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Hunter name to Dean’s List

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•August 7, 2024•

Simon Hunter of Sullivan has been named to the Blackburn College Dean’s List for the 2023-2024 academic year. Students named to the Dean’s List must earn a grade point average of 3.6 or higher for the semester. Hunter earned this recognition for the Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 semesters. Founded in 1837, Blackburn College is a four-year, Presbyterian-related, co-educational liberal arts college located in Carlinville, IL. One of only ten federally recognized Work Colleges, Blackburn is the only Work Program in the nation managed by students. Balancing academic rigor and experiential learning, each student at Blackburn gains tangible experience and develops critical skills by contributing to their community, all while building a resume and earning their degree. U.S. News & World Report has recognized Blackburn College as one of the best colleges in the Midwest region for 2024. Blackburn also earned a top-ten ranking for social mobility. Blackburn has been listed as a top performer for social mobility each year the list has been published. The Washington Monthly ranked Blackburn first in Illinois for performance by students receiving Pell Grants in 2022 and 2023. The publication has twice ranked Blackburn as the best baccalaureate college in Illinois.

Okaw Valley peach appreciation

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•August 7, 2024•

The Okaw Valley Orchard in Bethany hosted a peach party appreciation day on Saturday, July 27th from 9am to 4pm. Offering a free hotdog to each person from 10:30am until they run out, the peach party celebrated the fruit by coming together and creating with the beloved food. Starting at 9:30 in the morning, a “Peachy Baking Contest” began, with two different competing age groups 16 and up and 15 and under, the only rules for the baking contest were it must include peaches, must serve six to ten people and be ready to eat.  Read More

The Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program: available now

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How does this program benefit eligible families, seniors, participating vendors, and the Moultrie County economy? 

•August 7, 2024•

By Angela Hogan 

What is the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program? 

The Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMSP) provides eligible participants with coupons to purchase fresh produce at local farmers’ markets. This initiative supports FMNP participants, vendors, and the local economy. The FMNP is available in Illinois through October 31, 2024. The Moultrie County Health Department (MCHD) is excited to offer this beneficial program to Moultrie County residents. 

Who can participate in FMNP? 

WIC participants: Individuals participating in the WIC program are automatically eligible for FMNP. Other income-qualified individuals are eligible and can also obtain FMNP coupons from the MCHD.  Read More

Grant Wade joins Heart of Illinois Community Foundation

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•August 7, 2024•

Grant Wade, of Sullivan, has joined the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation (HICF) in the role of Philanthropic Advisor for Moultrie County, effective August 5. In this role, Wade is responsible for leading outreach in Moultrie County, working to match local needs to philanthropic resources. 

“We are excited to have Grant join our team,” said HICF CEO Natalie Beck. “We make giving locally easy and offer personalized service. To offer that level of service, our HICF team members live in the counties we serve. Grant brings passion for his community, has excellent communication and facilitation skills, and has a love for serving the people in Moultrie County. He will lead and implement local programmatic strategies and grant-making.”  Read More

Illinois Amish Heritage Center celebrates the power of steam engines

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Photo by Ellen Ferrera
Children scrambling to get the candy shot from the candy cannon.

•August 7, 2024•

On August 2nd and 3rd the Illinois Amish Heritage Center celebrated another Threshing Days filled with vintage steam engines, food, demonstrations and tours.

The purpose of this event is to show attendees how crops were grown and harvested using steam, gasoline and horse power as demonstrated by the Keck-Gonnerman steam engine which powers a Keck-Gonnerman threshing machine and other threshing machines powered by tractors and horses. Also on display was the Ellis Champion #1 threshing machine which was build in 1880 and cost $1,095.

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Remembering Who We Are……..20

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Travelers on the Kaskaskia-Detroit Road

•August 7, 2024•

by Janet Roney

The 1700s French Kaskaskia-Detroit Road has captured the imagination of others before our group of hardy explorers found its route through Moultrie and Shelby Counties. Adin Baber, a Coles County historian, describes travelers gathered in a Kaskaskia inn at the end of the trail in an article for the Illinois Historical Society Journal.

“Our couriers de bois had just come in over the long trail by the shortest way from Fort Detroit…He was born and raised in a French Canadian backwoods and is a master hunter, trapper and boatman. His companion is but recently over from Old France, and sits apart, silent. He is on some mysterious errand for his King and must needs hurry on down the Mississippi tomorrow…Mostly French they are, one a trader who has brought some Spanish mares from the southwest and plans to take them to a better market at Vincennes; …another sits there, a swarthy man, a Spaniard. Some Indians stand stolidly by.”  Read More

A Look Back…8-7-2024

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2014

Near the beginning of June, 16 Sullivan students from both the eighth and ninth grade classes traveled to Tampa, Fla. and experienced nonstop hands-on science, first beginning with a trip north of Tampa to the Crystal Springs Preserve. There the students swam with manatees and even interacted with a mother and its calf, before then traveling to the Rainbow River, where students enjoyed more snorkeling in the fresh water spring fed river.

Thirty-four new practical nurses were welcomed to the nursing field at a recent pinning ceremony held at Lake Land College, including Brennyn Kirk of Gays. Read More

After-School care for Sullivan

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•August 7, 2024•

The Sullivan Dance Studio has been providing dance classes to the area for years and has been helping parents keep an active, educational and fun dance class experience for both students and parents. One of the most helpful programs the studio provides in child care programs during the summer and school year. During the summer, having a camp like program where children can spend time with others, play outside and have a fun summer experience. Other programs like the After-School care and No School day programs are highly sought after by parents and guardians alike. Offering reliable child care 5 days a week, the studio provides this camp to children ranging from kindergarten to 7th grade, Monday through Friday until 5:30pm. This hassle free program also provides bus transportation, snacks, homework help, games and free play, days can be chosen as needed. With website parent testimonials raving about the positive outlook of the programs and the major impact the camp had on the child’s life. Spots fill quickly, contact (217)-909-9111 by text to enter the interest list.

Donna Arendell to present program

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•August 7, 2024•

“Cars! Cars! Cars!” will be presented by Donna Arendell of Sullivan at the August 15th program at the Moultrie County History Center at 7:00 pm. In her words, Arendell is a “certified gearhead through and through”, which grew while working as an insurance underwriter in Florida for twenty-five years.   Read More

Angler’s annual Tribute to Veterans, 5th anniversary celebration

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•August 7, 2024•

The annual Angler’s Tribute to Veterans started at 1pm Saturday, July 27th, celebrated the 5th anniversary of the event taking place, hosting a giveaway sponsored by The Boat Dock of a free boat giveaway. The event is an annual weekend celebration where 24 veterans have a weekend that is focused on honoring them for their service and dedication to the country. 

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