•January 23, 2019•

Sullivan high school senior Paige McLaughlin’s essay on “Why My Vote Matters” has won her first place at the local and district level, and she is heading to state.
On February 8 she will travel to Springfield to compete in the VFW’s 72nd State of Illinois Voice of Democracy Contest and the chance to win $1,000 in scholarship funds. If she is successful, her next journey will be to the national competition in Washington, D.C. where a $30,000 scholarship will be awarded to the winner.
McLaughlin is editor of the school newspaper and involved in National English Honor Society, National Honor Society, Singers Crew, Scholastic Crew and WYSE team to name a few. She works summers at the Little Theatre on the Square.
McLaughlin was inspired to enter the contest because, as a new voter, she has definite opinions on the theme of “Why My Vote Matters” and also the opportunity to win scholarship money.
“I figured I might have a good chance,” McLaughlin began. “I had thought about the subject for some time, and my ideas were so well-formulated that I wrote the essay in about two hours.”
Her essay was warmly received at the district competition where she received a standing ovation at the end of her reading.
In her essay she makes the point that “…one vote can sway the outcome of anything, even in non-political cases.”
She urges people to always vote for what they think is right and for the person most qualified regardless of political party.
At home she has the company of her parents, sister Maggie and the family cat, Moses. She plans to major in English with an emphasis on creative writing and a minor in theater when she enters college in the fall.
In Springfield the contestants will be treated to a pizza party Friday evening, a Land of Lincoln tour on Saturday and an awards banquet Saturday evening.
“I have been to the Lincoln Museum but never to a big banquet so that will be interesting,” she said.
The Voice of Democracy competition was established in 1947 and is an audio-essay contest to provide high school students with a unique opportunity to express themselves in regards to a democratic, patriotic-themed recorded essay. Nearly 40,000 9th-12th grade students enter each year to share $2.2 million in scholarships and incentives. Application forms are usually available online in the fall.
The national first place winner receives a $30,000 scholarship paid directly to the winner’s college, university or trade school.
Each state winner receives a minimum $1,000 scholarship and an expense paid trip to Washington for finals.
The theme for 2018-19 is Why My Vote Matters. Originality is worth 30 points, content is 35 and delivery is 35 points. Other national scholarships range from $1,000 to $16,000.
Tickets are available to the state competition banquet on Feb. 9 at the President Abraham Lincoln Hotel at 701 E. Adams in Springfield. They may be purchased by check to the State of Illinois VFW website. Click on the Contact Us tab, then the Donation tab. Be sure to indicate that your check is for the Voice of Democracy banquet. No tickets will be sold at the door.

•January 23, 2019•

Emergency Medical Services continue to be most in demand as Sullivan Fire Protection District closes 2018.
Ambulance calls and transports totaled 1290 in 2018 up from 1214 in 2017. Since 2000 the most ambulance calls reported were in 2002 with 1332. The fewest calls were 967 in 2012.
Rescue calls were the second busiest in 2018 with SFPD responding to 770 calls. In 2017 SFPD responded to 792 calls. During the past decade 833 calls were made in 2011 for the high and 416 calls in 2000 for the low. Rescue calls includes non-transport EMS services where treatment or evaluation of the patient is performed but the patient is not transported.
SFPD third service is fire calls with the district responding to 163 calls in 2018. That was up two from 161 in 2017. In 2001 the district made 175 fire calls for a high and in 2002 achieved a decade low of 122 fire calls in a year.

•January 16, 2019•

The Sullivan Police Dept. conducted additional traffic enforcement over the holidays from Dec. 17 to Jan. 2., reminding motorists to drive sober and buckle up as part of the Illinois Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over enforcement effort.
The Sullivan Police Dept. joined the Illinois State Police and local law enforcement agencies across Illinois to reduce motor vehicle crashes, injuries and deaths by arresting impaired drivers and issuing seat belt and other vehicle code violations.
During the 16-day mobilization, Sullivan Police Dept. issued: • seven seat belt citations • three other traffic citations • one DUI arrests • suspended/revoked licenses • six uninsured motorists • seven speeding citations
The annual campaign may be over in Sullivan Illinois, but that isn’t an excuse to drive impaired. Driving drug or alcohol impaired is illegal and can result in a DUI because it’s extremely dangerous and irresponsible. Additionally, all vehicle occupants, regardless of seating position, are required to wear properly adjusted seat belts.
“Our officers are committed year-round. If you drive impaired, you will be arrested,” said James E Waggoner.
The Click It or Ticket/Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over enforcement effort is funded with federal highway safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation.[/s2If]

•January 16, 2019•

Glo Bingo is coming to the Sullivan VFW Saturday, January 19.
Doors open at 5 p.m. with Bingo starting at 6 p.m. This is not your Grandma’s bingo.
Proceeds are going to the Moultrie County Relay for Life with over $1000 in cash prizes offered.
There is a cash bar and donation bake sale.
For more information call Michelle Young at 217-493-0263 or Rob Young at 217-728-2383. Buy online at glo-bingo.com Must be 18 or older to attend.

•January 16, 2019•

Carriage Crossing Senior Living located at the Green Mill Village development in Arcola is hosting a free Dementia & Alzheimer’s Support Group every Wednesday morning at 10 a.m. at 909 Green Mill Rd. in Arcola.