 77 of Bethany, passed away Thursday, May 11, 2023 , at Sullivan Healthcare, in Sullivan, surrounded by family. Larry was born November 14, 1945 in Strasburg to Burl Curtis Barker and Margaret Elizabeth (Volkman) Barker. Larry married his former wife, Wanda Sue Webb, June 14, 1968 in Sullivan. They were married nearly 48 years, but Larry loved her faithfully until the very end. … Read More
•May 24, 2023• by Crystal Reed The Sullivan City Council discussed the ordinance regarding living spaces on the square during their meeting Monday night. Commissioner Chuck Woodworth was absent. Changes have been made to the ordinance regarding living spaces on the square. Commissioner Abbey Sherwood reported that a public meeting had been held with all parties represented, and they worked to adjust the ordinance to what the majority of the group agreed to send to Planning and Zoning. Under uses permitted, they need to add banks, and there needs to be verbiage controlling the density of the amount of people … Read More
•May 24, 2023• Has Sullivan youth sports dropped the ball for our kids? Dear Editor, Summer is a time for the great American game of baseball and for years our Sullivan ball diamonds have been open to all of our youth, giving them the opportunity to play recreational (rec) baseball or softball. For the last 8 years, I have had the privilege of coaching many of these kids. I care passionately about sports, particularly youth sports and the opportunities it provides for our children to develop both physical and social skills. Last year we had 26 girls sign up for … Read More
•May 24, 2023• By Jim Baumann NP Guest Writer Tod Kruse has a question about questions. “Today, I decided to ask you about the use of ‘right’ or ‘OK’ at the end of a sentence when the speaker or writer is not asking a question, nor expecting a response. This seems to proliferate in interviews, speeches and general conversations. Help.” Thanks for your email, Tod. Was there a question? You mentioned you were going to ask me one, but never quite did. What tipped me off was the lack of a question mark. Assuming you meant to pose one, I’ll … Read More
25 Years Ago This Week Susan Foster, an educator in the Lovington Elementary School, was named Rural Teacher of the Year in Telecommunications for her accomplishments as a technology coordinator. The announcement was made by the Fund for Rural Education and Development, a national educational foundation located in Washington. The Bethany school board voted to eliminate three of the four name which the district had acquired over the year and to refer to all teams, from now on, as the Mustangs. … Read More
•May 24, 2023• Lovington is going to “Celebrate Good Times” Friday, June 9 and Saturday, June 10. This year marks the 150th year since Lovington was officially incorporated as a village. Several organizations have joined to celebrate the sesquicentennial. On Friday, June 9, the LHS Alumni Association will hold its annual homecoming banquet starting at 4:30 p.m. at the Church of God Family Life Center. The alumni will honor new Hall of Fame members Sally Duncan, David Kidwell, Don Bell, Jeff Davis, Elise Wildman and the 2005 boys basketball team at the banquet. At 8:00 p.m. the band Identity Crisis … Read More
•May 24, 2023• Submitted by Rita Florey A community group spearheaded by the Sullivan Chamber and Economic Development organization to explore new ways to support and grow child care options in Moultrie County, Illinois, is continuing efforts forward to support child care in the local community. The group formally kicked off its initial efforts in January of this year, contracting with Business of Child Care, which helps communities nationwide identify child care needs and develop plans to address them. Through those efforts, Moultrie County Kids set a goal of creating 100 new child care spaces, as well as supporting and … Read More
•May 24, 2023• by Crystal Reed The 78 members of Sullivan High School Class of 2023 were sent off into the world Sunday, May 21, with a ceremony on the football field. After the staff, administration, teachers and graduates had entered, the high school band played the “Star Spangled Banner” as the flag was raised. The senior class president Sydni Waidelich gave a welcome address in which she focused on opportunities. Waidelich was adopted from Guatamala at nine months old and moved to Sullivan in January, 2021. “The past four years have been filled with opportunities that we have all … Read More
•May 24, 2023• Shelby Hagerman, a 2019 graduate of Okaw Valley High School, has received the highest undergraduate academic honors available at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Known as “Bronze Tablet” honors, this recognition is given to the top 3% of graduating students. The names of each recipient are inscribed on a bronze tablet that is permanently displayed in the university’s main library, a tradition began in 1925. Shelby graduated May 13th from the U of I’s College of Media with a degree in Media and Cinema Studies, completion of the James Scholar program, and a perfect 4.0 grade point … Read More