•July 2, 2025•

by Ariana R Cherry

A large crowd of unit teachers filled the room at the regular meeting of the Arthur CUSD #305 school board on Wednesday, June 18 in the high school cafeteria. During public comment, Heather Strack, a Special Education teacher, approached the board with grievances regarding Superintendent Shannon Cheek. She opened her speech. “I am passionate about my job. We work hard for the kids, and we are here for the kids.” 

Heather then began to tell her story, mapping it out as a timeline. “In August 2021, Shannon Cheek assigned Mrs. Amy Hooten and me to split the job of a third special education teacher. There were other options, but he felt two veteran special education teachers with 40+ years of experience were the best option. We were both given $6,000 per semester. Amy and I were compensated $24,000; a first-year teacher at the time would have been paid $42,000. Our hard work, 55+ meetings that school year, out of the classroom and instruction two periods a week, saved the district $18,000. Two special education teachers helped the district and were completely undercompensated, and no thank you for stepping up,” she passionately stated. 

Strack continued, “Fast forward two years, August 2023. You (Superintendent Cheek) entered my classroom at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, August 30th, and closed the door. You proceeded to tell me that I was placed incorrectly on the salary schedule, and I would have to take a reduction in pay because I was being overpaid?” she stated questioningly. Heather informed the crowd that she had not been placed inappropriately on the salary schedule seven years prior. This unprofessional abuse of power and intimidation violated multiple federal and state laws, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act (42 USC and 7000e), workplace discrimination, hostile environment, and the Illinois Human Rights Act (775 ILCS 5/2-102), gender-based intimidation, Illinois State Officials and Employees Ethics Act (5 ILCS 430)- misuse of position, and Illinois School Code (105 ILCS 5/10-22.4 & 10-21.4)- improper discipline or compensation decisions.”

•July 2, 2025•

by Sharon Barricklow

Hot weather placed a strain on Sullivan City Utilities, commissioners learned at the Sullivan City Council meeting Monday night. Commissioner Mike Kirk said Ameren, the city’s energy supplier, had notified the city that they would be having planned outages, forcing the city to use its own electrical generating plant. Ordinarily, the city purchases power from Ameren. The outages are expected during overnight hours. “I’m afraid that’s going to be happening, happening and happening,” Kirk said. Mayor Mike Mossman said the city’s electrical plant staff had done a good job of preparing for the hot weather. “We need to say thanks to the electrical department. They’re doing a great job,” Mossman said. 

Summer Reading Fun with a Farming Twist

•July 2, 2025•

by Linda Henry

On Wednesday the 18th the Elizabeth Titus Memorial Library hosted the Moultrie County “Agriculture in the Classroom” Literacy Coordinator, Linda Henry, who provided a fun as well as educational workshop to a group of very excited children about pigs, bringing a small piglet with her which the children were allowed to pet and hold. With summer reading programs in full swing across Moultrie County, last week brought an extra special visitor to two local libraries — a piglet named Rosie!

Mrs. Henry, with Moultrie County Ag in the Classroom, visited the Marrowbone Public Library in Bethany and the Elizabeth Titus Memorial Library in Sullivan, delivering an engaging and educational program that delighted young readers. As part of the program, children learned about life on a pig farm through a lively storytime, complete with a real piglet for students to observe up close.