Sullivan-based Logistics Unit returns after Africa/Europe deployment

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•August 13, 2025• U.S. Army photo by Lt. Col. Brad Leighton, Illinois National Guard Staff Sgt. Summer Sparacino hugs her 2-year-old daughter, Francesca, as Sparacino returns from deployment. The Illinois Army National Guard’s 634th Brigade Support Battalion Forward Logistics Element returned home on Saturday, Aug. 2, after supporting U.S. Special Operations Command Africa for approximately six months.  The unit of a little more than a dozen Soldiers was divided into two teams during the deployment, with the majority, led by Maj. Donald Tucker of Mattoon, based in Africa, and the rest, led by 1st Sgt. Colton Love, stationed in Germany. … Read More

Step back in time at the Amish Education Event  –  August 23 at the Illinois Amish Heritage Center

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•August 13, 2025• Experience the warmth, simplicity, and wonder of a one-room schoolhouse during the Amish Education Event on Saturday, August 23, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at the Illinois Amish Heritage Center. Designed especially for those who cherish the values of yesteryear, this ticketed event invites guests to live, or relive, the authentic rhythms of an Amish school day. Enjoy a thoughtful overview of Amish education, complete with prayer and singing, reading and spelling, Illinois history, mathematics and problem solving, geography, and good old-fashioned storytelling. … Read More

Harvest to Home

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•August 13, 2025• The Illinois Amish Heritage Center will hold their Fall harvest event “Harvest to Home” on October 10 and 11 on their campus. The event features harvest activities from yesteryear. … Read More

Blood drive in memory of Jodi Phelps

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•August 13, 2025• On September 6th from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., the Sullivan American Legion Post 68, located at 8 East Strain, Sullivan, will be hosting a blood drive in memory of Jodi Phelps.  From her daughter: “This Blood Drive is in Honor of my mother, Jodi Phelps. Last year’s blood drive was in my mother’s honor and was a huge success. … Read More

Remembering Who We Are………..71

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The Lincoln Way •August 13, 2025• by Janet Roney What route did Tom Lincoln follow through Moultrie County when he brought his family from southern Indiana to Macon County, Illinois in March of 1830? Back in 1915, the state of Illinois, along with Kentucky and Indiana, began collecting information about their possible route. The affidavits collected at that time are valuable sources of information about early trails, but many don’t agree.  … Read More

Windsor and Martinsville schools begin school year phone free

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•August 13, 2025• In alignment with a growing national movement and supported by recent research, Windsor and Martinsville School Districts are implementing phone-free policies for the 2025-2026 school year to enhance student focus and well-being. In partnership with the Regional Office of Education #11, both districts have invested in secure phone storage solutions to ensure compliance while prioritizing a distraction-free learning environment. … Read More

Obituaries 8-13-2025: Nadene Cochran

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Nadene Cochran Nadene Cochran, 106, of Lovington, passed away 7:50 a.m. on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at Heritage Woods of Sullivan. Funeral services were held Monday, August 11, 2025, at the McMullin-Young Funeral Home in Lovington. Burial took place in the Keller Cemetery, Lovington. Memorials may be made to the First Christian Church of Lovington. … Read More

Volunteers wanted: be the magic behind the Special Olympics Family Festival

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•August 13, 2025• Submitted Ready to change a life – and maybe even your own? The Special Olympics Family Festival (SOFF) volunteer board is calling on big-hearted individuals to join the fun at the 42nd annual SOFF, happening Saturday, Sept. 20. This one-of-a-kind event brings together hundreds of Special Olympics Athletes from across East Central Illinois for a high-energy, joy-filled celebration. Picture a day packed with music, dancing, karaoke, a festive parade, hayrides, games, and more – all shared between Athletes and their “Friend-for-a-Day” volunteers. It’s not just a festival. It’s a movement of love, laughter, and lifelong friendships.  … Read More