•July 7, 2021•
By Jim Baumann
NP Guest Writer

Pardon my interruption of your birthday party, America, while I get philosophical.
“I’ve begun to find the word ‘offensive,’ well, offensive. It seems like so many things that are outdated are called ‘offensive’ unnecessarily,” wrote regular reader Bob Kopp.
“When I looked up the synonyms for ‘offensive’ I got more of a flavor of intentionality from them. Now I know I can be offensive, but it’s usually more about impulsivity than intent. I found a word new to me — ‘anachronistic.’ I like that word, although I don’t expect to see it in the newspaper five times a week.”
Bob cited a news story about an old plaque at Wheaton College about which some at the school objected.
It commemorated five young missionaries who died at the hands of “savage Indians” in 1956. Read More

•July 7, 2021•
Mud Volleyball:
First place: Mud Daubers
Second Place: Mudder Fockers
Third Place: 10 O’Clock Tee Time

Car Show:
Truck: Brandon Bontrager 2017 Ram 1500
Motorcycle: Brett Stewart 2016 Harley Street Glide
Muscle: Dean Beckwith 1967 Plymouth Read More

•July 7, 2021•
The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM) announced the recipients of the 2021 Small Equipment Grant Program. Dora Township Fire Protection District received a grant in the amount of $24,830 and Sullivan Fire Protection District received a grant in the amount of $26,000. A total of $3.3 million was awarded to 149 fire departments/districts and EMS providers across the state. The OSFM received 448 applications, requesting around $10.5 million in funding for this grant period.
“First responders put their lives on the line every single day to do the critical work of protecting Illinois’ communities. I am pleased to award $3.3 million in small equipment grants to 149 fire departments and EMS providers throughout the state, providing critical funding that will enable the purchase of new firefighting and ambulance equipment,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “On behalf of all Illinois residents, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to first responders for the work they do and their ongoing efforts to maintain the safety of our families and communities.” Read More

Dear Editor,

Years ago, the Sullivan Community Education Foundation was created to support educational efforts within our community. We have awarded thousands of dollars to teachers in Sullivan Schools and to other organizations that educate area residents. For years we have held an appreciation banquet for teachers and staff in the Sullivan school district at which we have awarded grants to those whose applications were approved.
Sadly, last year and this year - just when people in our school system deserved to know even more how much their Herculean efforts are appreciated - we have not been able to hold this banquet due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Instead, we are writing this letter to share the amazing work done by Sullivan Schools during one of the most challenging times in the history of education in America. Read More