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Former Prairie Farms Dairy CEO Awarded Honor

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•December 13, 2023•

In recognition of his lifetime of exemplary leadership and service in the agriculture industry, Illinois Farm Bureau (IFB) honored Ed Mullins, former CEO of Prairie Farms Dairy, with the 2023 Charles B. Shuman Distinguished Service Award during the organization’s annual meeting in Chicago, Dec. 2-4. The award is the highest given by IFB.

Mullins began his career in the food industry in 1968 with Schulze & Burch Biscuit Company. During his 10 years with the company, Mullins was drafted into the U.S. Army and served 15 months in Southeast Asia and served as a military police officer.

After returning from the army, Mullins worked as general manager of PepsiCo in Marion for two years before joining Prairie Farms Dairy in 1980. There, he began a 42-year career, working up through the ranks and serving in many leadership positions before taking on the role of CEO in 2006. He was the company’s 4th CEO since its inception in 1938. Read More

LLC to host St. Louis Cardinals Caravan

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•December 13, 2023•

Lake Land College will host the St. Louis Cardinals Caravan at noon on Sunday, Jan. 14, 2024 in the Lake Land College Field House.

This event gives fans the opportunity to interact with members of the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team, including current and former players, broadcast talents and other familiar faces. Children 15-years-old and younger will also receive one autograph from each current and former player in attendance at the event. Read More

Christmas in Latin America

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photo by Crystal Reed
Christmas in Latin America
Sullivan High School Spanish Club celebrated Christmas in Latin America on Friday, December 1 in the high school commons. Students were assigned a country in Latin America and brought a dish representing a recipe from that country they also decorated Christmas trees themed to their assigned country. There was also a Secret Santa exchange where students using hints they had received throughout the week guessed who was their gift giver was while speaking in Spanish.

Houser Agency Makes Donation to Sullivan Legion

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photo by Crystal Reed
Houser Agency Makes Donation to Sullivan Legion
Country Financial representatives Elizabeth and Kyler Houser have made a donation of $3,000 to the Sullivan American Legion as part of the Country Financial Operation Helping Heroes. The donation was made on Wednesday, November 29 at the Legion. They have given to the police department and fire department as well as teachers and healthcare workers in past years. The Legion will be using the funds for new flooring in the members area. Front row: Mike Black and Mike Keown. Back row: Mike Daily, Elizabeth Houser, Rick Read, Kyler Houser and Bob Sims.

Windsor November Students of the Month

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Windsor November Students of the Month
Windsor Jr./Sr. High School recently announced their November Students of the Month, Timmy Graber and Olivia Rogers.
Timmy Graber is a 7th grader and is the son of Mariko and Mark Graber. He is involved in basketball and enjoys drawing in his spare time.
Olivia Rogers is currently a sophomore and the granddaughter of Cindy and Jay Rogers. She enjoys drawing and gaming. She would like to one day become an EMT.

SHS Spanish Club Service Day 2023

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photo by Crystal Reed
SHS Spanish Club Service Day
At left, the Sullivan High School Spanish Club had a service day on Friday, December 8. Students visited various places including a funeral home, the post office, the fire department, Sullivan Elementary and Courtyard Estates. At Courtyard Estates students played a variety of games with residents including a cheering competition, dancing competition and guessing the names of various songs. Students awarded prizes to residents. The Spanish Club also baked cookies and delivered them.

Nativity Scene Relocated Due to Work on Courthouse

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Nativity Scene Relocated Due to Work on Courthouse
For over four decades, the Sullivan Area Ministerial Association (SAMA) has been spreading the joy and wonder of the holiday season in Moultrie County. A group of dedicated pastors within SAMA has made a cherished tradition of setting up a life-sized nativity on the courthouse lawn every year since around 1980. This breathtaking display not only captures the essence of the Christmas story but also serves as a symbol of unity and community spirit. The nativity scene, meticulously arranged by these pastors, has become a beloved fixture during the holiday season, bringing a sense of peace and reflection to all who pass by. Through their enduring commitment, SAMA continues to weave the magic of Christmas into the fabric of our community, fostering a shared appreciation for the true meaning of the season. This year, the Nativity has a new home on the square due to ongoing work on the courthouse building. Be sure to include a visit in your Christmas traditions this year.

Dawkins Places First on Vault Pass

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Dawkins Places First on Vault Pass
Sylvia Dawkins, of Sullivan, earned a first place finish on her vault pass at the gymnastics meet, Crossroads Classic in Bloomington. Sylvia is in 6th grade in Sullivan and trains at the Mattoon Academy of Gymnastics.

FCCLA Holds Breakfast with Santa 2023

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photo by Crystal Reed
FCCLA Holds Breakfast with Santa
Hallie Bertetto was one of many children that came to the Sullivan High School commons on Saturday, December 9 for the Sullivan High School FCCLA Breakfast with Santa.

photo by Crystal Reed
Photos with Santa
Carson Swaim, Little Miss Sullivan Brystol Wiltermood and Junior Miss Sullivan Miah Voegel visited with Santa during the Sullivan FCCLA Breakfast with Santa.

photo by Crystal Reed
Working on Crafts
Delilah and Charlotte Cannon work on crafts during Breakfast with Santa. Besides breakfast, attendees could made a variety of crafts, decorate cookies, visit with Santa and more.

Lovington Grade Students Decorate Courthouse

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photo by Crystal Reed
Lovington Grade Students Decorate Courthouse
Lovington Grade students visited the Moultrie County Courthouse on Wednesday, December 6 and decorated the Christmas tree in the rotunda. Students also were able to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus.