•January 11, 2023•
by Crystal Reed

The Sullivan City Council awarded a bid for alley improvement project during Monday’s meeting. Lee Beckman of Milano and Grunloh felt they should move forward on it as concrete will go up in price. He said they should take the bid they have and either do some of the work themselves or remove some of the work.
A motion was made to accept the bid from Fultz Contractors Company of Paris in the amount of $151,556.25 for an alley improvement project. Two bids were received for this project. The alley this will affect is behind G3, Sullivan Dance Studio and the pavilion on the square. Read More

•December 28, 2022•
January

Sullivan Fire Chief Mike Piper was honored during a walk out ceremony on Friday, December 31, 2021 after 30 years of service. Piper volunteered at the department for a year before joining October 18,1991. The new fire chief is Larry Edwards and his assistant chief is Chris Wright.
Dr. Gregory Mauck retired from Kaskaskia Valley Animal Hospital on December 30, 2021. He founded the animal hospital in Sullivan in May 1987. In retirement he planned to pursue a master’s degree in Medieval History and Historical Linguistics.
Jim Warren retired at the end of 2021 after 32+ years in the car business. His retirement plans included traveling and enjoying time with his eight grandchildren.
Julie Delpino retired from Sullivan IGA after working in the meat department for 14 years on December 31, 2021.
Bethany Fire Protection District recognized three of their members who retired from the department: Jim McMahan, Tom Rucker and Troy Yokley. Read More

Photo by Crystal Reed
Olivia Cordes is the first place winner in the Voice of Democracy Essay contest for 9th to 12th graders for VFW Post 6410.

•December 28, 2022•

Photo by Crystal Reed
Patriot’s Pen essay contest winners for VFW Post 6410 are first place Avram Bates and 2nd place Hannah Taylor. The Patriot’s Pen contest is for 6th-8th graders.

Each year the Veterans of Foreign Wars hosts an essay contest for middle schoolers and high schoolers. The Patriots Pen contest for 6th-8th graders offers the opportunity to win up to $5000 in scholarships. This year’s VFW Post 6410’s first place winner is Avram Bates; 2nd place is Hannah Taylor. The Voice of Democracy essay contest for 9th to 12th graders can win up to $30,000 in scholarships this year’s VFW Post 6410 first place winner is Olivia Cordes. Both Olivia and Avram’s essays have moved on to the District 11 judging. Winners will be announced in January.

Photo by Crystal Reed
Newly Organized Moultrie County Board
The newly organized Moultrie County Board met for the December monthly meeting on Thursday, December 15 at 7 pm. Board members are (front row): Josh Roe. Billy Voyles, Marsha Kirby. Back row (left to right): Scott Buxton, Aaron Wilhelm, Kenny Graven, Tyler Graven, Travis Phelps and John Vander Burgh.

•December 21, 2022•
by Crystal Reed

The Moultrie County Board held their monthly meeting Thursday, December 15, with all board members present.
Moultrie County Sheriff Gary Carroll reported on HB 5855 “Protect Illinois Communities Act.” The state is in discussion on a bill that would make assault weapons, semi-automatics and magazines that hold more than 10 illegal. Owners would be required to register those weapons or magazines with the Illinois State Police within 80 and 300 days after the final passage of the bill. A $25 fee will also be assessed. It also raises the age of legal gun ownership from 18 to 21.
Iroquois County has passed a resolution supporting the second amendment and citizens’ rights to own and bear arms. Carroll told the board he supports what Iroquois County has done. “I think every citizen should be able to own firearms of their choosing for hunting, sport or collecting,” he said. “I don’t support the registering of firearms for varied reasons.” Board chair Billy Voyles related that he will continue to press on to come up with a resolution for Moultrie County. Read More