On numbers and ‘over’ overkill

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•June 15, 2022• By Jim Baumann NP Guest Writer On Facebook, where good grammar goes to die, I found the following solicitation to rock memorabilia collectors: “With over 817+ backstage passes from epic concert tours of the past …” That same day I received news of a study from someone in the U.K. that carried the subject line: “Over 3,499 citizens have fallen victim to elder fraud in Illinois since 2021.” If you know me, you’ve probably already guessed what I’m about to say. If that’s the case, then I’m satisfied I’m not just screaming into the ether. … Read More

Remember When? 6-15-2022

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25 Years Ago This Week The government of the state of Illinois recognized the history of The Little Theatre On The Square through a Senate resolution. State Senator Penny Severns read a copy of the resolution and presented it to Leonard A. Anderson, executive director of The Little Theatre On The Square. … Read More

The Rural Patriot and “Philly” To Make Debut at Arthur Fireworks June 25

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•June 15, 2022• The horse, named Philadelphia or Philly for short, will mark the first time a filly will be ridden during the show. She was named after the city of Philadelphia where the signing of the Declaration of Independence took place on July 4, 1776. It was with great sorrow last year that the Rural Patriot Marty Miller announced several days before the fireworks show that his long-time horse and riding companion Snip had passed away. With no time to prepare a new horse for the show, Miller brought Snip’s saddle, placed it on the ground and placed the … Read More

SMS Teacher Receives Excellence Award

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•June 15, 2022• Tacos. 80s music. Big Hair. Big heart. If you’ve been a Sullivan Middle School student or had a kid at SMS recently, chances are you know what teacher is associated with those words. Deena Lee, who many people associate these words with as well as the positive impact she has on many students, recently received the Recognition of Excellence Award from the Regional Office of Education #11. According to the ROE #11 website, the award recognizes teachers who have “modeled excellence in education” and who are “exceptionally skillful and dedicated individuals who have the respect and admiration … Read More

Sullivan Schools Ballot Referendum Up for Vote on June 28

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•June 15, 2022• by Crystal Reed NP Writer The primary election is coming up on Tuesday, June 28, and there will be a referendum for the Sullivan School District on the ballot. The ballot wording asks voters about issuing bonds in the amount of $25,000,000. The total cost is estimated around $27 million; however, $2 million will come from existing fund balances. The tax rate impact would raise the school tax rate from approximately 4.19 to approximately 4.37. For a home valued at $100,000, this would result in a property tax increase of about $5 per month. … Read More

Smyser Church VBS

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•June 15, 2022• Smyser Christian Church invites children to Make Waves VBS. Make Waves VBS will kickoff with a pool party at Lytle Pool in Mattoon on June 26 at 8:00pm. VBS will continue at Smyser Christian Church from June 27 to June 29 from 6-8p each night. Make Waves VBS is for kids age Pre-K through 4th grade. You can register your child at smysercc.com/vbs or at the pool party on June 26. … Read More

Moultrie-Sullivan Fair

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•June 15, 2022• The Moultrie-Sullivan Fair will mark their 74th year since beginning in 1947 at this year’s event June 24-25. Livestock departments make up shows for both days. Friday livestock shows include Goats, Cattle, Rabbits, Horses & Ponies. Saturday’s livestock show includes swine. On Friday, Department P, Non-livestock also takes place. This includes baking, clothing, crafts, photography, robotics and more. All Departments except for P will be open to all ages. Department P will be open to Junior aged exhibitors only, who are 8 (eight) years of age or in third grade and not yet 19 (nineteen) years of … Read More

Road across Lake Shelbyville Dam Closed

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•June 15, 2022• The road across the main dam at Lake Shelbyville will be closed starting the week of June 13th throughout the summer. The closures apply to both vehicle and pedestrian traffic. However, access to the Dam West Overlook area will continue to be open during this time. These closures are necessary to provide safety for workers and members of the general public while work is being conducted. The closure is a result of performing periodic maintenance, painting the Tainter gates, and bridge of the dam. Large equipment will be placed on top of the dam to aid in … Read More