•July 30, 2025•

They say the heart of every community beats strongest in its schools, but in Moultrie County, it’s clear that first responders are a vital part of that heartbeat, too.

On July 20th, on behalf of the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation, (HICF) Grant Wade, philanthropic advisor, delivered a truckload (over $1,000 worth) of school supplies to support Moultrie County’s dedicated first responders in their first school supply drive at their Moultrie County First Responders ballgame Fundraiser, “Guns n’ Hoses’. This generous contribution reflects our commitment to investing in the well-being of our local children and families, especially as a new school year approaches.

•July 30, 2025•

The Mid-Illinois Senior Services Center is hosting a free lunch with Kishor “Kris” Thorpe of Savoy Therapy on August 5th from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at 113 Jefferson Street in Sullivan. During this luncheon, attendees can listen to Kris’s presentation, ask questions, receive door prizes, and enjoy fellowship with their peers. 

For more information on Dine with a Doc, visit www.dinewithadoc.com or contact Senior Education Ministries at (217) 917-4970 or email senioreducationminitries@yahoo.com. To reserve a spot for lunch, call the Mid-Illinois Senior Services center at (217)728-8521. “Communities working together for the good of all, serving our Seniors and Veteran’s and glorifying God.”

•July 30, 2025•

Marty Harbaugh was extremely active with the AMBUCS chapter of Sullivan across two centuries and will be greatly missed. He was awarded AMBUC of the Year in 1994 and twice more in 2006 and 2015. He was also president twice, in 1997 and 2011. Not to forget Project Manager of the Year 1993. He was just there at each event. Marty was known at AMBUCS as the “Master of Ceremonies at the Halloween Parade.” You will remember his “Announcer’s Voice”.

When Marty arrived at the events, whether Ramp Builds, Amtryke Presentations, Regular Meetings, Cookouts over the grill (with his special spatula), Parades, or special events, …. you know it was going to be a great time. Marty will always be with us when AMBUCS builds a ramp.

Marty … Thanks for Blessing AMBUCS for all those years

Sullivan AMBUCS

Photo submitted 

Sullivan Dance Studio’s 2024-2025 Competition Team ended their year by attending “Positive Vibes” Nationals in Collinsville, Illinois. The team had earlier attended a “Positives Vibes” Dance Regional Competition held in Bloomington, Illinois.  

Positive Vibes Dance’s mission is to provide a dance haven for all of the performers with a positive and enthusiastic atmosphere. Besides the competition portion, most of the dancers participated in master classes, which were a great experience for all. On Saturday night, there was a Groovy Gala for the dancers and their guests to attend. On Sunday, special invitation dances based on rankings at the competition were invited to participate in the Showcase portion of the event, where, after their routine, they received verbal feedback from the judges.  

Members in attendance at Nationals included (in no particular photo order): Alayna Young, Zola Krieger, Tiffany Hostetler, Katie Plank, Sophie Elliott, Tinley Krieger, Abigail Plank, Caroline Hobbs, Emma Hostetler, Synthea Doss, Hadley Blakey, Vaeda Spencer, Alayna Ard, Elizabeth Plank, Aubrie Payne, Brinnley Hobbs, Blair Camp, Gianna Krieger, Knox Weakly, Aubrey Young, Mara Inman, Kaylee Hostetler, Lexi Yoder, Adalee Foster, Sophie Foster, Miah Voegel, and Zoe Lynch.  

•July 23, 2025•

On Saturday, July 19th, at approximately 11:18 a.m., CECOM dispatched the Moultrie County Sheriff’s Office to the Coal Shaft Bridge area of Lake Shelbyville for a report of an unoccupied boat. Moultrie County then requested assistance from the Moultrie County Dive Team, the Shelby County Dive Team, the Sullivan Fire Department, the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the Illinois Department of Conservation Police to locate a missing boater. 

The missing boater was Billy J. Briscoe of Hidalgo Illinois. He was recovered by divers at 9:16 p.m. and pronounced dead at the scene at 9:21 p.m. by Moultrie County Coroner Lynn Reed. The drowning is being investigated by the Illinois Department of Conservation Police, the Moultrie County Sheriff’s Office, and the Moultrie County Coroner.