•November 5, 2025•

by DM Williamee

With the holidays fast approaching, the protracted government shutdown (including SNAP benefits holds beginning November 1st as a result, unless Congress passes a budget by then), increased utility costs, and many already living on the precipice of a paycheck-to-paycheck existence, the Illinois Department of Human Services has published a page of helpful websites to direct those in need to their area Foodbanks.

by Sharon Barricklow

Attendees at Sullivan City Council meetings will have new rules to follow for the public comment period after the council passed a new ordinance on October 27. 

The new ordinance will limit individual comments to three  minutes each and the total public comment period will be limited to 30 minutes. The rule came after several of the last city council meetings had public comment periods that lasted more than an hour and involved multiple people speaking at multiple times. Mayor Mike Mossman, who has been frustrated by the lengthy period of public comment, said he hoped the new rule would help the council stay on track in doing city business. 

•November 5, 2025•

The Sullivan American Legion Auxiliary Unit #68 recently announced the results of this year’s Veterans Day Art and Writing Contest. 

The Best in Show award went to SHS junior Claire Kursell for her drawing “My Dearest Irene,” which also received first place in art for juniors and seniors.

Kursell noted in her Creator’s Statement that her piece was “inspired by the letters of WWII veteran Natale Bellantoni to Irene Sztucinski,” which she read while researching topics for the contest. She added that she was so interested in their story that she knew she wanted to use their story for her submission. 

•October 29, 2025•

by DM Williamee

On October 26th, Habitat for Humanity and the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation (HICF), as well as friends and family, gathered to give Cherie Kursell and her children, Amber and Claire, the keys to their new home. Greetings were conducted, introductions, an opening prayer, scripture reading (Isaiah 32:18), presentation of a bible by the family sponsor, blessing of the home, presentation of the American Flag, presentation of the house key, comments by partner family, words of appreciation, and closing, and ending with a benediction by Rev. Grant Wade. Habitat for Humanity also thanked HICF for its fifteen-thousand-dollar contribution, which made completion of this home by this Fall possible. This is the 36th Habitat Home completed in the Sullivan area in twenty-nine years. Home recipient Cherie Kursell emotionally thanked everyone for the home and their support. Within minutes, the home began to fill with furniture and friends, and the overall atmosphere was one of joy.

•October 29, 2025•

Flesor’s Candy Kitchen will be accepting Christmas candy orders from Sullivan, Moultrie County, and surrounding county residents this year from now through November 21st. Orders will be taken this year by mail. Order forms have been mailed to past supporters of this fundraiser, and additional forms are available at Flesor’s Candy Kitchen, 101 West Sale Street, Tuscola, and Sweet Vail Café, 1600 S. Hamilton Street in Sullivan. Sweet Vail’s hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 5:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturdays from 7:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. All Christmas candy orders will be ready for pick up at Sweet Vail Café on December 6th.