•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.

•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.”

•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.