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Summertime food safety

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Four proven strategies to improve food safety this summer

by Angela Hogan

The summer season has begun, offering opportunities for picnics, backyard cookouts, and family gatherings. However, warmer temperatures and outdoor events make food safety especially challenging. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), food poisoning affects approximately one in six Americans each year. Not surprisingly, more foodborne illnesses occur during summer than in other seasons. 

The Moultrie County Health Department (MCHD) encourages you to follow four proven food safety strategies: Clean, Separate, Cook, and Chill. These simple actions can help improve your food safety and reduce your risk of foodborne illness.

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District to receive final transportation payment for the fiscal year

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by Ariana R Cherry

“We are going to receive a final transportation payment this fiscal year - it is in the queue,” stated Superintendent Shannon Cheek at the most recent meeting of the ALAH School Board held on Wednesday, May 21, 2025.

“There are many years where we get three payments. We don’t get the full amount every year. It still has been an ongoing issue,” informed Cheek as he spoke about the deficit that the transportation fund has had frequently due to not receiving payments from the state. “We budget conservatively and always budget for three payments,” he explained. 

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CEFS Summer programs scholarships

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•May 28, 2025•

If you are having trouble finding room in your budget to send your child to camp this summer, CEFS has Youth Summer Scholarships available for families who qualify based on income guidelines. These scholarships cover the costs of camps such as dance, acting, art, sports, cheer, and swimming.

Income-eligible families can apply by visiting their local CEFS office and picking up and completing an application. Required information: proof of 30-day gross income for all household members, state ID for the parent/guardian submitting the application, Social Security cards for all household members, and camp registration form and information that reflects the cost of the camp. Participants will also have to provide verification of completion of the camp once it has concluded. Income guidelines based on family size and gross monthly income are as follows: 

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A Look Back…5-28-2025

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2015

Demolition of Findlay’s old elementary school, which saw a brief stint as Okaw Valley Intermediate School following the consolidation of Bethany and Findlay school systems, began after members of the board of education voted to dismantle the building during their April meeting. The old schoolhouse became disused back in 2010 when the decision was made to send elementary-aged children living in Findlay to Bethany’s more modern and robust elementary school.

Members of the SOV girls’ track and field team went home with a third-place team trophy at the IHSA state track in Charleston. Members included head coach Kali Taylor, Ashlynd Risley, Amanda McClain, Emily Neuhauser, Carlin Nuzzo, Bailey Turnbaugh, and Abby Cravatta.

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7th annual “Redskin Achievement Award”

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Plank and Betts named as recipients

•May 28, 2025•

Submitted by Lou Ann Soper

The SHS Class of 1968 presented the 7th Annual Redskin Achievement Award during the Decision Day program held May 7th.  Wilma Plank, daughter of Clara Plank, was the female recipient, and Keagan Betts, son of Ashley Betts and Damien Lash, was the male recipient. Each recipient received a $300 check, an individual plaque, and their name was engraved on a plaque, which is on display in the SHS trophy case.

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American Legion Post 68, the community, pays respects to service members

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Photo by DM Williamee

•May 28, 2025•

Photo by DM Williamee
Photo by R.R. Best

A Memorial Day observance ceremony was held in Sullivan early this past Monday morning at Greenhill Cemetery and at the American Legion Post. In 1971, Congress declared Memorial Day a national holiday, dedicated to honoring U.S. Military Personnel who have died in service to their country. Over 1.8 million Americans have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their nation to date. At both services, prayers were said, three volleys were fired in memory of the deceased, the mournful “Taps” was played, and Mayor Mike Mossman spoke to those in attendance. Afterwards, the community gathered at the American Legion Post Hall for a hearty breakfast and additional ceremonies. Local youth’s “Poppy Posters” were on display at the Hall, with many winners, numerous honorable mentions, and beautiful work by all for the Legion-sponsored contest.

Church begins “True North” program

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•May 28, 2025•

Jonathan Creek Christian Church is beginning their “True North: Trusting Jesus in a Wild World” June 2nd through June 6th, and is open to children from three years of age to 5th grade, running from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. daily at 1425 Jonathan Creek Rd, Sullivan. 

At True North, children will discover what it means to trust Jesus in a wild world. Children will participate in memorable Bible-learning activities, sing catchy songs, play teamwork-building games, prepare and eat treats, collect Bible Memory Buddies to remind them of Jesus’ love, test out fun science experiments, and experience one-of-a-kind Bible adventures.

Children will also learn to look for evidence of God all around them through the “God Sightings” aspect of the program. Each day concludes with a Compass Closing that gets everyone involved in living what they are learning. Family members and friends are encouraged to join in daily for this special time at 7:50 for Compass Closing. Children at True North will join a mission effort to provide families in North America with new, warm clothing and blankets. For more information, call (217) 728-4369. 

St. Jude “Dash & Bash” car show

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•May 28, 2025•

On Saturday, June 14th, the Sullivan Street Machine Association will be celebrating their “St. Jude Dash and Bash” car show at Wyman Park, beginning at 11:00 a.m., with all cars welcome. There will be a $15.00 entry fee. Registration is at 10:00 a.m., the car show is from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and at 2:00 p.m., awards will be given.

For more information, call (217) 728-7848, (217) 273-8487, or visit Facebook at facebook.com/SullivanSMA.