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Lightning Strikes Bell Tower

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Photo by R.R. Best
Lightning Strikes Bell Tower
Lightning struck the First Baptist Church bell tower April 28 blowing bricks as far as the post office out the back and into the neighbors lawn across the street in front.
Sullivan Fire Department was called to the Harrison Street church at 8:57 p.m. last Wednesday.
Fire Chief Mike Piper reported the lightning strike had caused some structural damage to the bell tower as well as electrical damage when the strike continued to the roof flashing, the gutter system and on to the ground.
No fire damage was discovered and Sullivan firefighters returned to the station at 9:59 p.m.
Pastor Mark Bjornbak explained the lightning strike destroyed the church sound system and computers with damage assessments on going.
“We appreciate our alert neighbors who called the fire department and we are thankful no one was injured,” Rev. Bjronbak said.
He explained the building damage was limited to the bell tower and the remaining building is safe.
The First Baptist Church is observing social distancing and regular services have been suspended since the stay at home order due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Make Mother’s Day Special

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•May 6, 2020•
Each and every day a new woman becomes a mother for the first time or all over again. Being a mother changes a person’s life in dramatic ways.
Mother’s Day is a great time of year to honor mothers and attempt to give back just a portion of the tireless love and devotion moms offer their children. Some children provide large gestures, while others feel it’s the little things that can help a mom to feel appreciated. For those needing a little inspiration on treating their mothers in special ways, consider these ideas.
· Make mom a breakfast in bed with her favorite morning treats.
· Enjoy a movie at home with mom. Let her pick the flick and share her favorite film with you. Read More

Free Service for Area HS Grads

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•May 6, 2020•

Sullivan Service Center is stepping up to offer area high school graduates free Lube/Oil/Filter for their vehicles in recognition of the Class of 2020.
“We are all in this together,” Bob Freeman said. With area graduates facing uncertainty about commencement exercises, Sullivan Service Center decided to give every graduate in the area something they can be certain of - quality auto service.
Congratulations to the Class of 2020. Graduates from ALAH, SHS, OVHS or WHS are invited to call 728-8180 to find out more about their free gift from Sullivan Service center.

IDES Instructs 1099 Workers to Apply for Benefits

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•May 6, 2020•
The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) today released new instructions for 1099 workers who have lost work due to COVID-19.  Workers who believe they may be eligible for new federal benefits under the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program, must first apply for regular unemployment insurance before applying for benefits under PUA when a new application portal opens on May 11, 2020 via the IDES website. Read More

Fireworks Show In Sullivan on Fourth of July

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•May 6, 2020•

“We are planning to go ahead with the annual 4th of July celebration,” Sullivan American Legion Post 68 Commander Bob Sims said last week.
This followed the announcement that Arthur had cancelled their annual Fireworks which was scheduled for June 27.
Mayor Richard Glazebrook had stated earlier that he hoped the city could celebrate the traditional fourth in Sullivan with a parade on Saturday, July 4.
Sim’s indicated Central States Fireworks of Athens has confirmed the evening of Saturday, July 4 for the annual fireworks display at Wyman Park.
Connor Amusements of Beardstown is also still planning to set up in Sullivan the Wednesday prior to the Fourth of July.
The 101st Fourth of July in Sullivan is a major community project brought together by American Legion Post 68, Auxiliary and Sons of American Legion members with the generous support of Sullivan area businesses.

Obituaries 5-6-2020: Jackie Ferguson

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Jackie Ferguson

Jackie Ferguson of Sullivan, 87 years, 8 months and 22 days, very peacefully passed on to her eternal rest in Mason Point near Sullivan at 5 p.m. Thursday April, 30, 2020, with three of her children by her side.
A Private Funeral Service will be held to honor her life. Read More

Virtual Signing for SHS Runner

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Virtual Signing for SHS Runner
A Team Zoom on Friday was held to celebrate Sullivan High School runner Katherine Kite’s college signing to Elmhurst College. She will be running cross country and track and field for the Blue Jays next fall.
Coach Kali Taylor commented on Kite’s high school career. “It has been such a joy to have the honor of coaching and learning from Katherine for the past four years. She is one of the hardest working, dedicated and selfless student-athletes that I have had the privilege of coaching. She has grown into such an outstanding role model for her teammates, on and off the track. While balancing several extra-curricular activities, taking AP classes and being an active member in several student organizations, Katherine still found the time to hone her running craft. She participated in the Viper Track Club last summer, to help supplement her off- season training and took on a leadership role for our winter conditioning, serving as a mentor for all her teammates. In cross country she was a 3 time All Conference runner and qualified for Sectionals on three occasions. I have seen tremendous growth in Katherine throughout her high school career, largely in part to her mental toughness and fortitude. She came in as freshman running a 7:00 mile and finished with a PR of 5:45. She had her sights set on breaking the school record of 5:35, but I am excited for her to take this next step in her journey and have no doubt that she will surpass that at the college level. She hasn’t truly realized what she is capable of achieving and I can’t wait to see the contributions that she makes to the Blue Jays program! She has definitely left her mark on the SHS Track Program and has set the bar high for future distance runners to strive for.”

Menu 5-6-2020

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Senior Peace Meal
For additional information or for reservations, please call 1-800-543-1770
Monday, May 11 - Sausage and Gravy, Mini Potato Bakers, Warm Fruit Compote, Biscuits, Fruit Juice
Tuesday, May 12 - Taco Salad w/Meat, Cheese, Beans, Lettuce, Tomato, Sour Cream & Taco Sauce, Sliced Peaches, Taco Chips, Pudding
Wednesday, May 13 - Pepper Beef over Brown Rice, Peas and Carrots, Warm Cinnamon Baked Apples, Whole Grain Wheat, Fresh Fruit
Thursday, May 14 - Fried Chicken, Mashed Potatoes w/Gravy, Breaded Tomatoes, Dinner Roll, Mandarin Oranges
Friday, May 15 - Roasted Pork Loin, Baked Beans, Sicilian Veggie Mix, Apricots, Whole Grain Wheat, Graham Crackers

Lake Land College Celebrates Virtual Commencement Ceremony

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•May 6, 2020•
Lake Land College is pleased to announce it will be honoring graduates at the first-ever Lake Land College Virtual Commencement Ceremony on June 18, 2020 at 6 p.m.
Graduates will soon receive a Laker Grad Pack in the mail with celebratory gifts from the college and Alumni Association, as well as a cap, tassel and diploma cover.
Information on how graduates can upload photos and name pronunciation to participate in the virtual ceremony will be shared via Lake Land College email addresses as well as on the website and social media. Graduates are asked to take note of the deadlines which are May 26 for the phonetic submission and June 5 for the registration and photo submission. Read More