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A Look Back…4-8-2026

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2016

The City of Sullivan sidewalk renovation project started Monday, April 4th. It involved removing the sidewalk and curb around the inside of the square and replacing it with new ADA-compliant walks and crosswalks. The north and east sides of the square were closed first. Then closings occurred as needed after it was installed. 

After the Sullivan singer’s cancellation of another Invitational last year, the singers knew they had to make a comeback, director Jeffrey Thomas said. More than twenty groups participated in the competition, and 4,000 spectators flocked to the SHS gym. Singer’s alumni and school board member Jeff White was the emcee for the high school competition, and middle school principal Ted Walk hosted the junior high competition.

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SAIL civil rights workshop held March 31

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•April 8, 2026•

Photo by DM Williameed
Marlena Johnson, left, and Cristina Kinsella, right.

by DM Williamee 

On March 31st at the Elizabeth Titus Memorial Library, attorneys Marlena Johnson and Cristina Kinsella from Soyland Access to independent Living (SAIL) held a free civil rights workshop for the community titled, “Equip for Equality.” This workshop provided an introduction and overview to Equip for Equality and their civil rights team, special education clinic information, a very information-rich presentation on Americans with Disabilities (ADA) rights, and ended with a questions and discussion period.

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Sullivan High School hosts blood drive

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Photos by DM WIlliamee
L-R: Julia Moody, Daisy Richardson, Kaylee Smith, and Devon Richardson at the forefront while SHS students donate blood.

On Wednesday, April 1st, the Sullivan High School student blood drive committee was at the Sullivan American Legion, working to sign in and help with their twice yearly scholarship blood drive fundraiser. All monies raised at this blood drive go to The American Red Cross scholarship. Their target was 30 people donating blood, and they were well on their way to realizing their goal. 

Marsha Kirby, student council advisor, oversaw the students through this fundraising effort, conducting sign-ups and acting as the point of contact for the American Red Cross for this scholarship drive. Snacks and T-shirts were provided to donors for their generosity.

Heritage Woods ‘Eggtsravaganza’ draws crowds

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•April 8, 2026•

by DM Williamee

On Friday, April 3rd (Good Friday), locals and children from near and far converged on the Sullivan Heritage Woods property, anticipating the annual Easter Egg hunt, even as a few drizzles of rain sporadically fell, but thankfully, no storm emerged to ruin the day. Amongst the festivities, there was a 50/50 drawing, a drawing for eight new children’s bicycles (two per age group), an adult gift basket drawing, pony rides, a petting zoo, bounce houses, and multiple local food and beverage vendors were on site. 


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“Life Between the Rivers”

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•April 8, 2026•

Curious about farm life in Moultrie County before Lake Shelbyville? The Moultrie County Historical and Genealogical Society will present “Life Between the Rivers: A Family Farm Since 1947” at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 16th, at the Moultrie County History Center, 1303 South Hamilton, Sullivan. 

From hunting and fishing to riding rafts during river floods to reach the school bus, Mark Seeley will present his recollections and stories of life between the Okaw and Kaskaskia Rivers, where his family’s farm was located prior to the installation of Lake Shelbyville. The presentation is free and open to the public. 

For more information, contact the History Center at (217) 728-4085 or mocohgs@gmail.com.

Trivia Night at the History Center

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•April 8, 2026•

It’s Trivia Time again at the History Center on April 11th from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., with dinner served at 5:00 p.m. This will be the second annual Trivia Night.

Invitations are open to all of last year’s teams to be a part of our contest. A table of six (6) members will constitute a team, with the cost of each table at $120. This includes the entry fee and dinner provided by Griffin’s Catering. Prize money will go to the first and second-place teams.

Contact Donna Arendell at mycroft46@gmail.com, or call (217) 521-9718. The Historical Center’s monthly newsletter and Facebook will have additional details at https://www.facebook.com/MCHGS.

Sullivan HS Baccalaureate

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•April 8, 2026•

Sullivan High School is inviting the public to join them in celebrating the achievements of graduating students on Sunday, May 3rd at 6:00 p.m. at Building 1225 in Sullivan.

Baccalaureate is a cherished tradition that offers an opportunity for reflection, inspiration, and celebration as graduates prepare to embark on their next journey. It’s a time to come together as a community and honor their accomplishments, offering best wishes for their futures.

The entire Sullivan community is invited to join in this meaningful occasion, whether as a parent, family member, friend, teacher, neighbor or anyone who wishes to bless Sullivan High School’s graduating class of 2026. 

Refreshments will be provided, offering a chance to mingle and congratulate graduating seniors and celebrate their hard work, dedication, and resilience.

Easter ham donation

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Kirby Foods employees delivered Easter hams to the Moultrie County Food Pantry Monday, March 30th, made possible due to a generous anonymous donation. These hams will provide a delicious, healthy and much-needed entrée for many Easter dinners this holiday. Pictured left to right: Jake Golden, new Sullivan store manager, Cameron Eccles, and Shawn Eccles.

Personal bests were the theme for Redskins’ track opener

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•April 1, 2026•

by E. Scott England

The Sullivan Redskins boys track competed at home in a six-team co-ed meet last Tuesday, March 24. After the final event, 54 personal records were set as the boys walked way with a clear victory of 198 points. The next closest team had just 91 points.

First place finishes included Logan Fleener in the 100m with a time of 11.99 seconds. He also took first in the 200m at 24.05m. Grant Martin captured first in both the 1600m and 3200m with times of 5:04.86 and 10:52.33. Easton Wickline had a dominant performance in the 800m with a first place time of 2:16.07.

Two relay teams finished first. The 4x400 consisting of Karson Ragsdale, Johnny Iacobazzi, James Feldkamp, and Colt Wilson had a time of 3:50.27. Ragsdale, Iacobazzi, and Feldkamp were joined by Wickline for the 4x800 where they finished first with a time of 9:11.62.

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Records already falling at SHS for Lady Redskins track

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•April 1, 2026•

by E. Scott England

Julia Moody

The Sullivan Lady Redskins hosted a six-team co-ed meet last Tuesday, March 24. The home meet was also their outdoor season home opener.

The highlight of the evening was junior Julia Moody running the 3200m. Plagued last year by occasional injuries, Moody vowed to return to competition as a threat. That she did. Just shortly after the firing pistol went off, Moody looked strong on her pace. After the first mile, murmurs of a personal record were rippling through the crowd. 

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