Obituaries 6-15-2022: Mary Bell

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Mary Bell Mary Frances Bell, 90, of Lovington, passed away Friday, June 3, 2022, at Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas, Texas. Graveside services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, June 18, at Keller Cemetery in Lovington. Memorials may be made to Sparrows Unlimited, Lovington, or to First Christian Church in Lovington. McMullin-Young Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. The love of her life was Donald Leslie Bell. They were married November 21, 1954, and he preceded her in death September 13, 2008. … Read More

Capital Recap: Bailey Surging in latest GOP Primary Poll

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•June 15, 2022• By Capital News Illinois A new poll from the Chicago Sun-Times and Chicago radio station WBEZ shows downstate state Sen. Darren Bailey with a 15-point lead on Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin in the GOP governor race, a major reversal with 18 days to go before polls close on Tuesday, June 28. Irvin’s campaign had earlier in the week pulled its downstate advertising and noted it was “reassessing” its strategy in the final stretch. His campaign is still advertising in the Chicago area as well as maintaining a statewide spot on Fox News Channel, according to a spokesperson. … Read More

City Council Approves Change in Electric Rates

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•June 15, 2022• The Sullivan City Council approved an increase of 4% in electric rates during Monday night’s meeting. This will go into effect on June utility bills. In previous meetings the water and sewer and gas rates have had rate increases approved. Assistant Police Chief Josh Qualls attributed the quick resolution of the shooting investigation from last Friday to several law enforcement officers, Sullivan Police Chief Andy Pistorius and the Illinois State Police. Dan Flannell urged the council to table the five-year employment contract with the Linemen of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), Local 51. He said that … Read More

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