Don and Betty Book became family to those in their care

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•October 28, 2026• by Jamie Crosier For some Sullivan families, Donald G. and Betty Ruth Book started as daycare providers. Years after the children had outgrown daycare, the Books were still showing up for birthday parties, school activities and sporting events, checking in on families and finding ways to help. Nichole and Craig Hendry and Angie and James Bailey describe relationships with the Books that continued well beyond the years their children spent in the couple’s care. The Baileys met Don and Betty through church about 23 years ago while looking for a daycare provider. Angie Bailey said the families … Read More

Obituaries 10-28-2026: Keith Richardson

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Keith Richardson Keith Richardson, 91, of Sullivan, formerly of Bethany, passed away peacefully at his home at Heritage Woods “Courtyard Estates” of Sullivan on October 19, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. Memorial services were held Sunday, October 25, at McMullin-Young Funeral Home, Bethany. A private burial was in Marrowbone Township Cemetery, Bethany, with Military Rites by the Bethany American Legion Post #507. Memorials may be made to the Bethany Veterans Service Organization Post #507. … Read More

A Look Back…10-28-2026

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1966 4 Packages of Betty Crocker cake mixes was $1 at Ken’s Food Stores in Sullivan. 10 cans of Campbell’s Tomato Soup was $1. At Dunscomb’s Furniture in Sullivan, 3-room, 32 sq. yards of wall-to-wall 501 nylon carpeting over sponge rubber was $288. Specialist Fourth Class Charles K. Steck of Arthur, was awarded the 10th annual Chicago Tribune outstanding achievement medal for proficient service in Army Reserves or Army National Guard. Spec. Steck was among selected Fifth Army area soldiers who received the award from John H. Thompson, military editor of the Tribune, at the studios of WGN TV, Chicago. … Read More

Moultrie County Board addresses budget, employee costs and assessment concerns

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•October 28, 2026• by Jamie Crosier The Moultrie County Board approved several financial and personnel measures during its Oct. 15 meeting, including employee health insurance expenses, adjustments to the proposed county budget and additional compensation for certified Assessment Office employees. Board members discussed a proposed timekeeping system, while a resident raised concerns about property assessments and requested changes ahead of the county’s 2027 reassessment. County budget and  insurance During the meeting, officials described the health insurance renewal as an increase of just under 12%, citing changes in fixed costs and maximum liability. The board approved $828,055 for health insurance expenses. … Read More

Sullivan Elementary students meet author and his famous dog Gobi

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•October 28, 2026• by Jamie Crosier Students at Sullivan Elementary School welcomed author and extreme runner Dion Leonard, his wife, Lucja, and their dog, Gobi, for a special visit Friday, Oct. 16. Kindergarten through second-grade students greeted the visitors with a familiar tune adapted for their four-legged guest, singing, “G-O-B-I, G-O-B-I, G-O-B-I and Gobi was his name-o!” … Read More

MISS Veteran’s Day event 

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•October 28, 2026• On Friday, November 13th, Mid-Illinois Senior Services will be holding a special event to honor our Veteran’s and their families. At 10:00 a.m., the Sullivan American Legion Post #68 Color Guard will present colors, at 10:30 Rebecca Lawson will be the guest speaker, followed by the serving of our Seniors Peace Meal, and at noon, ‘One Duo’ will be performing live. Cake will be also be served for all to enjoy. … Read More

OV Veterans Day event 

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•October 28, 2026• Okaw Valley Community Unit School District invites all Veterans and their family members to a Veterans Day program at Okaw Valley High School in Bethany on Wednesday, November 11th. A breakfast will be provided to all who attend beginning at 8:15 a.m. in the cafeteria and a short assembly will follow at 9:15 a.m. The assembly will feature the Okaw Valley School District band and chorus students, and keynote speaker.  The students and staff at Okaw Valley thank all Veterans for their acts of courage and devotion to the ideals that have served to guide our nation. … Read More

19th District Membership Caravan

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•October 28, 2026• The 19th District American Legion Family Membership Caravan will be held Saturday, November 7 and Sunday, November 8. Local Saturday stops will be Sullivan Post 68 – 8:30 a.m., Bethany Post 507 – 9:00 a.m., Arthur Post 479 – 9:30 a.m., Findlay Post 409 – 9:45 a.m., Shelbyville Post 81 – 10:30 a.m., Oconee Post 839 – 11:15 a.m., Herrick Post 839 – 12:00 noon, Stewardson Post 611 – 1:15 p.m., Sigel Post 1134 – 1:45 p.m., Strasburg Post 289 – 2:45 p.m., Windsor Post 725 – 3:15 p.m. Sunday stops will include Lovington Post 429 – … Read More