•August 20, 2025•

by Sharon Barricklow

Residents of Sullivan will have a new way to receive community notifications and report problems, including non-working streetlights and water main breaks, with a new community “app” the council approved Monday night.

City Treasurer Kassie Waggoner brought the proposal to sign a contract with textMyGov.com to provide services to the city for three years for $5,000, with a $2,500 setup cost. Waggoner learned of the program at a meeting of Illinois Municipal League treasurers earlier this year. Considering the problems facing area communities after the recent Lake Mattoon algae bloom, Waggoner said the app, which allows up to 50,000 text messages each year, could allow the city to reach a majority of citizens very quickly in a similar emergency, and also provide an outlet for them to report issues to the city.

Submitted by Natalie Beck, HICF CEO

Three area community leaders, in partnership with the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation, announce the launch of the Impact Giving Circle. Linda Carlton-Huber, Susie Inman, and Grant Wade are inviting the community to join them in this new giving circle to fuel lasting change. 

The Impact Giving Circle invites community-minded men and women to pool their donations and decide together how to best invest in programs that support and empower education and social service agencies in Moultrie County and the surrounding area.

by Ariana R Cherry

Color, creativity, and community spirit will fill the Fellowship Hall of the Arthur United Methodist Church on Saturday, August 30th, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. during the bustling Arthur Cheese Festival.

Photos by DM Williamee

Last Saturday, Jonathan Creek Christian Church held a ‘Back to School Bash’ for all students in the Sullivan and surrounding communities who are returning to school this week. Kids enjoyed a waterslide, bounce house, and cornhole amongst other festivities, and a grilled lunch was provided free of charge to all who attended. As can be seen, this last bash of summer was pursued with great enthusiasm by those who attended.

Submitted

Moultrie County retired teachers gathered on Wednesday, August 6th, at the Moultrie County Historical and Genealogical Society Building in Sullivan. President Vickie Newberry conducted the MCRTA business meeting. During the meeting, Cole Huber, a current Sullivan teacher, made an appearance to thank the MCRTA for the grant he received. He was able to purchase  five new computer keyboards for the new school year. This grant was made possible by our  Monical’s Community Day’s monies.