Photo by Crystal Reed
Moultrie County Baby Talk Carolers
Staff at Moultrie County Baby Talk sang Christmas carols at the Marathon gas station on Friday, December 23. This is the second year that they have done this. It is their way of bringing holiday cheer to those in the community.
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.
•December 28, 2022•
by Ariana R. Cherry
A public hearing concerning the tax levy was held during the meeting of the ALAH Board of Education Wednesday, December 21. In November, a tentative tax levy was approved with an estimated 6% EAV. Superintendent Shannon Cheek proposed a balloon levy with a 9.43% aggregate levy which ended up requiring a truth and taxation hearing. With no additional comments or oppositions, the tax levy was approved.
The high school cafeteria was quite full of elementary and junior high students who were excited with anticipation to show off some of their recent projects. A group of fourth grade students presented their projects from their annual market day. A number of handmade items were shown which included sport bags made from sports balls, sport necklaces created from washers, wooden animal puzzles, keychains and treasure chests. Read More
Photo by Crystal Reed
Santa Picture Bingo and Breakfast
On Saturday, December 17, Santa Picture Bingo was held at the Sullivan American Legion. The young and the young at heart ate breakfast, played picture bingo and visited with Santa. Proceeds went towards Down Syndrome Awareness.
Photos by Crystal Reed
Pizza Pajamas and Santa
Pizza Pajamas and Santa was held at the village hall in Gays on Saturday, December 17. Children were able to visit with Santa, enjoy pizza, cookies and hot chocolate and make crafts. Good will offerings were accepted at the event and all proceeds go towards the Two Story Outhouse Festival 2023.
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
•December 14, 2022•
The Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) officials announced the arrest of 52-year-old Matthew E. Nation of Lovington for First Degree Murder (Class M Felony). Read More
Photo by Crystal Reed
Sullivan Middle School Improvement Project
During the month of November, Sullivan Middle School students collected items for Moultrie County PAWS. Items collected included kitty litter, chew toys for large dogs, dog treats and cat food. Pictured are students with some of the donations. They are (in no order) Lena Emel, Tucker Grooms, Addi Patterson, Miah Voegel, Melissa Ross, Lily Green, Hailey Green, David Eaton and Stephanie Zook.
Photo by Crystal Reed
Sullivan American Legion and VFW Post Donate Flags
Sullivan American Legion Post 68 and Sullivan VFW Post 6410 visited Sullivan Preschool on Tuesday, December 6 to install flag brackets and American flags in classrooms at the preschool. The effort was led by both organizations who helped install and split the cost for the purchase of the flags and brackets. Pictured from left to right are: Mike Daily, Bob Ingram, Bob Sims, Kent Spencer, Sullivan Preschool Executive Director Karen Goss, Larry Gregory, Kent Buxton and Mike Keown.
Photo by Crystal Reed
United Methodist Women hold Christmas Bake Sale
The United Methodist Women at Sullivan First United Methodist Church held their Christmas Bake Sale and Cookie Extravaganza on Friday, December 9. Available for purchase were homemade cookies, breads, pastries, candies, pies, jellies and more. All proceeds support UMW missions.