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County Board Approves Fencing and Concrete Repairs

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•August 17, 2022•
by Crystal Reed
NP Writer

The Moultrie County Board met on Thursday, August 11, and approved two motions in regard to fencing around courthouse electric service and concrete repairs. Chairman Billy Voyles reported there are electric panels open around the outside of the courthouse, and they want to protect any children who may be playing on the lawn at any point. A chain link fence will be installed. The approved motion was for $3,400 for fencing around the electric service.
The second motion approved was $13,450 in concrete repairs. Voyles said there are substantial repairs that need to be made to concrete outside the courthouse. Discussed but not on the agenda was the possibility of purchasing generators for the courthouse and animal control.
Rick Matthews, head of maintenance, told Voyles that Bob Lane offered to donate his time to install the generator at animal control. They were told they could apply for ARPA funds to pay for these generators. Read More

Baby Talk Car Seat Safety Checks

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Photo by Crystal Reed
Baby Talk Car Seat Safety Checks
Katrina Farris, Director of Early Childhood for Mattoon School District, speaks with Abby Elzy during a car seat safety check held in the parking lot of the First United Methodist Church last week in Sullivan. Farris and other Baby Talk representatives as well as a representative from the Moultrie County Health Department checked the installation of car seats and also had informational pamphlets regarding seat belts, booster seats and rear facing seats.

Photo by Crystal Reed
Cardboard Box Night
Elizabeth Titus Memorial Library and Moultrie County Baby Talk hosted Cardboard Box Night at the library on Tuesday, August 9. Pictured are Jack and Lisa Bertetto creating a fire breathing dragon using cardboard boxes.

EIU Spring 2022 Dean’s List

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•August 17, 2022•

Eastern Illinois University has released their Spring 2022 dean’s list. Students listed from the area include: Abigail Abercrombie and Hunter Trussell, both of Arthur; Heather Totten of Findlay; Madison Donsbach, Tate Fultz, Kara Molzen, Adalee Nichols, Alyssa Pearson and Tanner Tarr, all of Sullivan and Candice Colclasure of Windsor.

Decatur Audubon Meeting

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•August 17, 2022•

The Decatur Audubon Society invites members and other interested persons to its third summer meeting on Sunday, August 21, at 4:00 p.m. at 3402 Fitzgerald in Decatur where a long-time member of Decatur Audubon will welcome them to his three-acre property to describe and answer attendees’ questions about his solar panel installation that reduces his electrical power costs and provides environmental benefits. Bring a lawn chair. Afterward, croquet and badminton will be available for attendees. Cold drinks will be provided. In case of inclement weather, call Melody Arnold at 217-972-0587 or Rosenbergers at 217-877-4789.

Community Blood Drive

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•August 17, 2022•

Mid-State Tank will host a blood drive from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Thursday, September 1 at 1357 Jonathan Creek Road, inside a donor bus. To donate contact ImpactLife Urbana at (800) 747-5401 or visit www.bloodcenter.org and use code 71293 to locate the drive. Masks and appointments are required.

Tractor Drive

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•August 17, 2022•

The Findlay Fire Department will be holding a tractor drive on Saturday, August 27. Registration is at 7 a.m. and the drive starts at 8 a.m. at Findlay Middle School. Donations only. Tractors must be capable of running 12 mph. They will stop for lunch at the VFW in Sullivan. All proceeds benefit Okaw Valley Scholarship and other community events. Call Ed Voltenburg at 217-259-9781 or Dave Winans at 217-808-0312 for more information.

BASO Main Street Car Show

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•August 17, 2022•

The BASO Main Street Car Show will be Saturday, August 20 from 4 to 7 p.m. in downtown Bethany. There is a $10 entry fee. All makes and models are welcome. Dash plaques to the first 100 entries. Rain date is Sunday, August 21.

IPPA Pork & Pigskins Championship Returns

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•August 10, 2022•
On August 26, the 2022 high school football season in Illinois will be in full swing as the Friday Night Lights turn on throughout the Land of Lincoln. That means that concession stand grills will be also lighting up and the smell of pork chop sandwiches will soon be filling the air.
The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) and the Illinois Pork Producers Association (IPPA) are proud to announce the return of the Pork & Pigskins Championship, as the IHSA and IPPA team-up to find the state’s best concession stand pork chop sandwich for the second year in a row.
“Tradition, community, and amazing food are the ingredients that make-up the Pork & Pigskins Championship,” said IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson. “The folks behind these grills volunteer their time and talent to support our high school students and their schools. We appreciate the Illinois Pork Producers Association helping bring their stories to light and providing recognition to these worthy individuals who serve their communities and also cook a mean pork chop sandwich.” Read More

Liam Donovan Competes At Championship Meet

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Photo courtesy of Kim Drury
Liam Donovan Competes At Championship Meet
Liam Donovan of the Sullivan Blue Dolphins competed at the 2022 Illinois Long Course Age Group Championship meet in St. John, Indiana. Liam finished 19th overall in the 100 backstroke and 26th in the 200 backstroke. Head Coach Drury commented, “Liam is the perfect example of a swimmer whose dedication and hard work pays off. He never gave up through the COVID setbacks over the last couple of years. As you age up in swimming the time cuts get tougher to achieve. Liam has held steady and committed to improving and this year his efforts have paid off. Illinois Age Group time cuts are some of the hardest cuts to obtain. Liam is a racer he thrives under competition. He did a great job representing Sullivan Blue Dolphins at this level of competition.”

SBD Competes At Illinois Open

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Photo courtesy of Jason Drury
SBD Competes At Illinois Open
Sullivan Blue Dolphins plunged into the water at the 2022 Illinois Open at the University of Illinois July 8. It was a great opportunity for the swimmers to compete at a 50 meter indoor pool with lots of competition. High points for girls 10 and under: Avery Hess and Scarlett Perrott. High points for girls 13-14: Cadence Schmohe. High points for girls open: Emily Crosier. High points for boys 10 and under: Robert Pogue. High points for boys open: Liam Donovan. Pictured are Kinsley Eads, Avery Hess, Scarlett Perrott.