Category Archives: News Briefs

Persistent Voices Fills Soap Gap

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Food Pantry Soap Makers from left: Margi Gaither, George Auten, and Karen Edwards.

•October 11, 2017•

For many years, George Auten, longtime Sullivan resident and business owner, has been making laundry detergent soap for the CEFS office which oversees the local food pantry. Auten has dedicated his time and resources to provide for those in need in our county.

Auten, who has made a countless number of bottles of soap over the years, has recently retired from soap making which has left a void for the Sullivan Food Pantry.

The group Persistent Voices has stepped up to fill this void. The goals of the Persistent Voices are to help community members and address concerns about health care, education, jobs, environment and community awareness.  Read More

ISP Works to Reduce Rail Crossing Fatalities

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•October 4, 2017•

Illinois State Police District 10 is partnering with local, state and federal agencies to promote vehicle and pedestrian safety around railroad tracks and trains during Rail Safety Week, September 24 through September 30.

To promote rail safety awareness and education, Illinois State Police District 10 has planned enforcement details throughout the week at various railroad grade crossings. Drivers and pedestrians who disobey the laws associated with railroad grade crossings and railroad property will be cited. In addition, police officers will be distributing literature to the public that contains information on how to be safe around trains and train tracks.  Read More

Hagen is named a Partner of West & Company, LLC

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•October 4, 2017•

Alexander M. Hagen has been named a partner of West & Company, LLC.

Hagen is a native of Mattoon and a graduate of Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville.  He resides in Mattoon with his spouse, Meghan and their children.

Hagen joined the firm on May 19, 2008.  His duties include the provision of accounting and tax services to closely-held corporations, partnerships and individuals.  He has extensive experience with a variety of industries including the agricultural industry, the trucking industry, the retail industry and the wholesale industry.  Read More

C.E.F.S. Recognizes Sullivan Area Ministerial Association

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•October 4, 2017•

C.E.F.S. Economic Opportunity Corporation recently showcased their 52nd year of accomplishments that demonstrated that community action helps people and changes lives. During the 2017 annual meeting some very special people and organizations were recognized as valuable community partners who enhanced the level of service to those in need. According to C.E.F.S. Chief Executive Officer Kevin Bushur, “Without community partners such as  Sullivan Area Ministerial Association it would have been difficult to attain and achieve the agency outcomes and successes.” Read More

Remember When? 10-4-2017

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25 Years Ago This Week

Retired Boeing executive Lloyd G. Cochran, a 1933 graduate of Sullivan Township High School, was inducted into the SHS Hall of Fame during the alumni banquet.

Cochran was an infantry commander with the third Army in the European campaign during World War II. He was a University of Illinois graduate in accounting and was in charge of auditing government offices before going to Boeing. Born in Jonathan Township, Cochran resided in Mercer Island, Wash. when inducted.

Ivan D. “Cotton” Wood of Sullivan was presented the Who’s Who Award at the alumni banquet.The former Sullivan mayor, Moultrie County Circuit Clerk, and school board member was recognized for numerous achievements. He and his family moved from Cumberland Co. to Dunn Station (between Sullivan and Bethany) in 1919. He was a 1925 Sullivan High School graduate. Read More

OVHS Singers at Millikin

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OVHS Singers at Millikin
Two Okaw Valley High School students were among the 300+ students from 51 districts who performed at Kirkland Fine Arts Center at Millikin University Monday, Sept. 18. Kaylee Taylor and Bella Benning, OVHS chorus students, represented the OV music department.

Arbor Day Foundation Offers Free Trees

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•October 4, 2017•

The Arbor Day Foundation will brighten up fall by offering 10 free autumn classics trees or five free Crapemyrtle when you join the organization in October.

The free trees are part of the nonprofit Arbor Day Foundation’s Trees for America campaign, a program dedicated to environmental stewardship through the planting of trees. Read More

Sullivan Elementary Awards Gold Slips

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•October 4, 2017•

Every month, Sullivan Elementary School honors students who go above and beyond expectations with a “Gold Slip.” The recipients for August and September are (from left to right):

DaCorey Austin was a great friend to another student with a broken collar bone who had accidentally spilled ranch dressing all over the table during lunch. DaCorey quickly cleaned it up for him without being asked. What a wonderful helper!

Axton Fryman helped another student who has a broken collar bone by carrying his lunch tray. What an awesome friend! Read More

Okaw Valley Student Spotlight

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•October 4, 2017•

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Okaw Valley Elementary Spotlight

Student: Zeb Francisco, son of Traci and Brad Francisco.

My Favorite things are: Minecraft, Pokemon, Star Wars and Battle Front

I like OVES because: we get to play dodgeball. Read More