Atwood 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! 

Readiness for spring weather is crucial to keep yourself and your family safe

•March 26, 2025•

by Angela Hogan

Spring brings warmer temperatures, longer days, and the chance to enjoy the outdoors. However, spring weather can also bring unpredictable conditions, including severe storms, heavy rain, and even late-season cold snaps. 

Here are five steps you can take to prepare for the season: Stay informed About Spring Weather Patterns -Spring weather can change quickly, often bringing thunderstorms, tornadoes, and flash floods. Here’s how you can stay aware and informed: check weather forecasts daily through reliable sources like local TV stations, the National Weather Service (NWS), or a weather app. Moultrie County residents can sign up for CodeRED, the county’s emergency warning system. Enable emergency alerts on your phone to receive notifications about severe weather. Understand weather warnings. A “Watch” means conditions are favorable for threatening weather to develop. A “Warning” means severe weather is happening or imminent.

•March 26, 2025•

by Sharon Barricklow

"When is a good thing too much of a good thing?” was on the minds of the Sullivan City Council Monday night. 

Rapid growth, including new apartments and businesses, has caused the city to worry about the cash flow of different city departments. That concern led Accounts and Finance Commissioner Abby Sherwood to urge the city departments to consider budget cuts. “With all the projects going on, we have a cash flow problem,” she said.

Commissioner Mike Kirk said departments like electrical services and water have little room to make cuts, especially in personnel. “These are skilled workers with certifications and licenses,” he said. “There’s nothing we can do to reduce those costs.” Kirk said the impact of Covid-era price jumps is still being felt for electrical department purchases. “Things went up 20, 50, even 100 percent,” he said. “And they never went back down.”

•March 19, 2025•

by D.M. Williamee

The Sullivan CUSD #300 school board held its regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, March 10th, beginning with updates from the National English Honor Society (NEHS) and the National Honor Society (NHS). NEHS has a few more weeks remaining with their pen pal letters at the elementary schools. They will finish this project with an in-person event to meet their pen pals. Also discussed was re-opening the donation box on the square, and adding food items again as the weather improves. They also plan to do their annual drive for donations. 

The NHS discussed performing service work by packing food boxes at CEFS and helping with cleanup after Fall volleyball games. The NHS also shared: the intent to present cards of appreciation to K-12 staff members as well as non-certified staff, serve a Q3 “Breakfast of Champions” to students who have been recognized throughout the school year, develop a beautification project on the school premises (in the past they have done clean-up/litter removal), and they reported a successful turnout for their annual pork chop dinner.

What is measles, and why are we concerned about the illness and its spread?

•March 19, 2025•

by Angela Hogan

Why are we talking about measles? Recently, the CDC and several states have reported measles cases, with many news stories focusing on the outbreak in Texas. Let’s consider what you need to know about measles and how to protect yourself and your loved ones. 

What is measles, and how is it dangerous? Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by the measles virus. It typically causes a cough, red eyes, high fever, and rash. However, measles can also lead to more severe health problems, including pneumonia, encephalitis, brain damage, and pregnancy complications. Below are some additional facts currently associated with measles.