A Look Back…4-29-2026

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2016 David Bowers spent the better part of his life in Lovington, reaching out to touch someone. Even though he retired from family-owned Moultrie Independent Telephone Company at the end of March, he wasn’t going to stop being involved. “When you live a full life, life is fulfilling,” Bowers said, noting his retirement as vice president and plant supervisor gave him time to concentrate on other community needs. Country Financial Representative Elizabeth Houser of Sullivan earned a position on the Insurance group’s Distinguished All-American team. Houser was among a select group of top Country Financial agency managers and financial representatives … Read More

50th annual Spring Rendezvous a blast 

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•April 29, 2026• Photo by DM Williamee The National Anthem was beautifully performed by Jill Deters. by DM Williamee The Prairieland Frontiersman’s 50th Annual Spring Rendezvous, held on April 24th-26th at the Prairieland Frontiersman Club Grounds in Sullivan, resulted in a packed campground enjoying both the event and the perfect weather on Saturday. This year’s celebration commemorated both the 50th Spring Rendezvous and the 250th birthday of the United States.  … Read More

OV’s Stauder: Superintendent of Distinction

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•April 29, 2026• Okaw Valley Superintendent Dr. Kent Stauder (center), Illinois State Board of Education Chairman Dr. Steven Isoye, and IASA Executive Director Dr. Brent Clark. Dr. Kent Stauder, superintendent of Okaw Valley CUSD #302, has been named the 2026 Superintendent of Distinction by his peers in the Abe Lincoln Region of the Illinois Association of School Administrators (IASA). Stauder was honored at an awards luncheon on April 23 in Springfield, where 21 regional Superintendents of Distinction were recognized. Dr. Steven Isoye, Chair of the Illinois State Board of Education, served as the featured speaker. … Read More

Free summer meal program

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•April 29, 2026• Sullivan Schools will be providing meals at no cost to anyone 18 and under in the Sullivan area. They plan to deliver door-to-door to anyone who would like to receive meals within the Sullivan School District. This will occur one day per week with 7 days of meals per child. Meal delivery will begin the week of May 26th and run through August 6th. The Sullivan School District will also continue a meal pickup program for families who reside outside of the Sullivan School District. Those families may pick up meals at the Sullivan Elementary School from … Read More

SAIL: Personal Assistant training

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•April 29, 2026• Soyland Access to Independent Living (SAIL) will hold a Personal Assistant Training for people interested in working as a Personal Assistant. The training will be held in Shelbyville on Thursday, May 14th, from 1:00 to 3:30 p.m. at the Shelbyville SAIL office, 1604 West Main Street.  Personal Assistants are employed by people with disabilities to perform household chores and personal care tasks in their homes and are paid by the State of Illinois through the Department of Rehabilitation program. Participants in the training must be registered in advance and arrive by 1:00 p.m. Those who complete the … Read More

Recent Obituaries: Gene Dolan

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Gene Dolan, 82, of Sullivan, passed away 5:42 p.m. Monday, April 20, 2026, at St. Elizabeth Hospital in O’Fallon, IL. Funeral services will be held 3:00 p.m. Saturday, April 25, 2026, at the McMullin-Young Funeral Home, Sullivan. Visitation will be held from 1:00-3:00 p.m. Saturday, at the funeral home. Burial will be held in French Cemetery, Allenville, with Military Rites by the Sullivan American Legion Post #68. Memorials may be made to the Sullivan American Legion Post #68. Gene was born September 18, 1943, in Decatur; the son of Paul James and Mary B. (Rochat) Dolan. He served in the United … Read More

OVHS 2026 Prom Court

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Front row: (L to R) Katelin Livingston, Reese Bruns, Aubree McBride, and Ava Harshman. Back Row: (L to R) Brady McQuilling, Ames Drollinger, Tucker Montgomery, and Wyatt Hildebrandt. This year’s Prom will be held on April 25th, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Mt. Zion Convention Center. … Read More

Lovington pavilion renovation 

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•April 22, 2026• by DM Williamee As many locals have noticed, the much-loved park in Lovington has been closed for renovations, much to the chagrin of those who enjoy the park on a nearly daily basis. As part of the renovation process, Mayor Brittany Bates contacted a generational Lovington resident to gather historical information on the pavilion, and he provided newspaper articles indicating the park may have first received the pavilion around 1904. While historical records are limited, it is clear that this structure has been an important part of Lovington for well over a century. The pavilion has undergone … Read More

Sullivan CUSD Meeting

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•April 22, 2026• On Monday, April 13th, the Sullivan School board held its regular monthly meeting. The following reports from the principals were shared with those in attendance: Mrs. Guyot shared that the SES Strong April Character trait was courage-choosing what is helpful, right, and kind, even when it’s hard or scary, and SES celebrated “Leaders of Cooperation” at the Sullivan Strong Assembly. She went on to thank Mr. Waelde, Mrs. Kalagian, Mrs. Collins, and the 3rd – 5th grade teachers for getting SES through the IAR testing window and make-ups. Project One Family had their first community event on … Read More