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Grammar Moses: Ocaydoquay!

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•February 21, 2024•

I rarely dip my toe into the pronunciation pool because there is so much variety, much of it owing to the speaker’s place of birth and upbringing.

However, if you’re one to say “nuke-yu-lurr” or “jew-lery,” I’m going to have to keep you after class.

Kate Gingold, who last year sent me a copy of her book, “Agatha Annotated,” is working on a presentation for the Agatha Christie Festival in Torquay, England, this fall, and she inspired me to cautiously dip my toe in the topic.

When I tell you she’s working on it in Key West, you’ll begin to understand where I’m going.

What do the words “key,” “cay” and “quay” have in common? Read More

A Look Back…

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2014

The Sullivan High School band program received honors including their first time being selected to perform at the Illinois Music Education Conference and having trumpet player Keaton Shumard selected for All State Orchestra. The band which had 38 members was selected to represent District 5 out of nine districts throughout the state in the Illinois Music Education Association. 

Three Arthur-Lovington High School chorus students made the highest honors in the state for chorus at the Illinois Music Education Conference. Senior Blake Miller and junior David Rosenbaum were selected for Honors Chorus and senior Tristan Gingerich was selected for All State Chorus. 

Okaw Valley boys basketball team advanced past the Central A&M Raiders in the Arthur regional opener.  Read More

SOV Football Team Helps Local Organizations Move

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SOV Football Team Helps Local Organizations Move
The SOV Football team volunteered to help both Mid-Illinois Senior Services Inc. and the Sullivan Chamber and Economic Development move to their new locations last week. SOV Football Coach John Bertetto said that Laurrie Minor and Jim Standerfer had reached out to him to see if the football team would be willing to help the organizations move. Bertetto told them that they would be glad to help give back to the community. Over 30 athletes showed up to help with moves.

Library Program Held to Paint Bookends

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Library Program Held to Paint Bookends
The Elizabeth Titus Memorial Library held a program on Monday, February 12 for young adults to paint bookends that will be used in the young adult section at the library. The only requirement for the bookends is that they be painted with an image having to do with a book. The library will be holding this program again over spring break.

VFW Post 6410 Patriot’s Pen

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VFW Post 6410 Patriot’s Pen
The VFW Post 6410 recently sponsored the Patriot’s Pen and Voice of Democracy essay contests. All three local winners of the Patriot’s Pen contest were from Okaw Valley. They were first place-Benjamin Engler, second place-Jonnie Hart and third place-Magdalene Patient. Engler went on to win second place at the District 11 judging. They are pictured with Jennifer Hobbs.

VFW Post 6410 Voice of Democracy First Place

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VFW Post 6410 Voice of Democracy
First Place
The VFW Post 6410 also announced their Voice of Democracy winners. Both winners of the local contest were from Sullivan High School. Pictured is first place winner Avram Bates with Jennifer Hobbs. He went on to win second place at the District 11 judging.

Assistant States Attorney Addresses Lawsuit from Zillow During Board Meeting

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•February 21, 2024•

by Crystal Reed

The Moultrie County Assistant States Attorney Elizabeth Dobson spoke during the regular meeting of the County Board on February 15 about a lawsuit that has been brought up against the Moultrie County Office of Assessments. Dobson said that the case is a public case and open file that anyone can look at. The case number in Piatt County is 2021-MR-37. She said it is a lawsuit under the Freedom of Information Act that started in August of 2021. “The Zillow company retained a law firm from Springfield, that specializes in FOIA lawsuits,” she said “Make no mistake that Moultrie County is being targeted here.” 

Dobson said that if anyone has questions about this lawsuit or the Assessment Office, Lori Barringer cannot answer questions at this time because the lawsuit is still pending. She said that she has seen many things on social media in regards to the case and questions regarding it. Dobson said the attorney’s filed the lawsuit against Moultrie County and the Assessment Office.  Read More

LLC Sees Increase in Enrollment

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•February 21, 2024•

The Spring 2024 10th-day enrollment report for Lake Land College reveals an upswing in enrollment for the new semester. Highlights of the report include a near 4% increase in total headcount in addition to the highest full-time equivalency (FTE) enrollment since 2021.

The total headcount for the Spring 2024 semester is 3,817, an increase of more than 130 students compared to Spring 2023. Meanwhile, a 0.13% increase in FTE resulted in a 3-year high at 2,455.1.

The college also welcomed 252 new students for the Spring 2024 semester, an increase of more than 100 students compared to Spring 2023. The number of international students also increased by more than 50%, and dual-credit enrollment grew by nearly 5%.

“It’s incredible to see so many students continue to choose Lake Land College as the starting point for their future,” Lake Land College President Josh Bullock said. “We’re proud to be a place where students can feel at home while receiving high-quality instruction that will prepare them for success moving forward.”

As reflected in the 10th-day enrollment numbers, prospective students recognize the economic advantage of choosing their local community college as the starting point to their college journey. With one of the lowest tuition rates among all higher education institutions in the state, Lake Land College is committed to making education affordable and offering students accessible pathways to rewarding futures.

Class schedules for the Summer and Fall 2024 semesters will be available March 1. 

Enroll at Lake Land College today by visiting the Lake Land College website at lakelandcollege.edu/enroll/.

Scholarship Application Packets Available

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•February 21, 2024•

Applications are now available for the 2024 Irrevocable Scholarship Program. The program offers one $1,500 four year, annually renewable scholarship. High school seniors who will be graduating from public high schools in Moultrie County and high school seniors that are descendants of members in good standing of the Sullivan American Legion Post 68 may request a copy of the application packet from their high school counselor. The applications have been distributed to Okaw Valley High School in Bethany and Sullivan High School. Application packets can also be requested by contacting the Sullivan American Legion Post 68 at (217) 728-4612 or by contacting Mike Keown, Secretary of the Irrevocable Scholarship Trust at (217) 855-1949 to request an application by mail or to be forwarded to you.