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Letters to the Editor continued from the 9.23.26 issue

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•September 30, 2026•

Dear Editor,

Throughout their long history, participation trophies have been a hotly debated topic. Many say that they safeguard and help kids’ mental health, yet these awards cause more long term damage than they are worth. According to the National Institute of Health, “As there is evidence that awards are more likely to be valued when the conditions and the procedural utility of award allocation is deemed to be just, being too free with awards may lessen their value.” If everyone gets an award, then the awards have no value and just become a baseline. Awards should only be given to those who deserve it.

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ALAH Knights remain undefeated; Hand Sullivan Redskins first loss

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by E. Scott England

It was slated to be a good match up from the beginning. The ALAH Knights have been averaging over 52 points a game while allowing their opponents to score less than 14 points per game on average. Sullivan has averaged a clean 40 points while allowing for an average of less than 10 points. With those numbers alone, this was bound to be a good game. Add into the equation that it was homecoming for ALAH, and well, it was a packed house of excited fans ready for some good football.

The Knights got it started right from the kickoff, returning the opening kick 40 yards into Sullivan territory. Nerves popped up on the first play from scrimmage for ALAH with a fumble which they recovered. They quickly regrouped for a couple of passes good for a total of fourteen yards. They then turned to Elijah VanScyoc who took the handoff for 30 yards for the first touchdown of the game. Two minutes in and ALAH was up 0-7.

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Remembering Who We Are…….

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Water, Water Everywhere

by Janey Roney

We’ve been reviewing the reasons Asa’s Point (the future Sullivan) was chosen as the site for the county seat of Moultrie County in 1845 instead of the thriving, well-established village of East Nelson. East Nelson had everything going for it with several businesses, a doctor, a Methodist church and parsonage, and a school, as well as the Purvis Saw and Grist Mill upriver from Nelson Ford where three major trails crossed.

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Obituaries 9-30-2026: David Brewer

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David Brewer

David Duane “Dave” Brewer, 65, of Bethany, passed away at 5:27 p.m. Friday, September 18, 2026 at Decatur Memorial Hospital.

Funeral services were held Thursday, September 24, 2026, at McMullin-Young Funeral Home, Bethany. Burial was in Todd’s Point Cemetery, Findlay. Memorials may be made to the family.

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Obituaries 9-30-2026: Cadell “Pete” Abbott

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Cadell “Pete” Abbott

Cadell Junior “Pete” Abbott, 92, of Bruce, Illinois, passed away at 6:55 a.m. Saturday, September 19, 2026 at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield.

Memorial services will be held 11a.m. Saturday, October 3, 2026 at First Christian Church of Sullivan. Burial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers; memorials may be made to conquerchiari.org or to the family. McMullin-Young is in care of the arrangements.

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A Look Back…9-30-2026

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1966

Co-owner Leon Bechtel checked a new sign being installed at the Sullivan Eisner Agency store which had recently opened. The new building on Main Street, had floor space for more than 1,000 additional products. Co-owner with Bechtel was Stuart Jones.

The Moultrie County Mental Health Assn. had met and elected a permanent Board of Directors and officers for the coming year. Elected president of the group was Bill Heise of Lovington. The Rev. Alec Langford of Lovington was named vice president, Mrs. John English of Sullivan, secretary and the Rev. Robert Springer, treasurer.

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Matter of Balance classes return to Sullivan library

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•September 30, 2026•

by Jamie Crosier

Adults looking to improve their balance and maintain their independence will have an opportunity to take part in a series of Matter of Balance classes at the Elizabeth Titus Memorial Library in Sullivan this October.

The classes will meet from noon to 2 p.m. every Monday and Wednesday throughout October. The eight-session program is designed to reduce concerns about falling while helping participants increase their activity levels.

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Heartland CASA enrolling for Moultrie County Volunteer Advocate Training

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•September 30, 2026•

Photo Submitted
Front Row: Stepheni Hall - Heartland CASA Staff, Ann Sanner - Advocate, Mary Ann Hecht - Advocate, Becky Comstock - Advocate, Lori McDaniel - Heartland CASA Staff, Melissa Krieger - Advocate, Melissa Wolfe - Heartland CASA Staff, Paige Foster - Heartland CASA Staff, and Linda Featherling - Advocate.
Back Row: Rita Florey - Advocate, Mitzi Hartman - Advocate, Christine Grohler - Advocate, CaSandra Blockton - Heartland CASA Staff, Kayla Tipsword - Advocate, Judge Richey, and Blaine Smith - Heartland CASA Staff.

Moultrie County’s CASA program is growing, and Heartland CASA is looking for more community members willing to step up for children who need an advocate.

On August 12, Heartland CASA celebrated an important milestone with the swearing-in of Moultrie County’s first class of CASA advocates. At the Moultrie County Courthouse, Judge Jeremy Richey welcomed Christine Grohler, Rita Florey, Ann Sanner, Mitzi Hartman, Melissa Krieger, Kayla Tipsword, Becky Comstock, MaryAnn Hecht, and Linda Featherling, as they took their oaths and officially became Heartland CASA advocates.

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