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Remember When? 5-17-2023

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25 Years Ago This Week

A Sullivan native was part of the heroic train crew which managed to rescue a toddler who was in the path of a moving train. Engineer Rod Lindley, a 50 year old Sullivan native who lives in Decatur, was part of the rescue. Conductor Bob Mohr discovered there was a baby on tracks when the child raised her head. Lindley switched on the train’s emergency stop, both men realized the train wouldn’t be able to stop in time. Mohr swung out the cab door and dashed along a ledge to the front of the engine. Hanging on to the front grill of the train he stretched out his foot and managed to kick the child out of the train’s path. Read More

SHS Girl Track Sending Seven Athletes to IHSA State Finals

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•May 17, 2023•
by Kali Taylor

SHS Girls Track will be continuing their season for another week as they are sending 7 athletes in 6 events on to the IHSA State Finals at Eastern Illinois University this week. As a team they finished in 4th place with 59 points in the toughest 1A Sectional in the State. Their Sectional usually produces the most sectional qualifiers, while also producing one of the top 3 teams in the State along with several state champions. Izzy Hay highlighted the meet with a huge Triple Jump win, right after running the 100 Hurdles. Cassidy Short also got a huge win in the Long Jump with a 5.32 meter jump. Read More

Sheep to Yarn to Quilts event 2023

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Photo by Crystal Reed
Washing and Dying Wool
Tyler, Ellie and Vonna Neethling learned about washing and dyeing wool by getting hands on experience during the Sheep to Yarn to Quilts event at the Illinois Amish Heritage Center on May 13.

Photo by Crystal Reed
Creating a Yarn Doll
Vera Yoder helps Noah Sulwer make a yarn doll during the Sheep to Yarn to Quilts event at the Illinois Amish Heritage Center.

Photo by Crystal Reed
Petting Zoo
Waylon Yoder enjoyed seeing the animals at the petting zoo during the Sheep to Yarn to Quilts event at the Illinois Amish Heritage Center.

Photo by Crystal Reed
Making a Quilting Block
Gloria Yoder watches as Sarah Hasib and Molly Yunyongying sew together a quilt block at the Illinois Amish Heritage Center on Saturday.

Photo by Crystal Reed
Grace Morris shears a sheep while Roger Otto watches during an event at the Illinois Amish Heritage Center on May 13.

Photo by Crystal Reed
Learning About Honeybees
Karen Bickers had a display on the life cycle of honeybees and information on beekeeping at a booth at the Illinois Amish Heritage Center on May 13. There is a club for those who are beekeepers or those interested in becoming a beekeeper held at the Arthur United Methodist Church on the first Monday of each month at 6:30 pm.

Arthur Residents Looking to Form a Local Arts Council

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•May 17, 2023•
Nearby area and residents of Arthur are coming together to form an arts council group in an effort to promote and support local art and help benefit community outreach at the same time.
The idea for the group came about after artist and poet, Ariana R Cherry realized that there wasn’t a lot of support for the arts in town. She feels that there is a need for this type of organization to help bring together artists, musicians, writers and other creatives within the community. Read More

Okaw Valley High School Holds Commencement for Class of 2023

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•May 17, 2023•
by Crystal Reed

The Okaw Valley Class of 2023 had commencement Saturday, May 13 in the high school gymnasium. Superintendent Kent Stauder was honored for 10 years of service to the district. Okaw Valley School Board President Brooke Bartimus presented him with an award. Stauder noted that the best thing that his family ever did was move to this area and become a part of Okaw Valley.
Stauder presented awards for the Volunteer Hall of Fame and Alumni Wall of Fame.

Dru Bennett, volunteer recipient, received a lifelong extracurricular pass and his name on a plaque placed in the gym lobby.
The Alumni Wall of Fame recipient was awarded to Brett Robinson. Robinson thanked the nominating committee and others responsible for his receiving the honor. He also thanked his parents and wife and daughters for always loving and supporting him.
Class president Hudson Ruppert said he realized that many of the class memories revolve around that gymnasium and noted they value each and every member of the class. Ruppert said his confidence in walking into the unknown comes from knowing that God does know. Read More

Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting

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•May 17, 2023•

There will be a Zoning Board of Appeal Hearing on Friday, May 19 at 9 am on the third floor in the courtroom at the Moultrie County Courthouse. This is the meeting that will go into record and is the most important to be heard if the public has something to share in regards to the text amendment to the zoning ordinance as it pertains to wind/solar in Moultrie County for HB 4412.

Take Out Meal Fundraiser

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•May 17, 2023•

A pork burger and/or hot dog take out meal will be held at the First Christian Church, Sullivan on Sunday, May 21. Serving will be 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Pull around to the back of the church. Preorders via text is helpful (217) 549-3877. Donations are appreciated to support Sarina Voegel’s Illinois FCCLA State Officer experiences. Voegel is a sophomore at Sullivan High School and has numerous required activities to attend this summer, including the FCCLA National Conference in Denver, Colorado in July. The menu includes Pork Burgers, Hot Dogs, Chips, Dessert & Bottle of Water.

Fred West Benefit

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•May 17, 2023•

A benefit for Fred West will be held on Saturday, May 20 from 6 to 11 am at the Lovington Firehouse. There will be a biscuit and gravy breakfast, silent auction, bake sale and 50/50 drawing. Fred suffered a massive cerebellum stroke. After having a craniotomy. infection etc. he spent 65 days in the hospital. Fred is home and recovering but still has a long way to go towards recovery. All proceeds will go to the family to assist with expenses.

Retirement Party

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•May 17, 2023•

A retirement party for Mark Conlin will be held on Friday, May 19th from 5 - 10pm at the Sullivan American Legion to thank Mark and honor his service. Mark has requested a St. Louis Cardinals themed party to kickoff his new found time for games, so don’t forget to best Red Bird apparel. Mark served the City of Sullivan in the electrical department for 34 years.