•December 13, 2023•
Here is a listing of Arthur library’s program for the next several weeks.
Dec. 14 Tales and Tunes with Trudy 3:45 PM
Dec. 16 Build a Bear at 1:00 PM. You must call the library at 217-543-2037and sign up as there are a limited number of bears.
Dec. 18 Board meeting 6:00 PM.
Dec. 21 Tales and Tunes with Trudy 3:45 PM. Read More
•December 13, 2023•
The Hour House has announced its commitment as a participant of the 2023 Gift Responsibly Campaign, joining lotteries and community organizations across North America and around the world to raise awareness about the risks of underage lottery use. The campaign is organized by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) and the International Center for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors at McGill University. Read More
Linda Fultz
Linda Joyce Fultz, 66, of Sullivan, passed away at 1:21 a.m. Wednesday December 6, 2023 in Decatur Memorial Hospital. Read More
•December 13, 2023•
Cheri Burcham
Extension Educator
University of Illinois Extension
I would like to share this article written by Illinois Extension Educator Tessa Hobbs-Curley in the latest Family Files blog. Tessa says: The American Psychological Association has conducted a nationwide survey in its Mind/Body campaign since 2007. The focus is to examine the state of stress nationwide and understand its impact. The study in 2023 indicated that 55% of Americans are stressed during the day. Managing stress can help emotionally, physically, socially, and mentally. Sometimes, the holiday season adds a little extra stress because we might have to pay attention to more responsibilities, such as seasonal deadlines, packed schedules, dreading specific functions, and extra financial burdens. Michelle Grocke, Ph.D. Health & Wellness Specialist MSU talks about positive ways to manage stress. Here are a few coping strategies to get you started: Read More
Dear Editor,
I am writing to shed light on the invaluable work carried out by the Sullivan Area Ministerial Association (SAMA) and to call upon the generosity of our community.
For decades, SAMA has been a beacon of hope for those facing adversity in Moultrie County. The scope of their assistance is vast, covering essential needs such as utilities, rent, automotive support, hotel stays, food, fuel, and even Christmas Certificates. It’s heartening to know that, over a 12-month period, SAMA distributes substantial funds to support thousands of individuals within our community.
This year, one noteworthy project helped by SAMA was the provision of school supply boxes to 124 students in Sullivan. Such initiatives showcase the association’s commitment to addressing various facets of need, ensuring that no one is left behind in their pursuit of a better life. Read More
•December 13, 2023•
I know that all of us have done or said something that continues to embarrass us decades later.
I can safely say this, because no one younger than a couple decades old regularly reads this column. Hey, they don’t know what they’re missing.
I remember misspelling “cauldron” in a spelling bee. Yes, “cauldron.” This must have been in the 1990s, before I adopted this persona.
A “chaldron” — the spelling I offered — in days when coal was the gold standard for clean power, was a measure of it.
I was dinged because that spelling had long gone by the boards even in the 1990s. I must have read the old spelling in a Charles Dickens novel and it lodged in my hippocampus. Read More
2013
Lovington Grade School teacher Debbie Long had her annual Christmas Tea Sunday at her home in Sullivan for her students. That year marked Long’s last teaching year ending her holiday tradition.
Okaw Valley third graders Abby Luckenbill and Lexie Bartimus organized their entire school to collect toys and canned goods for local families. Students brought a toy or canned food item to gain admission to a dance. The school managed to pool around 55 toys and 10 cases of food.
Dr. Quintin Murray took over the chiropractic office formerly Dr. Kellerman’s in Sullivan. Read More
•December 13, 2023•
by Crystal Reed
The Sullivan City Council held a regular meeting on Monday, December 11 at the Elizabeth Titus Memorial Library. All commissioners were in attendance with Commissioner Chuck Woodworth attending by phone. The meeting began with two public hearings. One was for a proposed federally funded Community Development Block Grant project for storm sewer system improvements and the other was for the tax levy.
The public hearing on the CDBG grant was in regards to the city applying for a $650,000 community development block grant to help fund storm sewer improvements. The grant is funded by the federal government and administered by the state. The amount of CDBG funds proposed to be used for activities that will benefit low to moderate income persons is $371,540. This was approved later in the meeting under new business. Read More
photo by Crystal Reed
Marny Ennis Elliott and her son Charles hold a few of her framed needlepoint designs. She has a display of her dollhouse room boxes, handmade miniature furnishings and needlepoint on display until March 31, 2024 at the Moultrie County Historical Center.
•December 13, 2023•
by Crystal Reed
Marny Ennis Elliott of Champaign, formerly of Lovington, has a special exhibit of dollhouse room boxes and their handmade miniature furnishings on display at the Moultrie County Historical Center until March 31, 2024. The exhibit is called “Marny’s Miniatures.” Elliott recalls receiving a metal dollhouse at age six from Santa in 1949. The walls and floors were printed with rugs and pictures and plastic furniture. She donated it to the less fortunate. Read More
photo by Crystal Reed
Sullivan mayor Mike Mossman reads “The Gruffalo” to children as part of the launch of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Moultrie County at the Elizabeth Titus Memorial Library on Wednesday, December 6.
•December 13, 2023•
by Crystal Reed
The United Way of Decatur and Mid-Illinois in partnership with Elizabeth Titus Memorial Library had a kickoff event for the debut of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library in Moultrie County. Each child who attended the kickoff event of the debut of the program and signed up from the program received “The Little Engine That Could,” to start their collection.
Sullivan mayor Mike Mossman was in attendance at the event and read the story “The Gruffalo” to children and their parents. Following the story, children and their parents could do a craft related to the book and enjoy refreshments. Besides Moultrie County the following counties have access to the program currently: McLean, DeWitt, Macon, Piatt, Champaign, Vermillion, Edgar, Logan, Menard and Sangamon. Shelby County will launch this week on Wednesday. The goal with the state partnership is to have all the counties covered. Read More