A career that is different every day; in service to others

•April 23, 2025•

by Denise Williamee

If you are looking for a new career or just starting on your career path, consider joining the Sullivan Fire Department, located in Sullivan, Illinois. It’s a stable, service-driven career path, with earnings that can support a family; each workday will be different, and you will have an opportunity to give back to the community. The starting salary for EMT Basic is $49,787.00, and EMT Paramedic certified at $56,872.00, with an additional $1,000.00 for Basic Operations Firefighter certification, and a generous benefits package. 

Despite the stereotype of firefighters only running into burning buildings, or saving kittens from trees, you will meet people on what could be the worst day of their life, and have an opportunity to mitigate that by making that day better through service and directing them to resources they may not have been aware of. As a paramedic, you will also be responsible for not just life-saving heroics, but important services such as patient transfers and other less publicized duties. The Sullivan Fire Department averages 16 to 17 hundred call-outs per year. Stereotypes aside, it’s an exciting and interesting career that many have found rewarding on multiple levels. Shifts are 24 hours on, 48 hours off, leaving plenty of time for family and other interests.

New HS delays while students continue to impress

•April 23, 2025•

by DM Williamee

The Sullivan School Board met on April 14th at 6:30 p.m. After a call to order, no citizen non-agenda items were to be addressed, and the meeting moved to NHS/NEHS news. Brooklyn Booker, NEHS Sgt. at Arms, reported that Juniors and Seniors are reviewing contests, including essay writing and art pieces, to get an NEHS cord for graduation. They are currently in the process of changing over to their new officers, beginning tomorrow, with ballots open for a week. They are also looking forward to their pen pal meetup on Wednesday, April 30th. Annual English trivia event coming up, involving every student in the High School, which is structured thematically, with a snack party reward. Speaking as the NHS president, Ms. Booker shared the Blessed teachers for April. Two school beautification events have been held, but clean-up has been hampered by the weather. On May 8th, the “Breakfast of Champions” will be held. NHS is also in the process of changing officers. Additionally, NHS donated monies to assist the tornado-damaged school in Neoga and for the North Carolina school that suffered catastrophic flooding earlier this year, SHS made school bracelets in their school colors and personalized bags for every student and teacher of the high school, filled with goodies. SHS received a surprise envelope filled with over a hundred thank you cards and a banner. Two students reported that they were both national qualifiers and state winners for their record book areas. 

•April 16, 2025•

by Sharon Barricklow

The Sullivan City Council heard some updates on a variety of projects and the city’s response to recent damage to power lines in a brief meeting Monday night. 

During the public comment portion at the beginning of the meeting, the council heard a complaint about a deteriorated property. Mayor Mike Mossman said the city has had a hard time finding the property owner after the property had been sold.  

Preparing students for the future

•April 16, 2025•

At Okaw Valley High School (OVHS), the Job Shadow and Work Study programs provide students with invaluable opportunities to gain hands-on experience, explore careers, and develop key skills for future success. These programs go beyond traditional classroom instruction by offering hands-on experience, professional development, and personal growth. Students leave high school not only with the knowledge they need but also the skills and confidence necessary to pursue successful careers in a variety of industries. 

Free “Harry Potter” themed activities for the community

•April 2, 2025•

From now until April 17th, the Elizabeth Titus Memorial Library will be displaying the NLM (National Library of Medicine) Traveling Exhibition titled, “Renaissance, Science, Magic, and Medicine in the World of Harry Potter” which includes free activities. For those not familiar with the Harry Potter series, Harry is 11 years old when he discovers he is a wizard and can attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Readers follow Harry and his friends as he grows up and discovers the world of magic. The popular fictional book series by J. K. Rowling was also produced into 8 movies - all of which are available to check out at the library.