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Back 2 Business Grants Now Available for Small Businesses

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•August 18, 2021•
by Crystal Reed
NP Writer

Small business owners who have experienced losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic are eligible to apply for the Back 2 Business Grant Program. This program is a key component of Governor JB Pritzker’s $1.5 billion economic package designed to maximize the impact of American Rescue Plan funds provided to Illinois. It sets forth $250 million for businesses that have experienced losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic to support them in their recovery.
According to Laurrie Minor, Executive Director of the Sullivan Chamber and Economic Development, the funds for this grant were passed through the federal government in the spring. She continued to say that businesses may begin applying August 18 through October. Read More

Moultrie County Retired Teachers Association Met Recently

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•August 18, 2021•
The Moultrie County Retired Teachers Association met August 4, 2021, at the First Christian Church in Sullivan. President Jane McKown opened the meeting by welcoming members both in-person and via Zoom, as well as guests. She shared a bit of poetry and a verse from the Bible. She then led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Karen Edwards introduced the teachers present from the Okaw Valley schools who received the grants for 2021. Two of them were present and explained how they intend to use the grants in their classrooms that our association awarded them. Two of them could not be present. Read More

Yoder Named to Dean’s List

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•August 18, 2021•

Kara Yoder of Arthur has earned dean’s list honors during the Spring 2021 semester at Lee University. Dean’s List recognition is earned by full-time, on-campus students with a semester grade point average between 3.7 and 4.00.

Facts for Families: How to Enjoy Fair Food Without Going Overboard

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•August 18, 2021•
By Cheri Burcham
Family Life Educator

It is the season of fairs and fair food! I wanted to share this article from Extension Educator Jenna Smith about how to still enjoy your favorites within reason. Jenna says: many of the fairs and festivals we missed last year are back and ready to entertain. Deep fried candy bars, onion blossoms, and fried cheese curds are a “must-have” for some, but nutritional nightmares for cardiologists. The question is can we enjoy our favorite fair foods while still maintaining a healthy lifestyle?
Absolutely! You don’t have to completely abstain from getting the food you’ve been thinking about all year. Pick a couple of your “must-haves” and one or two of your favorite friends to share it with; most portions are far greater than an actual serving size. Also, don’t let yourself come to the fair starving. Since you likely won’t get many fruits and vegetables at the fair, be sure to eat plenty before or after your trip. This will give your body important nutrients that it may have otherwise missed. Read More

NAMI Family-to-Family Class in Sullivan

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Photo furnished
Sue Yarnell and Donna Mayer are trained by the National Alliance on Mental Illness to be facilitators of the NAMI Family-to-Family program.

•August 18, 2021•
NAMI Champaign is offering their free 8-session family class in Sullivan. Facilitated by local community area members, the classes will start Tuesday, September 7, 2021.
NAMI’s signature Family-to-Family education program is for family members, caregivers, and significant others of people with mental health conditions such as Bipolar disorder, Schizophrenia, or Depression. This program includes a crisis plan, information on various serious mental illnesses, discussions on communication with a loved one, and finding and using local support and services. Read More

Badman Receives Outstanding Advisor Award From National English Honor Society

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•August 18, 2021•
Sullivan High School English teacher Cami Badman recently received the John L. Manear Outstanding Advisor from the National English Honor Society for her efforts guiding Sullivan High School’s NEHS chapter.
According to the NEHS website, the award is “presented annually to one advisor who has given generously of time, talent, creativity, and leadership to a local NEHS chapter. The award recognizes advisors who foster the spirit of academic excellence and community service in their work with chapter members.”
Badman was nominated by retired SHS English teacher Becky Lawson, who charted the chapter in 2013 through a grant with Dr. Teresita Hunt of Eastern Illinois University. Read More

2021 Moultrie Douglas 4-H Horse Show

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Photo by Crystal Reed
Julia Hildebrandt, of Bethany, and her horse compete in the trail competition during the Moultrie Douglas 4-H Show held on August 7.

•August 18, 2021•
Pony Halter
Grand Champion Gelding - Julia Hildebrandt, Bethany, Sunny Side Flea Flickers
Halter - Horse Mare
Grand Champion – Julia Hildebrandt, Bethany, Sunny Side Flea Flickers
Reserve Grand Champion – Kaydence Kennedy, Bethany, Sunny Side Flea Flickers
Halter - Gelding
Grand Champion – Natalie Lane, Tuscola, Country Clovers
Reserve Grand Champion – Kaydence Kennedy, Bethany, Sunny Side Flea Flickers
Pony Horsemanship
Grand Champion - Julia Hildebrandt, Bethany, Sunny Side Flea Flickers
Jr. Horse Showmanship
Grand Champion – Natalie Lane, Tuscola, Country Clovers
Reserve Grand Champion – Wyatt Hildebrandt, Bethany, Sunny Side Flea Flickers
Sr. Horse Showmanship Read More

Two-Story Outhouse Festival 2021

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Photo by Crystal Reed
Two Story Outhouse Festival Car Show
Curtis Justice with his 1923 Ford T-bucket at the Two Story Outhouse Festival in Gays on August 14.

Photo by Crystal Reed
Car Show
John Kite entered his 1923 Ratrod into the car show in Gays on August 14.

Photo by Crystal Reed
Green machine
Cliff Johnson with his 1945 Diamond T at the car show during the Two Story Outhouse Festival.

Photo by Crystal Reed
Classic Car
Ray McClelland with his 1964 Chevy C-10 at the Two Story Outhouse Festival.

Photo by Crystal Reed
Cutting of the TP
At the opening ceremonies of the Two Story Outhouse Festival there was the cutting of the tp. Hattie Hortenstine, 97, of Gays (center) had the honor of cutting the tp. On the left is Julie Miller and at right is Pam Jones.

Photo by Crystal Reed
Live Entertainment
Jake and Mikayla of Casey performed in Gays on August 14. The festival had music from Noon to 7 pm that day.

Photo by Crystal Reed
Opening Ceremonies
Olivia Ross sings the national anthem at the opening ceremonies for the Two Story Outhouse Festival.

Photo by Crystal Reed
Pony Ride
Logan Maninfior took a pony ride during the Two Story Outhouse Festival. In addition to the pony rides the festival also had inflatables for the children to enjoy.

Photo by Crystal Reed
Windsor FFA Breakfast
Members of the Windsor FFA held a breakfast at the Two Story Outhouse Festival in Gays. They also sold squares for Bessie Bingo.

Photo furnished
Outhouse TP Bike Ride
Cyclists in front of the Two Story Outhouse in Gays prior to the Outhouse TP Bike Rides. The rides were part of the activities for the Two Story Outhouse Festival held in Gays on August 14.