Courthouse has holiday vibes
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Heart attack deaths spike during the winter holidays
•December 17, 2025•
The winter holidays can turn deadly, as research shows that more people die from heart attacks during the last week of December than at any other time of the year. While being aware of the signs of a heart attack and taking steps to reduce your risk are important all year long, the American Heart Association, devoted to changing the future to a world of healthier lives for all, says that’s especially critical during the next few weeks. And, in rural communities, where EMS responses can be delayed and minutes matter, it’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms and seek treatment quickly.
Read MoreCarbon monoxide poisoning: a risk that increases in winter months
•December 17, 2025•
Submitted by Moultrie County Health Department
As the temperatures turn frigid, we close our windows and set our home thermostats higher. These everyday efforts to warm our homes during winter weather can increase our risk of poisoning from carbon monoxide (CO). Every year, exposure to CO will send more than 100,000 people to hospital emergency departments throughout the U.S., and more than 14,000 of those will require hospitalization. Sadly, more than 400 people die in the U.S. annually from accidental CO poisoning.
Read MoreCHS: an emerging health concern
•December 17, 2025•
by DM Williamee
“Uh, his name is RAAAAAALPH, man.” - Richard Anthony Marin, as Cheech Marin in the 1978 film, “Up in Smoke.” While many find this scene funny, research has identified it as a real consequence of cannabis use.
Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) is a condition characterized by recurrent episodes of severe nausea and vomiting in individuals who regularly consume cannabis. Initially identified in the early 2000s, CHS has gained increasing recognition as cannabis use has become more widespread, especially in states where both medicinal and recreational use have been legalized.
Read MoreObituaries 12-17-2025: P. Burnett Harshman
P. Burnett Harshman
P. Burnett Harshman, 87, of Sullivan, passed away 9:36 a.m. Saturday, December 13, 2025 in Carle Hospital, Urbana.
Read MoreObituaries 12-17-2025: Raymond ‘Obie’ Dyer
Raymond ‘Obie’ Dyer
Raymond O. ‘Obie’ Dyer, Jr., 80, of Sullivan, passed away at 9:53 a.m. on Saturday, December 13, 2025 in his residence.
A private family Celebration of Life service will be held at the Reed Funeral Home with Pastor Grant Wade officiating. There will be no visitation. Memorials are suggested to Moultrie County PAWS or the Sullivan First Christian Church. Online condolences may be sent to the family at reedfuneralhome.net.
Read MoreA Look Back…12-17-2025
2015
The final Moultrie County Food Pantry delivery from Hydro-gear’s annual drive was made on Wednesday, December 9th. Hydro Gear employees not only responded with food donations but also generated substantial cash donations to help the food pantry.
The Lady Knights were too much for the Blue Devils, winning 62-47 in a December 10th home game. The Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond team got a slow start, scoring eight to Villa Grove’s fourteen points. At the end of the first half, the Lady Knights were down 28-18.
Read MoreFirst United Methodist sale-goodies galore!
•December 17, 2025•
Divas of deliciousness, pictured L-R: Susan Connor, Lois Shuman, Laura Elder, and Ann Wheeler.
Despite cold temps and a fresh snowfall, locals made their way to the Sullivan First United Methodist Church bake sale in Sullivan on December 12th. This annual event has been happening for so long, no one recalls when it first began. This sale has always been scheduled later in the holiday season to provide shoppers with a sweet last-minute gift-giving option as well as help those without time to bake to have the ability to serve fresh-baked holiday favorites to friends and family come Christmas. Patrons had the option of grabbing a take-out container and filling it with an even dozen of their favorite goodies, mix-and-match, and at suggested donation prices. Who doesn’t love options, especially when it comes to baked treats?
Read MoreUtility issues discussed at Sullivan City Council meeting
by Sharon Barricklow
A drop in the aquifer that provides Sullivan with water and an increase in electrical rates were on the discussion table at Sullivan City Council at their December 8th meeting. Commissioner Chuck Woodworth, who oversees the city’s Water Department, said that drought conditions in East Central Illinois had depleted the aquifer the city wells use to provide water to Sullivan residents. “Our (water) recharge area is one of the largest in the state,” said Woodworth, who showed a map showing the aquifer running from north of Champaign to essentially southern Illinois. “It’s been in a drought condition, and that affects us.”
Read MoreCold weather temps do not dampen winter fun
Photo by R.R. Best
On Sunday, December 14th, Harper Standerfer enjoys her sledding adventure on Cemetery Hill, Sullivan, despite a frigid temperature of only 2 degrees.