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Remembering Who We Are……69

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The Green Hand Bridge

by Janet Roney

Yes, our family really did hike to Mattoon to see a movie…and to explore and share stories about the old Charleston Road along the way. I assure you, dear readers, I do not invent or rewrite history, but if you doubt the veracity of my stories, you are not the first. Two of my dearest and nearest blood relatives, J. and P., didn’t believe a 1700s French fur trade trail passed through the county about a half mile from our home until I showed them the sunken road coming up from Nelson Ford and the remnant running along the bluff east of Jonathan Creek. 

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Heart of Illinois Foundation donates 1K of school supplies in Sullivan 

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•July 30, 2025•

They say the heart of every community beats strongest in its schools, but in Moultrie County, it’s clear that first responders are a vital part of that heartbeat, too.

On July 20th, on behalf of the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation, (HICF) Grant Wade, philanthropic advisor, delivered a truckload (over $1,000 worth) of school supplies to support Moultrie County’s dedicated first responders in their first school supply drive at their Moultrie County First Responders ballgame Fundraiser, “Guns n’ Hoses’. This generous contribution reflects our commitment to investing in the well-being of our local children and families, especially as a new school year approaches.

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Windsor bake sale fundraiser

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•July 30, 2025•

The Windsor 5th and 6th grade classes will be holding a bake sale on August 15th at the Windsor Harvest Picnic from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. to fund their end-of-year field trip. Prices for baked treats are by donation only. A little goes a long way.

37th annual Findlay Walleye Festival

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Photos DM Williamee

Locals and non-locals alike gathered in Findlay on Friday, July 25th, and Saturday, the 26th, to celebrate their 37th annual Walleye Festival. On offer were everything from a Kid Zone, beer tent, American Legion Dinner, vendors, food trucks, firehouse obstacle course, to a pedal pull, car show, live musical performances, tractor pull, and the parade, which drew a sizable crowd for the town of approximately 700 residents. There was something for everyone, and the atmosphere was one of very good cheer, despite the record-hot, humid weather experienced in the region the past two weeks.

Sullivan CUSD #300 2025/2026 school calendar

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•July 30, 2025•

August 11th and 12th-Teachers Institute, no student attendance

August 13th-First Day of Student Attendance, 1st through 5th grades

August 14th- First Day of Student Attendance, Kindergarten

August 15th-First Day of Student Attendance, Early Childhood/Project Help

September 1st -Labor Day- NO SCHOOL

September 11th-SES Open house (5:00-6:30 p.m.) and Book Fair (3:00-7:00 p.m.)

September 26th-Homecoming, early dismissal at 2:20 p.m.

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August Dine with a Doc

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•July 30, 2025•

The Mid-Illinois Senior Services Center is hosting a free lunch with Kishor “Kris” Thorpe of Savoy Therapy on August 5th from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at 113 Jefferson Street in Sullivan. During this luncheon, attendees can listen to Kris’s presentation, ask questions, receive door prizes, and enjoy fellowship with their peers. 

For more information on Dine with a Doc, visit www.dinewithadoc.com or contact Senior Education Ministries at (217) 917-4970 or email senioreducationminitries@yahoo.com. To reserve a spot for lunch, call the Mid-Illinois Senior Services center at (217)728-8521. “Communities working together for the good of all, serving our Seniors and Veteran’s and glorifying God.”

Heart of Illinois Foundation gives 15K grant to Habitat for Humanity

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•July 30, 2025•

On July 15th, the Heart of Illinois Foundation met with Habitat for Humanity, Moultrie County, and the  Sullivan ReStore Habitat for Humanity volunteers as they build homes and hope for their community.

HICF board trustee Linda Carlton-Huber and Philanthropic Advisor Grant Wade presented Gary Smith, Habitat Board President, and the RV Care-A-Vanners volunteers, with a $15,000 grant as they build their 36 home. 

The Habitat movement in Moultrie Co. is supported by multiple churches, schools, and community volunteers. The RV Care-A-Vanners travel from around the United States to share their skills on home builds. The Care-A-Vanners crews rotate on two-week schedules and build the house from the ground to completion in six weeks. Many of the Moultrie Co. Habitat homes are located in a community neighborhood on streets named Hope Lane and Faith Lane. 

Check out the video from Three Link Media on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/threelinkmedia to learn more, and if you’d like to volunteer or donate, call 217-728-8700.

Letter to the Editor

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•July 30, 2025•

Marty Harbaugh was extremely active with the AMBUCS chapter of Sullivan across two centuries and will be greatly missed. He was awarded AMBUC of the Year in 1994 and twice more in 2006 and 2015. He was also president twice, in 1997 and 2011. Not to forget Project Manager of the Year 1993. He was just there at each event. Marty was known at AMBUCS as the “Master of Ceremonies at the Halloween Parade.” You will remember his “Announcer’s Voice”.

When Marty arrived at the events, whether Ramp Builds, Amtryke Presentations, Regular Meetings, Cookouts over the grill (with his special spatula), Parades, or special events, …. you know it was going to be a great time. Marty will always be with us when AMBUCS builds a ramp.

Marty … Thanks for Blessing AMBUCS for all those years

Sullivan AMBUCS