
Egg hunt a big hit

Custodian night crew needed
•April 23, 2025•
by Ariana R Cherry
Superintendent Shannon Cheek announced that the school district was in need of a custodian night crew at the most recent school board meeting held on Wednesday, April 16. “We have open positions in each building, and we need those positions filled as we are trying to have a full custodian crew. We have zero applicants at the moment. If it doesn’t come to fruition by next year, we will have to reach out to a few other companies,” he said.
Read MoreA career that is different every day; in service to others
•April 23, 2025•
by Denise Williamee
If you are looking for a new career or just starting on your career path, consider joining the Sullivan Fire Department, located in Sullivan, Illinois. It’s a stable, service-driven career path, with earnings that can support a family; each workday will be different, and you will have an opportunity to give back to the community. The starting salary for EMT Basic is $49,787.00, and EMT Paramedic certified at $56,872.00, with an additional $1,000.00 for Basic Operations Firefighter certification, and a generous benefits package.
Despite the stereotype of firefighters only running into burning buildings, or saving kittens from trees, you will meet people on what could be the worst day of their life, and have an opportunity to mitigate that by making that day better through service and directing them to resources they may not have been aware of. As a paramedic, you will also be responsible for not just life-saving heroics, but important services such as patient transfers and other less publicized duties. The Sullivan Fire Department averages 16 to 17 hundred call-outs per year. Stereotypes aside, it’s an exciting and interesting career that many have found rewarding on multiple levels. Shifts are 24 hours on, 48 hours off, leaving plenty of time for family and other interests.
Read More•April 23, 2025•
by Sharon Barricklow
The long awaited resurfacing of the Findlay road east of Findlay is expected to be done this summer after a bid letting for the project later this month.
Shelby County Highway Engineer Michael Tappendorf told the Shelby County Board last week that construction is expected to take six to eight weeks. He said he hoped businesses along the road would only be minimally inconvenienced but acknowledged the work is being done during the busy tourist season for Lake Shelbyville.
“Unfortunately asphalt has to be laid at a certain temperature,” he said.
Read MoreNew HS delays while students continue to impress
•April 23, 2025•
by DM Williamee
The Sullivan School Board met on April 14th at 6:30 p.m. After a call to order, no citizen non-agenda items were to be addressed, and the meeting moved to NHS/NEHS news. Brooklyn Booker, NEHS Sgt. at Arms, reported that Juniors and Seniors are reviewing contests, including essay writing and art pieces, to get an NEHS cord for graduation. They are currently in the process of changing over to their new officers, beginning tomorrow, with ballots open for a week. They are also looking forward to their pen pal meetup on Wednesday, April 30th. Annual English trivia event coming up, involving every student in the High School, which is structured thematically, with a snack party reward. Speaking as the NHS president, Ms. Booker shared the Blessed teachers for April. Two school beautification events have been held, but clean-up has been hampered by the weather. On May 8th, the “Breakfast of Champions” will be held. NHS is also in the process of changing officers. Additionally, NHS donated monies to assist the tornado-damaged school in Neoga and for the North Carolina school that suffered catastrophic flooding earlier this year, SHS made school bracelets in their school colors and personalized bags for every student and teacher of the high school, filled with goodies. SHS received a surprise envelope filled with over a hundred thank you cards and a banner. Two students reported that they were both national qualifiers and state winners for their record book areas.
Read More•April 16, 2025•
by Sharon Barricklow
Extension services are alive and well in Moultrie County, the Moultrie County Board heard Thursday night before approving funding for the University of Illinois service.
Jessie McCluskyand Rachel Stenger told the board that Extension serves the county in a variety of ways including Partners in Produce that provides food for area food pantries and 4 H programs for youth. Stenger said Moultrie County formed a new club this year, the Shooting Sport SPINS that provides instruction in shooting using air rifles and air pistols.
Read More•April 16, 2025•
by Sharon Barricklow
The Sullivan City Council heard some updates on a variety of projects and the city’s response to recent damage to power lines in a brief meeting Monday night.
During the public comment portion at the beginning of the meeting, the council heard a complaint about a deteriorated property. Mayor Mike Mossman said the city has had a hard time finding the property owner after the property had been sold.
Read More•April 16, 2025•
The Moultrie County Planning and Zoning Office reminds those who place temporary signs (general advertising- the following does not apply to political signs) on public property such as public thoroughfares and easements to retrieve their signs, per Zoning Code 40-4-37 (B) 1-6, which states as follows:
(5) Temporary signs not covered in the foregoing categories do not need a permit, so long as such signs meet the following restrictions:
Read MorePreparing students for the future
•April 16, 2025•
At Okaw Valley High School (OVHS), the Job Shadow and Work Study programs provide students with invaluable opportunities to gain hands-on experience, explore careers, and develop key skills for future success. These programs go beyond traditional classroom instruction by offering hands-on experience, professional development, and personal growth. Students leave high school not only with the knowledge they need but also the skills and confidence necessary to pursue successful careers in a variety of industries.
Read MoreAtwood Police Chief Duncan guest speaker
•April 9, 2025•
Wednesday, April 3, was the first meeting of the year for the MCRTA (Moultrie County Retired Teachers Association). Twenty-five members attended the meeting at the United Church of Atwood. President Vickie Newberry opened with the Pledge and conducted the business meeting.
Membership milestone awards were presented for 5, 10, 20, and 30 years of retirement. Six, 2025, Moultrie County new retirees were announced. Monical’s Pizza once again will work with the MCRTA on a Community Day fundraiser; Tuesday, April 15, will be the first of three. Sullivan and Mattoon’s Monical’s Pizzas will donate 20% of your bill to the MCRTA if you mention this fundraiser at the time you order. This money helps the MCRTA provide teaching scholarships and teachers’ supplies to our county schools. “Digital Dough” is a new online way to enjoy Monical’s Community Days. Using “Digital Dough” allows customers to purchase gift cards and still contribute to the MCRTA; order online from April 7th – 14th at monicals.com. A good idea for older kids’ Easter baskets!
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