Second Annual Guns vs. Hoses scheduled for Saturday
•July 15, 2026•
by E. Scott England

It’s fun. It’s competitive. It’s for a good cause. The Second Annual Moultrie County First Responder softball game is scheduled to take place on Saturday, July 18 starting at 6:00 p.m. The event will be held at Crowder Park in Bethany.
Organized by Moultrie County Deputies Alec Ballinger, Bryce Farris, Jesse Scribner; Sullivan Fire Captain Kenny Graven; and Bethany Fire Chief Mike Jennings, this fundraiser is for school supplies for local schools. “We split the money raised between Sullivan, Bethany, and Lovington elementary schools,” said Deputy Farris.
Read MoreFindlay to celebrate farming roots during 38th annual Walleye Festival
•July 15, 2026•
by Jamie Crosier
The message appears on the cover of this year’s Findlay Walleye Festival booklet: “Grow Where You’re Planted.” Inside, that theme carries through nearly every page as organizers recognize local farming families, honor longtime volunteers and invite the community to celebrate the festival’s 38th year July 24-25.
The cover describes farmers as “the backbone of our nation,” while a letter from the Walleye Festival Board thanks generations of farming families for helping feed America and recognizes the role they have played in building the Findlay community.
Read MoreKindness matters
•July 15, 2026•
by DM Williamee
In a fast-paced world that often causes many to feel disconnected, acts of kindness remain a powerful way to combat much of what ails us all. Whether it’s lending a helping hand, sharing a smile, listening when another is struggling, or even simply staying silent, acts of kindness can soften difficult moments and benefit lives. The saying that “We are all in the same boat” is now too often met with a sardonic, “Sure, some just have bigger boats than others, right?” I think most of us have been guilty of being impatient, short-tempered, and brusque with others. We are only human after all, but what if we could do better?
Read MoreNew Arthur-Atwood Lions officers inducted

At their June 18 meeting, the Arthur-Atwood Lions Club inducted officers for 2026-2027. Past District Governor Lion Butch Guennewig performed the induction and was assisted by his wife and District Cookie Lady, Connie Guennewig. Pictured are Lion Stan Harris, President and Membership Chair; Lion Jim Fleming, Tail Twister; Lion Linda Kay Cain, Secretary & Food Chair; Lion Sharon Mellor, Director & Easter Egg Hunt Chair; Lion Doug Beachy, Director; Lion Arlone Doan, Director; PDG Butch Guennewig; Lion Jennifer Perrine, Treasurer & Publicity Chair; Lion Ammon Miller, Second Vice President; Lion Kevin Conlin, First Vice President; and Connie Guennewig. Not pictured are Lion Moe Chupp, Director, and Lion Marty Jones, Lion Tamer.
Students shine in Holocaust Education Center contest
•July 8, 2026•
Three Sullivan students recently brought home Best in Show and first place honors for the creative pieces they submitted to The Champaign-Urbana Jewish Federation’s Holocaust Education Center’s Through Their Eyes: A Holocaust Arts and Writing Contest while two other students had pieces that placed in their age divisions.

Junior Claire Kursell won Best in Show for the Painting and Drawing category and first place in the 11th and 12th grade division for “Pills.” Kursell’s art work depicted a bottle of pills held by Holocaust survivor Ruth Fenton.
Read MoreHabitat for Humanity awards home
•June 10, 2026•
On Tuesday, June 2nd, members of Habitat for Humanity gathered at Heritage Woods to notify Shelia Anderson that she and her family will be the recipients of the next home built by Habitat for Humanity in Sullivan. Habitat for Humanity representative Sandy Sanders stated, “We look forward to working with this family. We are so fortunate to live in a community that supports the efforts of our local Habitat for Humanity affiliate.” Shelia Anderson was surprised at work with the notification, and expressed her deep gratitude to all present, with many hugs and warm exchanges resulting.

L-R: Marc Hall, Tara Reed, Salisa Olmsted, Nancy Hall, Sandy Sanders, Sheila Anderson, Ava, Kya, Mia, and Becky Comstock.
Iacobazzi state runner up after photo finish
•June 3, 2026•
by E. Scott England
Johnny Iacobazzi has had an amazing running career at Sullivan High School. The speedy senior has found his way to the podium in both solo events and relays at the state track meet. School records have been toppled. But this year he was chasing the 1600m state title.
Read MoreBlue Dolphins earn multiple High Point honors at Firecracker Classic
•July 15, 2026•
Submitted

The Sullivan Blue Dolphins traveled to Quincy on June 27-28 for the 2026 Firecracker Classic, where swimmers competed through hot temperatures and outdoor conditions while turning in strong performances across multiple age divisions.
The team was led by six swimmers who earned High Point honors in their respective divisions, an award presented to the athlete who accumulates the most points based on individual event finishes throughout the meet.
Read MoreSullivan siblings win gold again at Taekwondo nationals
•July 8, 2026•

Austin and Annika Kelley, brother and sister from Sullivan, traveled to Tulsa, Oklahoma to compete in the UTA Taekwondo Nationals on Friday, June 26. They both came home National Champions in the weapons division. Annika is the UTA 2026 11-14 year old Creative Weapons National Champion and Austin is the UTA 2026 15-17 year old Traditional Weapons National Champion.
Read MoreObituaries 7-15-2026: Billy Standerfer
Billy Standerfer

Billy “Bill” Gene Standerfer Jr., 76 of Mattoon, IL passed away on Wednesday, July 1, 2026.
A Celebration of Life honoring Bill will be held at his business, Standerfer Construction 3020 Lake Land Blvd., Mattoon, IL on Sunday, July 19, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. -3:00 p.m. The service will begin with the reading of Bill’s obituary, a few words of remembrance, and followed by an opportunity for family and friends to share memories.
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