Donald Lewis
Donald C. Lewis, 65, of Windsor, passed away at 1:42 a.m. Thursday December 28, 2023 at Sarah Bush Hospital, Mattoon. Read More
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A Look Back…1-3-2024
2014
Moultrie County received around eight inches of snow. Wind gusts caused drifting which severely hampered travel and closed some roadways. Area businesses were also affected. Area grocery stores quickly ran out of milk, eggs and other basic foods.
The Arthur Knights rolled past the Windsor Blue Devils 71-44.
Sullivan girls basketball team secured a victory over Argenta-Oreana 68-34. Read More
Year in Review Continued from Last Week
•January 3, 2024•
August
This year’s Sullivan Fire Cadet cadet class had five students they were Taylor Mercer, Alex Epperson, Dave Selby, Beau Fleming and Troy Rogers. The three month academy offered in house focused on topics such as equipment, CPR and ladders.
Demolition began on Sullivan Middle School.
Findlay Walleye Fest was held with a parade on Saturday morning and live music throughout the three day festival. This year’s Grand Marshals were Duane and Marjorie Uphoff. There was also a 3 on 3 basketball tournament in Findlay Park and a bags tournament in the beer tent.
Dalton City 13th Annual All Wheel Extravaganza was held featured not only cars and trucks but tractors, motorcycles and other vehicles on wheels. The event included food, entertainment by the band CoalShaft, vendor booths, 50/50, door prizes and a silent auction.
The St. Jude Mattoon to Peoria run was held. Runners from Sullivan, Bethany and Lovington were part of the run. The main fundraiser for the Moultrie County recipients was the St. Jude Dash and Bash which is held in June each year. The run stopped in the late morning at the Findlay Fire Department giving runners a chance to have breakfast and a brief rest before continuing on the route. The department also presented a $100 check to the team to help them with their fundraising goal.
Former area U.S. Rep. Glenn Poshard and journalist Carl Walworth traveled the local area for book signings in Effingham, Mattoon, Sullivan and Decatur. Walworth and Poshard have published “Son of Southern Illinois, Glen Poshard’s Life in Politics and Education through SIU Press.
2023 Tax Levy Hearing Held at December ALAH School Board Meeting
•January 3, 2024•
by Ariana Cherry
A public hearing on the 2023 Tax Levy was held at the most recent meeting held of the ALAH School Board. Superintendent Shannon Cheek noted that the combined increase for the area districts around us the last few years has been at 7%. “We have been ballooning the levy in this district and so far, that has worked for us,” said Cheek. “I have looked at 22 other schools and we are at the bottom as far as tax rates are concerned. We have been extremely conservative. It is being fiscally responsible for the taxpayers,” he stated. After the hearing, it was voted and approved that the levy would be raised to 8% to give the district some extra room as needed.
The 2023 District Audit was also approved. “The auditors we normally use were bought out by another firm, so we have someone new doing our audit,” informed Cheek. The new firm would not be presenting the audit like it had been done in the past. Cheek presented one of the highlights of the district stating that it still had a financial profile score of 4.0 which is recognition. “This is something we should be proud of as a district. We have been mindful of our spending,” he said. Read More
City Council Approves Grant Agreement for Main Street Water Main Project
•January 3, 2024•
by Crystal Reed
The Sullivan City Council held a regular meeting Wednesday, December 27, at Elizabeth Titus Memorial Library. In attendance were Mayor Mike Mossman and Commissioners Mike Kirk and Chuck Woodworth. Commissioner Doug Shook attended via phone and Commissioner Abbey Sherwood was absent. In comments from the public, Nancy Barker asked the council whether they could budget some money for lights around the square during Christmastime. Mossman said they would look into it.
Barker also asked a question in regard to the paid leave for Sullivan employees item on the agenda. Human Resources Nakayla Swisher said it was for part-time employees. Read More
Quarter Auction
•January 3, 2024•
Moultrie County Monthly Quarter Madness will hold their January Quarter Auction on Wednesday, January 10, 2024. The event will be held at the Sullivan American Legion. Moultrie County Illinois PAWS is the charity of the month (find them on Facebook at “Moultrie County Illinois PAWs”). Moultrie County PAWS uses funds for companion animals in need of discretionary care and treatment. They also assist in identifying and returning stray animals to their owners. Money raised will also be used for spay and neuter for cats and dogs. Bring wipes, paper towels, dog and cat treats, food and toys for a free $1 bidding number (one number per person). A bake sale and a raffle for an Oster, 7 in 1 countertop Convection Oven will also be part of raising funds for the organization.
Vendors at the event could include: Avon, JBloom Jewelry, Scentsy, Plunder Jewelry, Pampered Chef, Titus Hog Farm, different craft vendors including laser engraved designs, hair bows, wreaths, signs, garden stakes, table décor and more. Come shop the vendors and stay for the Quarter Auction. Doors open at 6:00 and the Quarter Auction begins at 6:30. All ages are welcome to attend, and The Luck Family will be in the kitchen with food available for purchase. For more information visit “Mo Co Monthly Quarter Madness” Facebook page.
Blood Drive
•January 3, 2024•
Hydro-Gear will host a community blood drive with ImpactLife on Tuesday, January 16 from 11:30 am to 3:30 pm at 1411 S. Hamilton St, inside Zoysia room. To donate call ImpactLife 800-747-5401 or visit www.bloodcenter.org and use code 71342 to locate the drive.
Giannoulias Announces New Laws to Take Effect Jan. 1
•December 27, 2023•
Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced several new laws initiated by his office that will take effect at the start of the new year. The initiatives were passed earlier this year by the Illinois General Assembly and signed into law. They include:
Combating Distracted Driving
Giannoulias drafted this legislation to increase road safety by making it illegal to Zoom, watch or stream videos, or access social media sites while driving.
In 2022, more than 24,000 drivers were issued citations for distracted driving in Illinois. Read More
Healthy Holiday Dishes for Diabetes
•December 27, 2023•
By Cheri Burcham
Extension Educator
University of Illinois Extension
With holiday parties and dinners coming up, this is a great time to share another healthy eating article from Illinois Extension Educator Mary Liz Wright. Mary Liz says: Do you have your holiday menu planned? Does your guest list include those who are gluten-sensitive, vegetarian, paleo, vegan, or any number of specified diet restrictions? I have heard many conversations about how to accommodate so many preferences and restrictions. In the spirit of holiday care, I would like to make another suggestion, an accommodation for a large segment of our population who never get attention. Read More
Obituaries 12-27-2023: Alice Greenwalt-Hippard
Alice Greenwalt-Hippard
Alice Pauline Ryherd Conn Greenwalt-Hippard, 96, of Shelbyville, formerly of Sullivan and Oak Park, passed away 5:46 p.m. Wednesday December 20, 2023 in Shelbyville. Read More