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Gift Ideas for High School Graduates

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•April 12, 2023•
The class of 2023 soon will be donning their caps and gowns and receiving their diplomas. After commencement ceremonies, graduation parties will soon follow. For party guests, that means finding the right gifts for grads.
Some high school graduates will continue their studies at colleges and universities. Others may pursue careers in various trades. Still, some graduates may be ready to enter the workforce right away. No matter the direction, these gifts can treat graduates to something special.

Travel accessories Read More

Bill Aims to Limit Excessive School District Cash Reserves

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Some districts could operate for years on money they’ve stashed away
By Peter Hancock
Capitol News Illinois
phancock @ capitolnewsillinois.com

The overall financial health of Illinois school districts has been improving in recent years, according to a recent state report, but a bill moving through the General Assembly seeks to rein in the amount of money some districts are saving.
Senate Bill 1994, which passed unanimously out of the Senate last week and now awaits action in the House, would put a cap on how much money school districts could hold in reserves. Districts that exceed it would be required to file a report with the state.
“They’re kind of like a nonprofit where, you know, money comes in and resources come in, and then it needs to be spent,” the bill’s sponsor Sen. Meg Loughran Cappel, D-Shorewood, said during an interview. “Like, yes, you need to have savings. Yes, those are good practices. But you can’t just be sitting on all this cash and then not doing anything with it.” Read More

Remember When? 4-12-2023

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25 Years Ago This Week

The Moultrie County Board entered into an agreement with the state for the installation of railroad Caution and Do Not Stop on Tracks Signs in four Moultrie County townships. 13 signs were installed on roads crossing the Illinois Central Railroad tracks in Dora, Marrowbone, Sullivan and Nelson townships.
The Sullivan boys track team ran away with first place at the Arthur Invitational, finishing 32 points ahead of their closest competition. The team racked up 110 points to take the title easily outdistancing Villa Grove, which was second with 78 points, while Arthur took third with 63. Read More

Sullivan City Council Authorizes Use of ARPA Funds for Construction of Eastview Lift Station

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•April 12, 2023•
by Crystal Reed

During Monday’s meeting, the Sullivan City Council authorized the use of American Rescue Plan Act funds for the construction of the Eastview Lift Station. According to Commissioner Chuck Woodworth, the city received $300,000 last year and were supposed to get another $300,000 at the end of this year. The city has received only half of it. The reason that Eastview Lift Station was chosen is because it is the oldest.
Tia Punches approached the council in regard to money she has raised from Pack the Park the past two years plus money she has earned by making pies. She asked whether it would be possible for her to sign over the money to someone from the city. She noted if the city doesn’t want to use the money for a bandstand, they may use it for something else.
Commissioner Abbey Sherwood said that park crews have been mowing, trimming trees, mulching and making a list of trees that need to be taken down in both parks. Read More

Illinois Amish Heritage Center Receives Grant Through Tourism Attractions and Festivals Grant Program

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•April 12, 2023•
Illinois Amish Information Exhibits Inc., known as Illinois Amish Heritage Center, has been awarded a $500,000 grant through the Tourism Attractions and Festivals Grant program. Designed to support local festivals and attractions and drive tourism across the state, Illinois increased the funding available from $15 million to $22.5 million in order to support additional attractions. The additional $7.5 million was secured during the Illinois General Assembly legislative session in early January 2023 and the program is funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
The total project budget projection for the visitor center/museum building is $2 million. The visitor center/museum building for the IAHC will serve as a welcome center, museum, archive, event center and portal to tourist experiences available in the Douglas, Moultrie and Coles County region. The welcome center/museum will provide a place where visitors can begin their exploration through interpretive exhibits, classroom space, archive and theater and gather afterwards for more information and even the opportunity to purchase crafts and goods made by local Amish artisans on site and further into the communities around the site. Read More

Local Boy Scout Builds Flag Retirement Boxes for Eagle Scout Service Project

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Photo by Crystal Reed
Standing left to right: Jeff Nichols, Roger Davis, Kent Spencer, Beau Fleming, John Hickox, Bill Hagen, George Read.

•April 12, 2023•
Beau Fleming recently completed his Eagle Scout Community Service Project in which he led the planning, design, construction and completion of the project. With the help from fellow Scouts and Scout leaders from Troop 39, Beau was able to finish his last requirement for his Eagle Scout Rank application. His project included two flag retirement boxes with “How to Properly Fold the American Flag” displays located at the front entrances of the Sullivan American Legion Post 68 and VFW Post 6410. The idea for the project was brought to him by the Legion when they said they were looking to replace the old retirement receptacle and he gladly took on the challenge. Read More

Audubon Meeting

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•April 12, 2023•

The Decatur Audubon Society invites members and other interested persons to its general monthly meeting at Rock Springs Nature Center, 3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur on Sunday, April 16 at 2:00 p.m. The meeting will begin with a bird study about the World Migratory Bird Day and how water sustains bird life. Melody Arnold will explain the importance of celebrating World Migratory Bird Day and Kristen Ragusa will highlight waterfowl species that migrate through our Central Illinois area. Following brief announcements, Dawn Dannenbring, Climate Organizer of Illinois People’s Action, will present the history and features of the Climate with Equity Jobs Act (CEJA) passed in 2022, that includes funded authority to create and staff 13 Job Hubs in Illinois, including one in Decatur. Light refreshments will be available following the presentation.

White Named to Team

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•April 12, 2023•

Emily White of Sullivan has been named to the Winter Academic All-Conference Team for Women’s Basketball at Millikin University. White is sophomore majoring in Nursing. To be recognized, the student-athlete must be enrolled as a full-time student; completed two semesters of study at Millikin; must participate in a varsity sport during the 2022-23 winter season; and must carry at least a 3.30 cumulative grade point average.

MCHGS Presentation

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•April 12, 2023•

“The Amazing Earl Walker” will be presented at the Moultrie County Historical and Genalogical Society’s History Center located at 1303 S. Hamilton St., Sullivan at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 20. The program will be presented by his granddaughters, Carla Davis of Herrick, Lynn Jeffris of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, and other family members and will be a power point presentation. Earl Walker is considered amazing in Moultrie County’s history by local historians because he was an innovator, successful businessman, the builder of “hard roads” all over central Illinois, and a pioneer aviator who supported the well-known Moody Brothers of Dalton City when they set their 344 hour flight endurance record in 1939. The Earl Walker Company, now owned by the Wheeler family, is one of the oldest businesses in the county. The public is invited to attend and will be invited to share their memories.