Category Archives: News Briefs

Sullivan Takes First in Their Division at Regional Academic Challenge

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Sullivan Takes First in Their Division at Regional
Academic Challenge
On Friday, February 3, Sullivan High School competed alongside other local high schools in the Regional Academic Challenge at Lake Land Community College where they were tested in various subject matters. As a team, Sullivan finished first in the 300-700 enrollment division and will advance to the Sectional competition at EIU on March 9. The following individuals also earned honors in their respective subjects:
Biology: Sydni Waidelich - 1st place, Paul Bates - 2nd place
Chemistry: Brent Helmuth and Paul Bates - tied for 1st place
Computer Science: Beau Fleming - 3rd place
Engineering Graphics: Ethan Smith - 2nd place
Mathematics: Brent Helmuth - 1st place
Paul Bates earned $2,000 in tuition waivers to Lakeland for his performances in Biology and Chemistry while Sydni Waidelich earned a $1,000 tuition waiver for her performance in Biology.
Front row (left to right): Cassidy Short, Aubrey Tate, Sydni Waidelich, Kiley Dyer; 2nd Row: Ethan Schmohe, Brent Helmuth; 3rd Row: Will Dawkins, Kaden Guest, Hayden Moody, Kaylee Ogle; Back Row: Ethan Smith, Beau Fleming, Raegan Sims, Paul Bates

Facts for Families: Prevent Post-Shoveling Aches and Pains

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•February 8, 2023•
By Cheri Burcham
Family Life Educator

Since we just got our first big snowfall of the year, I thought I would share this great article written by Extension Educator Kristin Bogdonas, about proper snow removal without pain. Kristin says: There are an estimated 11,500 snow shovel-related injuries and medical emergencies a year. Follow these tips to prevent aches and pains this winter season.
“As residents of the Midwest, we understand weather can be subject to change in the blink of an eye. When heading out for snow removal, check for icy conditions underneath the snow. This can prevent slips and falls that could lead to unplanned injuries and expensive emergency room visits,” says Justin Rumpza, PT, DPT.
Proper form can help prevent injury. 3 tips on snow shoveling technique from a physical therapist: Read More

Plan a Special Valentine’s Day

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•February 8, 2023•
Couples have been commemorating their love for one another in February for quite some time. Couples may go about such celebrating in their own unique ways, but it’s not uncommon to focus on a night out on the town.
Valentine’s Day is a busy holiday for many businesses, but especially so at restaurants and other romantic venues. So it’s best to plan ahead to ensure a perfect evening. These tips can help you organize a Valentine’s experience to remember.

Tip #1: Reserve early
The closer to Valentine’s Day, the more likely popular restaurants will be all booked up. If the goal is to dine at a particularly trendy spot — or anywhere but the most obscure establishment — be sure to make a reservation well in advance. Start planning the Valentine’s Day dinner in December so you won’t have to look far and wide to book a reservation. If a restaurant does not take reservations that far out, ask when they will start collecting names for Valentine’s Day and book the moment you can.

Tip #2: Secure transportation Read More

Pritzker Seeks More Info on AP African American Studies Course

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Subject ignites culture war rhetoric with Florida Gov. DeSantis

•February 8, 2023•
By Peter Hancock
Capitol News Illinois
phancock @ capitolnewsillinois.com

Gov. JB Pritzker this week asked the College Board for more information about its reasoning for changing the final framework of a new Advanced Placement course in African American studies after it had been criticized by Florida’s Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis.
“Although we are pleased to see many core ideas remain in place, there are still significant issues with the way the College Board has chosen to present this curriculum,” Pritzker said in an email statement. “Refusing to name the components of Black history that Gov. DeSantis is most afraid of like intersectionality, feminism and queer Black life but still including them in the curriculum can be viewed as a weak attempt to please extremists.”
The College Board – the not-for-profit organization that administers the SAT test as well as AP courses through which high school students can earn college credit – first released a pilot course in August in 60 high schools. It then spent months refining the course with feedback from college professors and high school teachers before releasing the final framework on Wednesday, Feb. 1, the first day of Black History Month in the United States. Read More

