Lady Redskins narrowly miss winning Sectional; Several qualify for State

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•May 20, 2026• by E. Scott England The IHSA Class 1A girl’s track sectional was held last Wednesday (May 13). Sullivan had the lead going into the final event where they were edged out by Shelbyville, 122 points to 118.5 points. But along the way, Sullivan picked up ten qualifiers for the Class 1A State Finals to be held in Charleston this week. One of those state qualifiers, Addie Patterson, also reset her own record in the 100m hurdles. Her time was 15.36. Patterson also qualified for state in the 300m hurdles as well. Emma Drake also qualified for state … Read More

A botanical evening 

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•May 20, 2026• A botanical evening  Master Gardeners have announced a ‘Botanical Evening in the Garden’, Thursday, June 18th, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. The event will be held in the Idea Garden at Sarah Bush Lincoln Hospital.  Participants are invited to stroll through the garden and learn about the plants, design, and care behind this special space from the Master Gardeners who tend it and enjoy samples of botanical teas and garden-inspired snacks—infused with herbs, fruits, and edible flowers grown right in the garden. See what’s new in the garden; even if you joined us last year, you’ll notice … Read More

Obituaries 5-20-2026: Brenda Meritt

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Brenda Meritt Brenda J. Meritt, 83, of Sullivan, Illinois died Sunday, May 10, 2026, at 8:00 p.m at Sullivan Rehab & Health Care. Funeral Services will be held Friday, May 22, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Kennedy & Sons Funeral Home, Pana, Illinois with Pastor Rodney Briscoe officiating. Visitation will also be Friday, May 22, 2026, at Kennedy & Sons beginning at 12:00 Noon until time of service. Burial will be in Myers Cemetery, Herrick Township, Shelby County, Illinois. … Read More

A Look Back…5-20-2026

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2016 National Nursing Home Week brought a variety of activities to area facilities. The sounds of laughter arrived when Mason Point residents in Sullivan met Deborah Joy Hart. Hart, a laughter therapist, was part of the World Laughter Tour and stopped by Mason Point for you guessed it, a few laughs. After experiencing rising costs in services with Aramark, ALAH questioned the possibility of finding alternatives. The new 2016-17 contract with a 2.6% increase due to cost of living was brought to the table at the last ALAH Board meeting. “With new regulations and menus that came in over the … Read More

By George!

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Photo by R.R. Best Cooper Atchison, dressed as King George, gave attendees a history lesson while wearing full historical regalia on Thursday, May 14th, at Sullivan Elementary School as part of the school’s yearly fourth-grade Wax Museum event. … Read More

Sullivan plans future projects

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•May 20, 2026• by Sharon Barricklow Money and future projects were up for discussion at the Sullivan City Council meeting with a side discussion about stray cats. The council heard the first reading of a $54 million appropriations ordinance. “This is different from the budget ordinance, Mayor Mike Mossman said. “This is larger than the budget but it does not reflect what we’re going to spend but gives us some room beyond the budget if we need to spend.”  … Read More

May: mental health awareness

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•May 20, 2026• by Dave Cole Executive Director Moultrie Counseling May is recognized as “Mental health Awareness” month, a time dedicated to raising awareness, reducing stigma, and promoting resources for mental and emotional well-being. Established in 1949, it emphasizes that ‘no one struggles alone’ and encourages self-care and support for those with mental health conditions. … Read More

OVES: new book vending machine from HICF

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•May 20, 2026• Thanks to a generous grant from the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation, students at Okaw Valley Elementary will soon have an exciting new way to celebrate positive behavior and academic success. Funding provided through the foundation made it possible for the school to purchase a book vending machine as well as 230 books. Best of all, the school will be able to keep the machine for years to come. … Read More