SHS Graduates Challenged to Make Bitter Ending a Sweet Beginning

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•May 27, 2020• Sullivan High School Class of 2020 made history as the first class commencement under stay-at-home restrictions. On Sunday May 17 those graduates got an opportunity to walk across the stage as their names were announced to receive their diploma. High School principal Dan Allen explained that during the afternoon, seniors participated in a car parade with the audio of the ceremony playing on WTIM (107.7). The broadcast started with the playing of “Pomp and Circumstance,” then included announcements of students who were Eagle Scouts, students who were joining the military, and the academic top ten. Those students … Read More

Obituaries 5-27-2020: Jimmy Myers

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Jimmy Myers Jimmy Dale Myers, 68, most recently of Bement, Ill., passed away Saturday, May 23, 2020, in his home. Jim was born March 13, 1952, in Vandalia, Ill and spent most of his childhood in Garrett, Ill. He graduated with the class of 1970 from Atwood-Hammond High School. He attended Parkland College and began a lifelong career in the automotive parts and service industry. He first worked at Worden-Martin, Champaign, Ill. and then Fehrenbach Chevrolet, Decatur, Ill. He retired in 2014 as director of fixed operations with Miles Chevrolet. … Read More

Amish Heritage Center Cancels Threshing Days

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•May 27, 2020• The 2020 Steam Threshing Days at the Illinois Amish Heritage Center located nine miles west of Arcola and three miles east of Arthur have been cancelled. The event was set for July 31 and August 1 and was cancelled by the Board of Directors of the Illinois Amish Heritage Center. The cancellation came about amid concerns surrounding the COVID-19 virus. Jim Fleming, Co-Director of the event and member of the group’s board of directors said, “We felt it was in everyone’s best interest to cancel for this year.” Fleming added, “the decision to cancel was not easy … Read More

Obituaries 5-27-2020: Burl Smith

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Burl Smith Burl J. Smith, 88, passed away 4:14 a.m. Saturday, May 23, 2020, at Courtyard Estates in Sullivan. Private immediate family services will be held at McMullin-Young Funeral Home in Sullivan. Burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery in Bethany. … Read More

Obituaries 5-27-2020: Don Harchous

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Don Harchous Don B. Harchous, 91, of Sullivan, passed away at 5:20 a.m. Sunday, May 24, 2020, in Mason Point in Sullivan. Celebration of Life services will be 11 a.m. Thursday at Reed Funeral Home in Sullivan with Pastor Grant Wade officiating. Burial will be in Greenhill Cemetery with military rites conducted by Sullivan American Legion Post #68. Visitation will be one hour before the services. Please wear a face mask and practice social distancing for the services. … Read More

Kathy Black Receives Award

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•May 27, 2020• Lake Land College honored Kathy Black, division chair business/business instructor, as the 2020 recipient of the Faculty Association Outstanding Service Award. After 23 years of service to Lake Land College, Black will be retiring at the end of August. Several members of the Lake Land College Faculty Association nominated Black for the award. Black said her fondest memory was how much friendlier the students were than at other places she has taught. On her first day at Lake Land College, Black recalled a student holding a door open for her, something that had not happened previously in … Read More

ALAH Class of 2020 Has Drive Through Ceremony

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•May 27, 2020• The Arthur Lovington Atwood Hammond Class of 2020 received diplomas in a drive through ceremony Tuesday,May 14. Held at the Moultrie Douglas County Fair Merchant building a make shift stage was built for the event which ran from 12:30 to 7:00 p.m. There were 78 members of the class with each senior announced and receiving diplomas from Supt. Shannon Creek and ALAH principal Steffanie Seegmiller. The senior with family arrived at the north entrance of the merchant building driving toward the south. The senior only exited the vehicle received a diploma and a photograph then leave the … Read More

Obituaries 5-27-2020: Thomas Standerfer

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Thomas Standerfer Thomas Wayne Standerfer was called away to heaven surrounded by his family Tuesday, May 19, 2020, at 9:55 a.m. Private family services will be held at McMullin-Young Funeral Home in Sullivan. Burial will be in Moultrie County Memorial Park in Bethany. Tom was Born January 17, 1935, in Dunn to Chessley F. Standerfer and Mary E. Quicksall. Tom Married Norma Jean (Smith) July 24, 1955, in Bethany. … Read More

Obituaries 5-27-2020: Dennis Mayer

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Dennis Mayer Dennis William Mayer, 60, of Bethany, passed away at 3:57 p.m. Friday, May 22, 2020, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Decatur. Private family graveside services will be held at Greenhill Cemetery in Sullivan, with military rites by Sullivan American Legion Post #68. McMullin-Young Funeral Home is in care of the arrangements. … Read More

Shimkus’ Art Contest Winner Influenced by Coronavirus

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•May 27, 2020• Reflecting the trying times we are enduring, an oil painting titled “War Paints” by Red Hill High School’s Lydia Higgins has been selected as the winner of the 2020 Congressional Art Competition for the 15th District of Illinois, Congressman John Shimkus (R, Illinois-15) has announced. “Lydia’s technique certainly stood out in her piece. It is a worthy champion to wrap up my final art contest,” said Shimkus, who is retiring from Congress at the conclusion of his current term. Lydia Higgins, Red Hill High School, “War Paints,” oil painting … Read More