1099-G Tax Forms Available for Claimants of Unemployment Insurance Benefits

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•February 8, 2023•
1099-G tax forms are now available for claimants who received unemployment insurance (UI) benefits in 2022, the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced today. Claimants who collected UI benefits last year need the 1099-G tax form to complete their state and federal tax returns. Also called Form 1099-G, Certain Government Payments, this form is necessary for individuals who received state or federal UI benefits. This includes claimants who received regular UI benefits or benefits under the expired federal pandemic relief programs, including Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC), Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC), Lost Wages Assistance (LWA), Mixed Earners Unemployment Compensation (MEUC), and state Extended Benefits (EB). Read More

SIU Carbondale Inks Agreement to Improve Access for Lake Land College

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•February 8, 2023•
Southern Illinois University Carbondale strengthened its commitment to students in central Illinois on Wednesday, Feb. 1 with an agreement to bring the expertise of a doctoral research university to qualified community college students by providing the option to earn their bachelor’s degrees remotely and at a lower cost in 10 academic programs.
SIU Chancellor Austin A. Lane and Lake Land College President Josh Bullock signed an agreement for the Saluki Step Ahead program. Established in 2021, the program enables students who graduate with an associate degree from partnering community colleges to complete their SIU bachelor’s degrees online in accounting, business administration, criminology and criminal justice, early childhood, elementary education, health care management, history, nursing (RN to BSN), psychology and radiologic sciences. Read More

Tiaras and Ties

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•February 8, 2023•
Sullivan Dance Studio is hosting “Tiaras & Ties” on Saturday, February 18 from 5:00-7:30 p.m. at Building 1225. This is an event recommended for princesses age 3 & up accompanied by their special guy. A new VIP Experience has been added this year with appetizers, catered dinner, princess tiara, VIP dessert, early entry seating and more. The VIP experience doors open at 4:45 p.m. and general admission doors open at 5:45. Dancing, photographer, craft, refreshments and the playground are part of this event. Funds raised help benefit the Sullivan Dance Studio Competition Team Booster Club. Register online at www.sullivan5678.com/tiaras-ties. Contact the dance studio for more information and questions—217-728-9111.

Menu 2-8-2023

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Senior Peace Meal

For additional information or for reservations, please call 1-800-543-1770

Feb. 13 - Ham and Beans, Copper Carrots, Fruit, Cornbread
Feb. 14 - Chicken Parmesan, Green Beans, Yellow Squash, Romaine Salad, Spaghetti
Feb. 15 - Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes w/Gravy, Zucchini & Tomatoes, Three Bean Salad, Bread
Feb. 16 - Steak Bites over Noodles, Hot Greens, Basil Carrots, Fruit
Feb. 17 - Salmon Burger, Baked Beans, Broccoli-Cauliflower Salad, Fruit Crisp, Bun

2022 Moultrie County Final Multiplier Announced

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•February 8, 2023•
Moultrie County has been issued a final property assessment equalization factor of 1.0000, according to David Harris, Director of the Illinois Department of Revenue.
The property assessment equalization factor, often called the “multiplier”, is the method used to achieve uniform property assessments among counties, as required by law. This equalization is particularly important because some of the state’s 6,600 local taxing districts overlap into two or more counties (e.g. school districts, junior college districts, fire protection districts). If there were no equalization among counties, substantial inequities among taxpayers with comparable properties would result.
Under a law passed in 1975, property in Illinois should be assessed at one-third (1/3) of its market value. Farm property is assessed differently, with farm homesites and dwellings subject to regular assessing and equalization procedures, but with farmland assessed at one-third of its agriculture economic value. Farmland is not subject to the state equalization factor. Read More

Remember When? 2-8-2023

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25 Years Ago This Week

The Sullivan City Council advanced $67,983 in TIF funds to the Sullivan School Dist. That amount represented the cumulative bond revenue loss to the district for 1993 through 1996. The city received this “extra” money from the implementation of a tax rate to pay the Sullivan Elementary School bonds.
After going more than a month without a victory, the Bethany Mustangs bounced back to win three of four games. They defeated Findlay for the second time in a week 62-47 in non-conference action. The team had a tough home loss to Beecher City earlier in that week. Read More