•June 4, 2025•
by Sharon Barricklow
The Sullivan City Electrical Department is getting ready for a busy summer with potential interruptions from Ameren that will require the city to generate its own power.
“In the past, we’ve had two hours’ notice before we need to go online,” Jon Edwards told the council. “Now they’re saying 30 minutes.”
Read more: City prepares for summer electrical usage
•June 4, 2025•
The first responders of Moultrie County are looking for donations to assist in the acquisition of school supplies for Sullivan, Bethany, and Lovington Elementary Schools. These donations can be monetary and/or physical supplies, as listed by each school district. The monetary donations will assist in the purchase of school supplies, as well as needs requested from each school district.
Read more: First Responders of M.C. school supply drive
Student’s project entertaining and informative
•May 28, 2025•
by DM Williamee
On Wednesday, May 14th, Sullivan Elementary School 4th-grade students from Mrs. Wilson’s, Mr. Campbell’s, Mrs. Smith’s, and Mr. Friese’s classes wowed with their end-of-year “Living Wax Museum” project, which was open to the public. Each student chose a person they admired, whether alive or deceased, to represent---in character. After extensive research about their person, they created outlines, essays, flash cards, tablet presentations, wardrobes, posterboards, and props. They then practiced their public speaking skills and delivery in a class dress rehearsal before show time. Researching an individual and transforming themselves into that person, then speaking as that person to others in the first person is no small feat, but these 4th graders handled it with style and enthusiasm and were well prepared.
Four proven strategies to improve food safety this summer
by Angela Hogan
The summer season has begun, offering opportunities for picnics, backyard cookouts, and family gatherings. However, warmer temperatures and outdoor events make food safety especially challenging.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), food poisoning affects approximately one in six Americans each year. Not surprisingly, more foodborne illnesses occur during summer than in other seasons.
The Moultrie County Health Department (MCHD) encourages you to follow four proven food safety strategies: Clean, Separate, Cook, and Chill. These simple actions can help improve your food safety and reduce your risk of foodborne illness.
Read Moreby Ariana R Cherry
“We are going to receive a final transportation payment this fiscal year - it is in the queue,” stated Superintendent Shannon Cheek at the most recent meeting of the ALAH School Board held on Wednesday, May 21, 2025.
“There are many years where we get three payments. We don’t get the full amount every year. It still has been an ongoing issue,” informed Cheek as he spoke about the deficit that the transportation fund has had frequently due to not receiving payments from the state. “We budget conservatively and always budget for three payments,” he explained.
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Plank and Betts named as recipients
•May 28, 2025•
Submitted by Lou Ann Soper
The SHS Class of 1968 presented the 7th Annual Redskin Achievement Award during the Decision Day program held May 7th. Wilma Plank, daughter of Clara Plank, was the female recipient, and Keagan Betts, son of Ashley Betts and Damien Lash, was the male recipient. Each recipient received a $300 check, an individual plaque, and their name was engraved on a plaque, which is on display in the SHS trophy case.
Read MoreEnd of year scramble while looking to the bright future
•May 21, 2025•
by DM Williamee
Per the minutes and reports of the Sullivan School District’s May 12th school board meeting, it has been an industrious and joyous ending to another successful year for the Sullivan School District. The amount of hard work and excellence put in by teachers, students, families, volunteers, organizations, and staff, as exemplified by the programs and achievements highlighted, reflects a community that cares and puts students first. After the caps are tossed, prom nights end, and children race towards summer, the work begins again for the next year, the new and progressing students, and the infrastructure that holds it all together.
Read More2024 Decatur Regional Chamber Awards
•May 21, 2025•
The 2024 Decatur Regional Chamber of Commerce Awards, held Thursday, May 8, 2025, at the Country Club of Decatur, was a night to celebrate the individuals, businesses, and organizations that fuel progress and purpose in the region. Among the evening’s most celebrated honorees was Cassie J. Yoder, founder and owner of Cass Concepts: Marketing, Media and Events, who was awarded Entrepreneur of the Year. Her agency, celebrating its 20th year, was also named Small Business of the Year.
“To even be finalists alongside legacy businesses like Brinkoetter Realtors and Staley Credit Union was an honor,” said Yoder. “These organizations have served our community for decades, and it means so much to be recognized in such an inspiring company.”
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