Recent Obituaries: Robert “Bob” Lee Bayes

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Robert “Bob” Lee Bayes, 94, of Findlay, Illinois, passed away on December 17, 2025, at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center in Mattoon, Illinois. Bob’s life was a testament to his strong values, work ethic, and love for those around him.Born on January 2, 1931, in Ashmore, Illinois, the son of Lester Albert and Doris Mae (Waters) Bayes. After graduating from Kansas Community High School in 1948, Bob embarked on a journey of commitment to his country. He proudly served as a medical officer in the United States Army during the Korean War, a period that shaped much of his character … Read More

Sullivan Winter Program delights all

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Photos by RR Best On Wednesday, December 10th, the Sullivan Winter Program held its yearly performance, including the Sullivan High School Jazz Band bass player, Ayden Dolan, getting down with a solo, with Presley Van Loon and Henry Kuhns delicately adding the fine touches of xylophone to the performance. With the choral director, Heather Pistorius, reminding everyone to smile as they focused intently on their performance, many displayed their holiday cheer with accouterments such as reindeer antlers. The performance featured the Sullivan Singers Mini, Sullivan Middle School Choir, Sullivan Singers Jr, and Sullivan Singers, as well as the Band Program … Read More

Public libraries across Illinois to stock, administer opioid overdose reversal agents

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•December 17, 2025• The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has issued an updated standing order that adds Illinois public libraries to the list of locations that are permitted to keep a supply of opioid overdose reversal agents on hand, and to allow trained staff to administer them in the event of a suspected overdose on their premises. The revised standing order will make it easier for libraries to comply with new provisions of the Illinois Local Library Act, which will take effect on January 1st, 2026. … Read More

SBDs garner a place in the Finals

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Eight and Under High Point Girl Stella Perrot displays her trophy. The Sullivan Blue Dolphins traveled to Bloomington on December 6th and 7th to compete at the Bruce Walker Memorial Meet hosted by BNSC. It was a preliminary final meet where they had many swimmers make it to the finals. Podium place finishes top 8 in finals: Michaela Blickensderfer, Emily Crosier, Kinsley Eads, Aubrey Fultz, Charles Guyot, and Kylan Hall. Stella Perrot was the Eight and Under High Point Girl.  … Read More

LLC Navigator News wins awards

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•December 17, 2025• Several staff members of Lake Land College’s student-run newspaper, The Navigator News, recently earned awards at the 2024-2025 Illinois Community College Journalism Awards (ICCJA).  The Navigator team was also named an honorable mention for the Mike Foster General Excellence Award, which recognizes overall excellence in paper, website, and social media quality. “A huge congratulations to all the students who received awards during this year’s ceremony,” said Tim Stolz, Student Life Specialist. “Our students pour so much into this paper, and they learn a lot about writing, editing, web design, and layout in the process. It’s great to see their work in … Read More

Remembering Who We Are………88

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Kaskaskia Whitewater•December 17, 2025• by Janet Roney A loud roar came from the churning whitewater dead ahead. I had expected paddling upstream on the Kaskaskia River to be difficult, but I did not expect rapids to block our way.  These were not just little riffles in the water like submerged logs make. These rapids extended up and beyond a bend in the river and were making serious whitewater. (Well…not serious as in Alaska or Idaho, but it was white, it was water, and from my view sitting just a few inches above the water line in my dinky little sit-on-top … Read More

Holiday reminder to guard against foodborne illness

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•December 17, 2025• As people make preparations for holiday meals, everyone should follow food safety and hygiene recommendations to prevent an outbreak of foodborne illness. Christmas is one of practically everyone’s favorite holidays, filled with family, friends, and of course, great food. As we wind down the holiday season, it’s a good time to remind everybody, and especially those preparing meals, that prevention of foodborne illnesses by following proven food safety tips is critical. The importance of following basic food safety guidelines, including keeping hot foods hot, cold foods cold, and properly thawing frozen meats in the refrigerator before roasting … Read More

Sullivan squares off against two undefeated opponents

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•December 17, 2025• by E. Scott England The Sullivan Redskins were looking at a three game week last week that ended up just being two. The cancellation of the Redskin Christmas Shootout left the team with matchups against Nokomis and Tuscola. Both of those opponents were undefeated, so Sullivan knew they were in for a couple of tough games. Redskin rivalry … Read More

Lady Redskins net two conference wins

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•December 17, 2025• by E. Scott England Unfortunately, inclement weather last Saturday forced the cancellation of the Redskins Christmas Shootout. However, in the days leading up to that cancelled event, and coming off a couple of tough non-conference losses, the Lady Redskins were looking at getting back in their familiar spot in the win column. They did just that with two conference wins last week against two contrasting teams.  Undefeated Hawks The first game of last week for the Lady Redskins was a home contest against the undefeated Heritage Lady Hawks from Broadlands, IL. Stats from the game were not … Read More

Allied Capital Title donates to SBL Regional Cancer Center

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•December 17, 2025• ACT representatives present a check to Regional Cancer Center Director Natasha Deters and staff. Allied Capital Title (ACT) offices of Charleston, Mattoon, Shelbyville, Tuscola, and Sullivan recently donated $720 to the Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Foundation to support patients receiving care at the SBL Regional Cancer Center (RCC) who struggle to pay for costs associated with their care. During the month of October, the offices donated a portion of ACT’s closing costs to the SBL Regional Cancer Center. Each office also collected other donations to contribute. ACT has donated a total $1,890 to the RCC in the … Read More