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Schedule back-to-school immunizations now

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•July 9, 2025•

by Angie Hogan

MCHD

Don’t wait for the August-September rush; make the wise choice and schedule your student’s vaccinations in July. It’s the perfect time. As summer activities continue, the start of the new school year may feel distant. However, when it comes to your child’s health, July is the perfect time to get a jump on back-to-school immunizations. 

Why Vaccinations Matter for School-Aged Children: Vaccines are among the most effective tools for protecting children and teens against contagious diseases. According to the World Health Organization, vaccines prevent approximately 2–3 million deaths annually. When children are vaccinated, they’re better equipped to stay healthy at school, at home, and in the community.

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Sullivan Blue Dolphins take 4th overall

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•July 9, 2025•

The Sullivan Blue Dolphins swim team was in Deerfield the weekend of June 21st, the first time the team has traveled to the Chicago area to compete, taking a team of 20 swimmers to compete in this meet. At the meet, the Dolphins swam in a short-course pool for prelims and swam in a long-course pool outside for finals. The Dolphins team took 4th place overall out of 17 teams and was the only downstate team competing. 

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Recent Obituaries: Hazel Fraker

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Hazel Fraker, 91, of Sullivan, passed away at 2:52 p.m. Monday, July 7, 2025 in Memorial Medical Center, Springfield.

Celebration of Life services will be 1:00 p.m. Saturday, July 12, 2025 at the Reed Funeral Home, Sullivan with Pastor Bob Vail officiating. Burial will be in the Humboldt Cemetery, Humboldt, Illinois. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until service time on Saturday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Online condolences may be sent to the family at reedfuneralhome.net.

Hazel was born October 27, 1933 in Chesterville, Illinois, the daughter of Oscar Thomas and Lora Montgomery Key. Hazel was a homemaker and had worked at the Illinois Masonic Home. She had been a member of the Mt. Zion General Baptist Church, rural Sullivan. Hazel married Robert E. ‘Cherry’ Fraker on February 1, 1952 in Arcola, Illinois and he preceded her in death on October 12, 1998.

Survivors include her sons Ronald E. (Arlene) Fraker of Sullivan and Randy R. (Cheri) Fraker of Springfield, Illinois; grandchildren Dana (Brandt) Rodgers of Sullivan and Luke Fraker of Springfield, Illinois; great granddaughter Macie Rodgers of Sullivan and a sister Sharon (Ron) Sanders of Atwood, Illinois.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Robert, six brothers and five sisters.

Hazel loved her family and taking care of her home. She was an avid bird watcher and never saw a squirrell that she liked. She will be forever in our hearts.

Sullivan Bike Show

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Photo submitted Sullivan Bike Show The Bike show held at the Sullivan American Legion Post #68 last Friday, the 27th, was enjoyed by all who attended, braving the predicted ongoing showers. The Overall Winner was Jason Crowe, with the People’s Choice Award going to Jeremy Spence.

July ‘Peace Meal’ menu

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•July 2, 2025•

July 3: Sub sandwich (ham, turkey, and cheese), potato salad, three bean salad, summer salad.

July 4-Closed for Independence Day

July 7: Pork burger and bun, German potato salad, baked beans, and fruit.

July 8: Ham and beans, copper carrots, pineapple, cornbread, and dessert.

July 9: Meatloaf, sour cream/chive baked potato, carrots, tomato salad, and a roll.

July 10: Chicken salad sandwich, tomato basil soup, tangy coleslaw, and fruit dessert.

July 11: Pizza spaghetti casserole, asparagus, hot fruit compote, and romaine side salad.

July 14: Biscuits and gravy, roasted potatoes, hot spiced apples, and fruit juice.

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Herrick veteran awarded a ‘Quilt of Valor’ in Findlay

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•July 2, 2025•

Photo courtesy of Alexandrea Breazeale

The room was filled with love and support for United States Marine Corps veteran Steven Michael Vail on Sunday, June 29th, at the Clarence Bixler American Legion Post #409 in Findlay, Illinois. More than 40 people, including family members, friends, and post members, attended the ceremony. Following the ceremony, everyone enjoyed the refreshments provided by the Legion Auxiliary.

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Community Cove: new kayak launch, pollinator field

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•July 2, 2025•

Photo Submitted Shelbyville FFA student, Kyndall Bennett, putting up the pollinator plot sign.

The area of public lands designated as Dam West High Water Boat Ramp, commonly referred to as “Community Cove”, recently acquired a new kayak launch and pollinator plots through various partnerships and grants. The “Community Cove” area includes the Dam West High Water Boat Ramp as well as public lands directly encompassing the boat ramp. This area extends West to Forest Park, South to the 9th Street and Dam Road intersections, and East to the Dam West Recreation Area. 

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West Nile Virus: Health Concerns and Prevention Tips

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First case of West Nile virus in Illinois confirmed; act now to reduce risk


•July 2, 2025•

by Angela Hogan 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently confirmed Illinois’ first human case of West Nile virus (WNV) in 2025. An individual from Southern Illinois was hospitalized due to complications of the infection. This case underscores the importance of avoiding mosquito bites. WNV can pose elevated health risks for individuals with weakened immune systems and those over 65. According to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), WNV has already been confirmed in 19 counties, including Clinton and Christian in Central Illinois. The Moultrie County Health Department (MCHD) urges area residents to prevent mosquito bites and reduce their risk of West Nile virus (WNV).

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Remembering Who We Are……….65

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Hidden Worlds


•July 2, 2025•

by Janet Roney

I used to know every hill and ravine in our family’s timber pasture along the Kaskaskia River southeast of Sullivan. At least, that’s what I thought. My frequent hikes of exploration usually began by going under the railroad bridge in the east pasture. There, the Angus cattle herd had worn down the creek banks into a mud flat pockmarked with water-filled cattle hoof prints. 

One spring day, as I was picking my way across the muddy morass on slippery flat stepping stones, I heard the noise of rippling water. A rivulet was gurgling beneath some large red haw bushes along the railroad embankment to my right. 

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