Category Archives: News Section

Moultrie County Historical and Genealogical Society to meet

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•September 11, 2024•

A brief history of the Illinois Masonic Home followed by the story of Project 61, the new proprietors of the home east of Sullivan, will be the Thursday, September 19th program at the Moultrie County History Center, 1303 S. Hamilton, Sullivan, at 7 p.m.  

David Bowers will give the highlights of the Masonic Home’s history and introduce the new exhibit about the home in the Center’s museum. Jason Beachy, Project 61 Ministry’s Administrator and others will share their exciting plans for the former Mason Point facility. The Hart building in the complex is being restored with a new name, The House of Ruth. The public is invited to attend and hear how Project 61 is following the message in Isaiah 61 as it makes the old Masonic Home new again while giving new life and hope to those in need.

Community of Lovington out-pours with service member sign project

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•September 11, 2024•

by Megan Russell

The Village of  Lovington held their monthly meeting Monday, September 9th starting off with the community members comments. A returning project made its way into the meeting once again, covering the topic of active and deceased honor veteran signs for the streets or welcome signs of Lovington. Last meeting, it was discussed that it would be difficult to fit a number of signs on light poles that the village owns, considering Ameren owns all the poles in Lovington but a small few which are owned by the city. To solve the problem of signs not having enough space for enough active duty and fallen veteran signs, “Finding a spot we own is the issue - We own the welcome signs” stated village board president Dennis Garmon on the subject of moving the memorial signs to the welcomes signs. 

This was furthered when Dennis asked the community member about other families or potential residents who may be interested in the project, in response however, the community member has not started fundraising or soliciting stating “We would rather be proactive than reactive...”, continuing forward to explain how they wish to only move forward with this part of their project after they have been cleared to do so by the council.  Read More

FY25 budget approved; Salaries from last year made available

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•September 11, 2024•

by E. Scott England

The Sullivan CUSD #300 school board held its regularly scheduled September meeting this past Monday. All members were physically present. The evening began with presentations from the National English Honor Society, Spanish Club, and National Honor Society. 

The meeting then rolled right into the FY25 budget hearing. Superintendent Ted Walk did a good job giving a very broad view of the budget for this year. The bottom line is that the budget will again be balanced this year. Board member Zachary Horn took a keen interest in various aspects of the budget, engaging Superintendent Walk in many discussions to gain a deeper understanding. The other six members remained silent. Read More

Season opener 2024

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Photo by Mikaela Moore
Season opener
The Redskins took the field a bit delayed last Friday due to weather for their first game of the season. Sullivan topped Villa Grove 36-12. See write-up on page 12.

McClure to host district meetings

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•September 4, 2024•

by Sharon Barricklow

State Senator Steve McClure (R-Springfield) will host two gatherings for residents of the 54th district on September 12 in Sullivan and Shelbyville. 

McClure, of Springfield, will be at the Red Apple Restaurant in Sullivan from 9 am to 10 am and at the Lakeview Family Restaurant in Shelbyville from 5 to 6 pm. 

McClure was first elected to the Illinois Senate in 2018 after serving as a prosecutor in the Sagamon County State’s Attorney’s office. He began to represent Moultrie and Shelby Counties after redistricting following the 2020 census and now represents all or part of Christian, Cumberland, Effingham, Macon, Macoupin, Menard, Montgomery, Moultrie, Sangamon and Shelby counties as senator for the 54th District. He also serves as Assistant Republican Leader for the Illinois Senate. 

Moultrie-Douglas 4-H launches “Mindful Me” program for K-2 youth

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•September 4, 2024•

by Morgan Jones

Moultrie-Douglas 4-H is announcing the launch of the “Mindful Me” program, a research-based health and wellness initiative designed for young children in grades K-2. This program, hosted by Moultrie-Douglas 4-H and the Villa Grove Camargo Township District Library, aims to introduce basic mindfulness concepts to youth through engaging children’s literature and hands-on activities.

“Mindful Me” focuses on helping young participants develop essential life skills, including goal setting, emotional regulation, stress management, time management, and mindful eating. Through these activities, children will build a strong sense of self and well-being, laying a foundation for healthy habits that will benefit them throughout their lives.  Read More

Massive Makers Market welcomes back the fall season with homemade goods

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•September 4, 2024•

by Megan Russell 

The Markets at Building 1225 are well known for being some of the largest gatherings of individual venders in one area within Moultrie County. Holding many markets within a year the building provides space for the venders, food, entertainment and much more for any and all guests. The building constantly has open applications for  new and starting venders at each fair, allowing fresh businesses to get in on the market action. The Saturday, August 31st Makers Market was unlike the other providing the same great refreshments, with food trucks with drinks available, playground area for children and of course lines and lines of booths filled to the brim with venders creations. Other local festivals see these venders, but only a few at a festival, looking back at the Two Story Outhouse Festival in Gays where some venders had stated they only attend certain events. “Well being a small business and making your own shop items makes it hard for you to really go places, especially if there is a large booth fee. Read More

Tentative FY 2025 budget approved

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•August 28, 2024•

by Ariana R. Cherry

The 2024-2025 FY Tentative Budget was approved at the most recent school board meeting on Wednesday, August 21, 2024. 

The June 30th, 2025 projected fund balance for the Education Fund is $7,493,525 (current balance as of 6/30/2024: $6,671,063). The Operation and Maintenance fund was projected at $2,317,531 (current balance as of 6/30/2024: $1,592,634). Transportation is projected to be at $348,552 (current balance as of 6/30/2024: $360,678). The working cash fund is projected to be $1,233,602 (current balance as of 6/30/2024: $1,062,407). The district is looking at an 8% increase in the EAV. The tentative budget will be on display for the next 30 days and then there will be a special hearing at the next scheduled board meeting.  Read More

Learn self management skills

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•August 28, 2024•

Ignoring a chronic condition will not make it go away, and suffering is simply a poor management technique. So, if you live with a long-term health condition, why not learn how to more effectively manage it and live an active and fulfilling life? Believe it or not, although the specifics of managing each condition vary, the skills for managing most chronic conditions are actually quite similar. Read More

Classic show

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The Bethany car show this year had an amazing turn out, lining both sides of the downtown block with many different makes and models. From sports cars to classic vintage models there was something for everyone’s taste.