Category Archives: News

SAMA hosts Open House

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Pictured: Laura Elder, on the left, is a member of First United Methodist and attended representing the congregation, and Jamie Crosier on the right is the Admin Pastor at The Vineyard Church. 

•March 19, 2025•

by D.M. Williamee

The Sullivan Area Ministerial Association (SAMA), formed over 15 years ago, held an Open House on Monday, March 3rd in Sullivan at Sweet Vail Café, giving community members an opportunity to see how local area churches and their leadership work together for the betterment of their community through service. This is the second open meeting held, with the previous one held in February 2024. Community interest will determine how frequent these Open House meetings will be held in the future.

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Measles: What you need to know

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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.

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Celebrate Recovery: it’s more than you think

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Local program provides free services for the community

•March 19, 2025•

by D.M. Williamee

You’ve likely seen the billboards and flyers about Celebrate Recovery, but may not be aware of the vast array of services offered, free of charge, to the Sullivan and surrounding communities.

Director Rebecca Wilhelm said that since the Sullivan chapter’s opening pre-pandemic, and revamp/re-opening in the summer of 2021, Celebrate Recovery offers more services than before to the Sullivan and surrounding communities. “Celebrate Recovery is a place for healing, to be cared for, to learn, grow and become strong again.” She also shared, “Regardless of your faith status or denominational beliefs, it’s a place for community and people to find freedom from their issues and struggles that are controlling their lives. It’s a place to find help and hope.”

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Sullivan Fire Department: free smoke detectors for homeowners

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•March 12, 2025•

by D.M. Williamee

The City of Sullivan Fire Department will provide free smoke detectors and install them for local homeowners in their fire district. They will also provide free smoke detectors to renters if the landlord contacts the fire department on behalf of the tenant. Landlords are required to have both smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in rental units. Sullivan Fire Chief Chris Wright stated, “natural gas detectors are also a great idea if you have natural gas appliances in the home, as people can become “nose blind” to the smell over time.”

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City approves union contract, TIF agreements

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•March 12, 2025•

by Sharon Barricklow

The Sullivan City Council approved a new labor contract, some tax increment financing agreements, and a plan to hold monthly entertainment on the city square during a busy meeting Monday night.

The council approved an agreement with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW)  for a new contract for city Water Department workers. The agreement still needs to be ratified by union members.

“We think it’s a good agreement,” said council member Chuck Woodworth.

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Illinois Extension shares the basics of estate planning

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•March 5, 2025•

There is comfort in knowing that your last wishes are taken care of. Have you ever felt overwhelmed when you heard the words, “estate planning”? 

An “Estate Planning 101: Know the Basics” webinar will be held Wednesday, March 19th at 9:00 a.m. at the Moultrie-Douglas Extension office at 304 E. Progress in Arthur. This workshop is a previously recorded webinar that will be provided free of charge, but advance registration is required. To register, call Illinois Extension at 217-543-3755, or email your name, postal address, and phone number to cburcham@illinois.edu. If you need reasonable accommodations to participate in this program, please call by March 12th.   During this program, we hope participants become less fearful of estate planning, learn some basic concepts and terms related to estate planning, and gather some resources to aid in getting your affairs in order. 

Trivia night at the museum

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•March 5, 2025•

The Moultrie County Historical Center, 1303 S. Hamilton St., Sullivan, will host Trivia Night at the Museum on Saturday, March 29. A meal will be served at 5 p.m. with trivia beginning at 6.

To reserve your teams spot, register before March 22. Registration fee is $20 per person and teams can be made up of up to six people. Checks made payable to Moultrie County History Center may be mailed to P.O. Box 588, Sullivan, IL 61951 or dropped off at the History Center between 10-3 Tuesday-Friday or 10-2 on Saturday.

Contact Donna Arendell (217) 521-9718 or mycroft46@gmail.com with any questions.

District struggles with filling job vacancies

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School bleachers in need of repair or replacement

•February 26, 2025•

by Ariana R Cherry

“It is becoming challenging to replace and hire new staff in the district.” commented Superintendent, Shannon Cheek at the most recent ALAH School Board meeting held at Lovington Grade School on February 19, 2025. Currently, several positions are open in the district. Some of those positions include two openings for Junior High Science, School Psych, Band, Chorus/Music, High School History, elementary education positions, and ELA at LGS. Job descriptions can be found on the district website under job vacancies. (https://www.cusd305.org/page/job-vacancies). 

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FCCLA Chapter meet for conference

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•February 26, 2025•

As part of National FCCLA Week, Sullivan FCCLA attended the IL FCCLA Section 7 Winter Rally Conference in Charleston on Thursday, February 6th, 2025. Fourteen students from Sullivan High School attended along with advisors Jennifer Vogel and Kali Taylor. FCCLA members from nine area schools made up the approximately 130 participants at the event. 

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County hears CIPT report

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•February 19, 2025•

by Sharon Barricklow

The Moultrie County Board heard a report on public transportation, an update on a child care plan and dispatched several measures during a 31 minute meeting Thursday night.

The board learned that Central Illinois Public Transit had provided 747 rides for citizens in the last year. Manager John Althoff said CIPT had traveled more than 22,000 miles for Moultrie County residents. 

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