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A Look Back…

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2013 

Sullivan’s former fire chief, Jeff Waite, was nominated for the Fire Chief Emeritus Award by the Illinois Fire Chief’s Association. He received the award that month at the annual IFCA in Peoria, just one of five out of 1,200 fire departments statewide. 

The soon to be retired sheriff Jeff Thomas received recognition at the George A. Sentel Masonic Lodge’s annual Past Masters Awards Banquet. He was presented with the Community Builder Award, which was given to an individual who had distinguished themselves through service to the community.  Read More

Superintendent Cheek Creates a Communication Plan to Increase Communication Within the Community

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•October 25, 2023•

by Ariana R Cherry

A group of very energetic and bright first graders helped open up the recent ALAH School Board meeting held at Atwood-Hammond Grade School. They led the Pledge of Allegiance before the meeting began. Some of their parents were also in attendance, and they all received a room full of applause after it was finished. The snacks that Principal Formen provided for them afterwards were definitely earned by the first graders.

During the meeting, Superintendent Shannon Cheek touched on his goals of trying to communicate better with everyone in the surrounding communities of the school district. He wants to open doors to communication as he would like to take a chance at possibly trying to submit another referendum to help with upgrades in the schools since the last one failed to pass. Cheek feels that with better communication, perhaps it would allow everyone to be more informed of why these upgrades are important for our school district.

Cheek has started a podcast with the help of the students in the high school broadcasting class. He plans to record the first episode October 19. The name of the Podcast is called the “ToKnight Show.” The broadcasting class helped design the logo and come up with the show’s name, add the music, brainstorm topics and will assist with the recording. Cheek hopes the podcast will help engage both the students and the community so everyone is aware of what is happening within the school district. Read More

City Council Approves Agreement for Wyman Park Splash Pad and Sports Courts

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•October 25, 2023•

by Crystal Reed

The Sullivan City Council approved an agreement with Building Systems of Illinois, Inc. for the Wyman Park Splash Pad and Sports Courts project during Monday’s meeting. The contract sum that includes all items and services necessary for the execution and completion of the work subject to additions and deductions is $479,407.00. 

The council also discussed the animal ordinance in regards to chickens. The board packet provided several ordinances from local communities. Commissioner Doug Shook said he doesn’t like the idea of licensing people. 

He continued on to say that was on the bubble about the decision. Commissioner Abbey Sherwood said that she noted that she would push for keeping the cleanliness of the chicken’s enclosure as well as not having licensing. Commissioner Chuck Woodworth noted that he liked the ordinance indicating hens but no roosters being allowed. Commissioner Mike Kirk agreed with 6 hens and no roosters but also said if there is one complaint that the resident should not be able to have them anymore. Woodworth said that he was approached by citizens that if they don’t do something to allow chickens the city needs to do something about the ones that are in the city already. This will be brought back to the board at the next meeting.  Read More

98-year-old Sullivan Resident Set to Retire 

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photo by Crystal Reed
Paul “Short” Craig, 98, of Sullivan is planning to retire on his 99th birthday after working for almost 46 years at Atchison Electric.

•October 25, 2023•

by Crystal Reed

Paul “Short” Craig of Sullivan is 98 years old, and he finally plans to retire from Atchison Electric on his birthday which is November 25. He was born in Shelby County, and his family moved to Sullivan when he was four years old. Growing up during the Great Depression, he remembers he and his eight siblings having doing without because their father didn’t make much money.

Craig remembers attending Julian School for eight years and noted he is the last person alive who attended the school. He only attended high school for two years due to the war and is the only one left of the class of 1944. He was unable to join the service because he was unable to pass the physical. Read More

Elizabeth Titus Memorial Library

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•October 25, 2023•

Happenings for November:

Story times: Every Wednesday, November 8, 15, 22, & 29 at 10:00am

A Taste of Love with Maya-Camille Broussard - November 8th at 7pm

We are hosting a virtual program with Netflix’s star from Bake Squad.  She will be sharing her love of pies from her own kitchen just in time for Thanksgiving.  More information will be posted on our Facebook page including information on how to register or you can call the library at 728-7221.

Homeschool class: Nov. 9 at 2:30

Library will be closed to observe Veterans Day on Nov. 10. Open on Nov. 11

DMV Nov. 16 from 10:00-2:00

Library will be closed November 23 & 24

Every Monday at 9:00 AM we will be hosting a Memory Café. This is a social gathering for individuals with dementia and their caregivers.  Get helpful information and support from others who also have loved ones with dementia and Alzheimer.

Beef Stew Dinner

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•October 25, 2023•

Hammond United Methodist Church will hold a homemade beef stew dinner on Sunday, Nov. 5 from 11am to 1:30 pm in the church fellowship hall. This fundraiser “all-you-can-eat” dinner includes stew, roll or cornbread, jello salad, dessert and drink. The cost is $10 per person with family rates. Take out will be available. The church is located at 3rd & D Streets and is handicap accessible.

Veterans Luncheon

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•October 25, 2023•

Mid-Illinois Senior Services, Inc. will host a Veterans Luncheon on Thursday, November 9th. Lunch is served at 11:30 a.m. Veterans eat FREE, everyone else pays $5.00/meal. Food prepared by Griffin’s BBQ Crew Catering Service of Sullivan. Menu is chicken & noodles w/rolls, cookie bars, coffee, tea, lemonade. Those interested in attending must call the Senior Center to register before Friday, November 3 at 217-728-8521 Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

SDS Chili Dinner

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•October 25, 2023•

Sullivan Dance Studio Competition Team will hold a chili dinner at the Sullivan American Legion on Friday, October 27th. Meals will be served from 5 to 7pm and will include a bowl of chili with your favorite toppings, peanut butter sandwich, dessert and tea or lemonade. Adult prices are $10 and kids 10 & under are $8. For more information go to their Facebook page–”Sullivan Dance Studio Competition Team Booster Club.” 

Fire Prevention Week 2023

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photo by Crystal Reed
Meeting Frank
A child hugs Frank the Fireman during Fire Prevention Week activities in the Kirby Foods and Ace Hardware parking lot on Saturday, October 14. Children and their families could meet Sullivan Fire Department personnel, meet Freddie and Frank, walk through the fire prevention trailer and more.

photo by Crystal Reed
Photo Opportunity
Kaysen and Lucian Perry took a moment to have their photo taken as a firefighter and Dalmatian during Fire Prevention Day activities last Saturday, October 14.

Windsor September Students of the Month-September 2023

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photo furnished
Windsor September Students of the Month
Windsor Jr./Sr. High School recently announced their September Students of the Month Aspen Spinner and Ainslie Eident. Aspen Spinner is the granddaughter of Rayette and Don Woolard. She is currently a 7th grade student and is involved in volleyball and cheer. She wants to one day become a forensic pathologist. In her spare time, she loves to read and hang out with her friends. Ainslie Eident is the daughter of Michelle and Calvin Schultz and Derrick and Mary Eident. She is a senior and is involved in volleyball, cheer, Student Council Vice President, National Honor Society Vice President, Senior Class Vice President. She is also involved in her church’s youth group, is 4-H Club President and a member of the Junior Auxiliary. After graduation she plans to pursue a degree in athletic training. Pictured left to right: Ainslie Eident and Aspen Spinner.