People Were Ready for a Real Fourth of July Celebration

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•July 8, 2020• by Mike Brothers People were ready, and we gave them a real Fourth of July celebration,” parade coordinator Mark Conlin, said of the hourlong Sullivan July 4th parade. “Hats off to the American Legion for giving us an unbelievable Independence Day celebration,” Mayor Richard Glazebrook said of the Saturday July 4th parade and fireworks display sponsored by Post 68 in Sullivan. “And I’m proud of the citizens for pitching in to make this a true observation of freedom from the COVID restrictions,” he said, emphasizing people were respectful of distancing during the events. American Legion Commander Bob … Read More

Do We Care What God Thinks About Much of Anything?

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•July 8, 2020• By Sarah Hudson Pierce NP Guest Columnist As a wake-up call I would like to point out how President Ronald Reagan quoted II Chronicles 7:14 in his 1981 Inaugural address when he said: “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” It seems to me that affluence can deaden our hearts, lessening our dependence upon God? How long has it been since our nation really … Read More

Obituaries 7-8-2020: Wanda Rankin

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Wanda Rankin Wandalee (Wanda L.) Latch Rankin of Mattoon died around 9:45 a.m. Thursday, July 2, 2020, in Mattoon Rehabilitation and Health Care. Wanda was born September 30, 1926, in rural Shelby County, Illinois to Artie D. and Mabel (Williams) Latch. She married Donald E. Rankin February 21, 1946, at the rural Windsor residence of the Reverend Ira Blythe. Don preceded her in death December 29, 2014. … Read More

Get Ready for Pavement Blowouts during Heat Wave

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Motorists should remain alert, anticipate slowdowns and temporary work zones •July 8, 2020• With extreme heat dominating the forecast, the Illinois Department of Transportation cautioned motorists to be on the lookout for pavement buckling on roads throughout the state. “One of the hottest weeks of the year means the potential for pavement failures will increase,” said Acting Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. “At IDOT, we have the necessary staffing and materials in place to make repairs as quickly as possible. We ask the public to stay alert and avoid driving over buckled roads, if possible, while giving our crews plenty … Read More

Kindergarten Registration

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•July 8, 2020• Kindergarten registration begins July 21 from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. in the Sullivan Elementary School Cafeteria. If you have a child who will start Kindergarten this fall, it is time to register. Enroll your student, find out about Sullivan Elementary, meet some SES staff, and get answers to questions you may have. Please observe COVID 19 Guidelines: Wearing a mask is recommended, Limited to a group of 50 people (please send only one parent/guardian to limit numbers and provide attendance opportunities for all families) Please do not bring any children. Social distancing is encouraged. Please RSVP to … Read More

Recent Obituaries: Wandalee Rankin

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Wandalee Rankin Wandalee (Wanda L.) Latch Rankin of Mattoon died around 9:45 a.m. on Thursday, July 2, 2020 at Mattoon Rehabilitation and Health Care. Wanda was born September 30, 1926 in rural Shelby County, Illinois to Artie D. and Mabel (Williams) Latch. She married Donald E. Rankin on February 21, 1946 at the rural Windsor residence of Reverend Ira Blythe. Don preceded her in death on December 29, 2014. Wanda helped Don manage their farming operation near Sexson Corner until their retirement in 1985. She was the Ash Grove “Avon lady” for many years. In addition, she was a talented … Read More

Recent Obituaries: Patricia Hagerman

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Patricia Hagerman Patricia Ann Sitton Hagerman died July 4, 2020 at her home in Sullivan, IL, surrounded by her family. Patricia was born on February 4th, 1936 in Nacogdoches, TX and grew up in Marshall, TX. She met Felix Hagerman of Sullivan while vacationing in Estes Park, CO, and they married in 1960. She held secretarial positions at Shell Oil in Houston and at several Sullivan businesses. Patricia was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother who cherished time spent with her family. She enjoyed traveling, shopping, and weekly coffee and lunches with friends. Patricia was a faithful member of the … Read More

Recent Obituaries: Roxie Davis

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Roxie Davis Lovington- Roxie LaVerne Davis, 100, of Lovington, passed away at 8:02 a.m. Friday, July 3, 2020, at her home in Lovington. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 7, 2020, at the Lovington First Christian Church. Visitation will be held an hour prior to the services Tuesday at the church. Face masks are suggested and please practice social distancing for the services. Burial will be in Friends Creek Cemetery, Argenta. LaVerne was born March 20, 1920 in Clinton; the daughter of Richard and Carrie (Smith) Cheatham. She married James Robert Davis on March 2, 1940, … Read More