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Sullivan School District

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New HS delays while students continue to impress

•April 23, 2025•

by DM Williamee

The Sullivan School Board met on April 14th at 6:30 p.m. After a call to order, no citizen non-agenda items were to be addressed, and the meeting moved to NHS/NEHS news. Brooklyn Booker, NEHS Sgt. at Arms, reported that Juniors and Seniors are reviewing contests, including essay writing and art pieces, to get an NEHS cord for graduation. They are currently in the process of changing over to their new officers, beginning tomorrow, with ballots open for a week. They are also looking forward to their pen pal meetup on Wednesday, April 30th. Annual English trivia event coming up, involving every student in the High School, which is structured thematically, with a snack party reward. Speaking as the NHS president, Ms. Booker shared the Blessed teachers for April. Two school beautification events have been held, but clean-up has been hampered by the weather. On May 8th, the “Breakfast of Champions” will be held. NHS is also in the process of changing officers. Additionally, NHS donated monies to assist the tornado-damaged school in Neoga and for the North Carolina school that suffered catastrophic flooding earlier this year, SHS made school bracelets in their school colors and personalized bags for every student and teacher of the high school, filled with goodies. SHS received a surprise envelope filled with over a hundred thank you cards and a banner. Two students reported that they were both national qualifiers and state winners for their record book areas. 

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Local women team up for new children’s book, “A Cat Named Mary

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•April 23, 2025•

In 1978, Sandy Brix was a math teacher at Sullivan Junior High School. One of her students was Carla Moon. At the time neither one would imagine that almost five decades later the two would be writing a book together.

“That’s almost as interesting as our book is,” smiles Carla Moon Stirrett. “We’ve been friends for as long as I can remember. After Sandy quit teaching, she became the office manager at her husband’s veterinary clinic. And I also worked with her there for over 25 years.”

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Blood Drive with ImpactLife

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•April 23, 2025•

Mid State Tank will host a Community Blood Drive with ImpactLife, the provider of blood components for local hospitals. The blood drive will be from 7:00 am to 12:00 pm on Thursday, May 8th at 1357 Jonathan Creek Road, inside the Donor Bus  

To donate, contact ImpactLife Urbana at (800) 747 5401 or visit www.bloodcenter.org and use code 71293 to locate the drive. Appointments are requested. 

Donor Eligibility Criteria: Potential donors must be at least 17 years of age (16 with parental permission form available through www.bloodcenter.org) and weigh more than 110 pounds. A photo ID is required to donate. For questions about eligibility, please call ImpactLife at (800) 747 5401. Donors who last gave blood on or before 3/13/25 are eligible to give at this drive.  

Blood donation is a safe, simple procedure that takes about 45 minutes to one hour. Individuals with diabetes or controlled high blood pressure may be accepted as eligible donors.

Heritage Woods “Easter Eggstravaganza”

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•April 23, 2025•

Reminder: Due to inclement weather, Heritage Woods moved their event from last Saturday to this Saturday, April 26th, from 11:00 a.m -3:00 p.m. at 20 Courtyard Blvd., Sullivan. Food trucks Sweetea’z, Eddie’s Taco Truck, Tucker Family Concession, Sweet Vail, and Donut Dollies will be there. Also at the event will be the Sullivan Fire Department, Sullivan PD, MCSD, City of Sullivan, and IDOT. Pony rides, inflatable bounce houses, DJ music, and more. There will also be kids’ bike raffles for ages 0-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-11; an adult Easter basket worth $250.00, and a 50/50 raffle. Character visits from Bluey, Elsa, Poppy, Branch, Spiderman, and the Easter Bunny.

For more information, call (217) 728-4300.

Free Summer Meal Program

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•April 23, 2025•

The Free Summer Meal Program will continue this year as it has in previous years. Last year, there was an overwhelming response, so this year, the Sullivan School District is planning earlier. If you are interested in receiving free meals for your children ages 18 and under this summer, please complete the survey by May 9. Applicants will be contacted before May 27 with their expected delivery date. To obtain a copy of the survey and apply, or if you have any questions, contact Becky Batman at 217-728-8341 ext. 1221 or via email at batmanb@sullivan.k12.il.us.

Townwide Rummage

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•April 23, 2025•

The Sullivan Townwide Rummage will be held Friday, June 6 and Saturday, June 7. There will be a cookout both days as a fundraiser by the Boy Scouts in the IGA parking lot. Watch the NewsProgress for sign-up forms closer to the date.

Lovington Park Board Easter egg hunt attracts crowd despite weather

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Last Sunday, the Lovington Park Board held a community Easter egg hunt, which was well attended despite cold weather and windy conditions. The event included serving hot dogs, snacks, and beverages, as well as a visit from the Easter Bunny. Pictured are (top, L-R) Junior Miss ALAH, Bentley Parsons, and Miss ALAH Maggie Benedict. In front is Little Miss ALAH, Caroline Fleming.

Socks for Soldiers Drive

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•April 16, 2025•

1,222 pairs of socks were collected by the East Central Illinois Red Cross Club in February for the Socks for Soldiers Drive. This number exceeded the goal of 1100 pairs that had been set for the entire South and West Central Illinois Red Cross Region, which consists of 33 counties.

Club members met with Val Logan, a Red Cross volunteer from the Decatur office, to give her the socks on February 27.

“She was overwhelmed by the amount of socks that we collected. She mentioned that the goal for the 33 county region was 1100 pairs. She was astonished that we surpassed that just from Sullivan, “stated SHS junior Liam Donovan who, along with sophomore Ellie Lehaman, spearheaded the club’s efforts to collect socks.

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2025 MCAC Dog Show

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•April 16, 2025•

All dogs are invited to the 2025 MCAC dog show, which will be held on June 21st at 1:30 p.m., at the Main Stage at Crowder Park in Bethany. The cost is $10.00 per dog event or $50.00 for all events.

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