Letter to the Editor

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•June 3, 2026• Dear Editor: In agriculture, we often pride ourselves on resilience. Farmers work through long hours, rising costs, severe weather, uncertain markets, and other circumstances outside their control. But the pressures facing agriculture today are unlike anything we have seen in 40 years. Across Illinois, farmers are navigating financial uncertainty and the mental strain that comes with an increasingly unpredictable industry. These challenges do not stay in the field or the barn. They follow farmers home, impacting stress levels, family relationships, and mental health. … Read More

Arthur ‘Freedom Celebration’ parade: entries accepted

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•June 3, 2026• Entries are now being accepted for the 2026 Arthur Freedom Celebration Parade, scheduled for Saturday, June 27th, in Arthur. Individuals, organizations, churches, businesses, clubs, and community groups interested in participating in the parade are asked to contact Stephanie Wierman at (217) 620-7460 to request an entry form. … Read More

Iacobazzi state runner up after photo finish

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•June 3, 2026• by E. Scott England Johnny Iacobazzi has had an amazing running career at Sullivan High School. The speedy senior has found his way to the podium in both solo events and relays at the state track meet. School records have been toppled. But this year he was chasing the 1600m state title.  … Read More

MC Clerk Qualls: Notary fraud alert

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•June 3, 2026• Moultrie County Clerk Linda Qualls has implemented a Notary Fraud Alert for documents being recorded in her office. Notary Fraud happens when someone forges your signature, misuses your seal, or notarizes documents illegally, often without your knowledge. Notary fraud and other closely related identity scams are on the rise, with significant surges in mortgage, deed, and seller impersonation frauds. Fraudsters are increasingly using artificial intelligence to forge credentials and are hijacking legitimate notaries’ identities.  … Read More

IL spring turkey hunters: harvest record 

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•June 3, 2026• Illinois hunters harvested a preliminary record total of 20,821 wild turkeys during the 2026 spring turkey season, surpassing the previous record of 18,189 birds harvested in 2025. The top counties for turkey harvest during the 2026 season were Jefferson and Jo Daviess counties, tied with 646 birds harvested; followed by Marion, 530; Pike, 525; and Wayne, 464. This year, hunters purchased 94,704 permits compared to 89,580 last year. This year’s total included a record youth spring turkey season harvest of 2,326 birds compared to 2,099 birds in 2025.  … Read More

SBD Summer Steam strong finish

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•June 3, 2026• Screenshot The Sullivan Blue Dolphins kicked off their long course season in Terre Haute at the 2026 Summer Steam Meet with a strong performance. The SBD earned a second-place team finish and crowned four high-point swimmers: Tinley Eads in the 10 and under division, Addy Hendry in the 13–14 division, Nathan Rafferty in the Boys 15 and over division, and Cadence Schmohe in the Girls 15 and over division. The Blue Dolphins now turn their focus to the Capitol City Classic in Springfield as they continue their summer season. … Read More

Sullivan Street Machine car show

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•June 3, 2026• by DM Williamee  On the afternoon of Saturday, May 23rd, the Sullivan Street Machine Association held its season-opener car show on the Square in Sullivan, whetting auto enthusiasts’ appetites as car show season begins for 2026. While early on it looked as if it might rain, the weather cooperated, and it was not only dry but perfectly temperate, with a nice breeze. Local enthusiasts and club members converged on the square to show off a wide variety of street machines, including classic cars, muscle cars, trucks, golf carts, and anything else proud owners brought down to be … Read More

ALAH HS construction prep moves forward

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•June 3, 2026• by Ariana R. Cherry Construction preparations continue to move quickly at Arthur CUSD #305 as district officials prepare for a summer filled with moving, demolition, and building activity, while also recognizing student accomplishments and community support during the May 20th school board meeting. Superintendent Shannon Cheek told board members construction efforts continue moving in a positive direction, with major project milestones approaching over the next several weeks. “As of right now, pretty positive, pretty positive,” Cheek noted. One of the next major steps will begin on Tuesday, May 26th, when asbestos removal work starts in portions of … Read More

Remembering Who We Are………

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Sullivan: The Island or the General?•June 3, 2026• by Janet Roney Last week, I reviewed the history of our county’s namesake, General William Moultrie, who saved the fort on Sullivan’s Island in the harbor at Charleston, South Carolina, from British capture during the Revolutionary War in 1776. Although the British captured the fort and Charleston later in the war, Moultrie’s 1776 victory over the British navy and marines delayed their invasion of the southern colonies, which allowed the local Carolina patriot militias more time to prepare for their defense. Moultrie, a native of South Carolina and leader in its patriot … Read More