•June 15, 2022•
Tacos. 80s music. Big Hair. Big heart.
If you’ve been a Sullivan Middle School student or had a kid at SMS recently, chances are you know what teacher is associated with those words.
Deena Lee, who many people associate these words with as well as the positive impact she has on many students, recently received the Recognition of Excellence Award from the Regional Office of Education #11.
According to the ROE #11 website, the award recognizes teachers who have “modeled excellence in education” and who are “exceptionally skillful and dedicated individuals who have the respect and admiration of students, parents, and co-workers.”
Those selected “also play active and useful roles within their communities as well as schools; often distinguishing themselves as leaders. Their most important quality is their superior ability to inspire a love of learning in students of all backgrounds and abilities.” Read More
Category Archives: News Section
Sullivan Schools Ballot Referendum Up for Vote on June 28
•June 15, 2022•
by Crystal Reed
NP Writer
The primary election is coming up on Tuesday, June 28, and there will be a referendum for the Sullivan School District on the ballot. The ballot wording asks voters about issuing bonds in the amount of $25,000,000. The total cost is estimated around $27 million; however, $2 million will come from existing fund balances.
The tax rate impact would raise the school tax rate from approximately 4.19 to approximately 4.37. For a home valued at $100,000, this would result in a property tax increase of about $5 per month. Read More
Thomas Houser Annual Memorial Golf Outing 2022

Photo by Crystal Reed
Thomas Houser Annual Memorial Golf Outing
Laura and Tatum Ellis participated in the golf outing that was held on Saturday, June 4 at Sullivan Country Club.

Photo by Crystal Reed
On the Course
A golfer lines up her shot during the golf outing held last Saturday. This year’s recipient of the scholarship in memory of Tom Houser was Raimi Gardner at Sullivan High School.

Photo by Crystal Reed
Golfing for a Cause
Austin Brettschneider, Kendall Brettschneider, Alex Love and Seth Sawyer at the 2nd Annual Thomas Houser Memorial Golf Outing.

Photo by Crystal Reed
On the Green
Kyler Houser, Andrew Frost, Ty Molzen and Jacob Piper took a break from the course for a group photo.
Marrowbone Public Library Petting Zoo

Photo by Crystal Reed
Marrowbone Public Library Petting Zoo
Jane Hill and grandson Karsyn Yowell play with a puppy during the petting zoo. Children visiting the library could see a puppy, chicken, rabbit and a few goats.

Photo by Crystal Reed
Petting the Goat
Becky, Jonathan and Carson Nixon pet the goat while Kaydence Kennedy holds it. This program kicked off summer reading activities at Marrowbone Public Library.
Summer Reading in Sullivan

Photo by Crystal Reed
Inflatable Slide
Jude Hertenstein slides down the inflatable slide at the summer reading kickoff in Sullivan.

Photo by Crystal Reed
Summer Reading Craft
Stan Parks and K French help Jayce Robinson and Izzie Durbin with a craft at the Summer Reading kickoff party at Elizabeth Titus Memorial Library last Friday.

Photo by Crystal Reed
Enjoying the Shade
Eric Bettinger and Beau Fleming eat snow cones in a tent during the Elizabeth Titus Memorial Library summer kickoff event. This year’s theme for summer reading is Read Beyond the Beaten Path.
Flags Placed at Cemetery for Memorial Day 2022

Photo furnished
Flags Placed at Cemetery for Memorial Day
Members of the Sullivan American Legion, Sons of the American Legion and Sullivan High School FFA placed flags at veterans gravesites at Greenhill Cemetery for Memorial Day.
They are (left to right): George Selby, Ryan Lawyer, Bob Sims, Nicole Lofland, Gareth Coffer, Matthew Wesselman, Tony Feeler, Raegan Sims, Mac Bond, Mike Keown, Mark Conlin, Larry Preston and Kent Buxton.
Ballot Drop Box now Located on Square

Photo by Crystal Reed
Ballot Drop Box now Located on Square
A new Ballot Drop-off Box has been secured on the northwest side of the Courthouse on Hamilton Street next to the USPS drop box. Hand delivery of a voted Vote By Mail ballot has been made one-step easier by walking up or driving up to the box, sliding your envelope containing the voted ballot into the Ballot Drop-off box. The box is under 24-hour video surveillance, and ballots will be retrieved twice a day by the Election Authorities office.
To request a Vote By Mail ballot an individual may call the County Clerk’s office 217-728-4389, or go online www.moultriecountyil.gov Click: How Do I/Apply For/Vote By Mail Ballot
The voted ballot may be return by US Mail, hand-delivered to the County Clerk’s office, or dropped off in the Ballot Drop-off box
MCHGS Meeting on June 16
•June 8, 2022•
This June is the 80th anniversary of the Midway during World War II. In commemoration of that event, Vic Arendell of Sullivan, a long time student of that battle, will be presenting “The Battle Midway” for the June meeting of the Moultrie County Historical and Genealogical Society at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 16, 2022 at the Lovington Fire Station on Rt. 32 in downtown Lovington.
The Pacific Battle of Midway of June 4-7, 1942, occurred just six months after the US Pacific fleet was devastated by the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor in December, 1941. After invading Midway, the Japanese Imperial Navy planned to take Hawaii and then move east to the west coast of the United States. The public is invited to hear how the Japanese were soundly defeated by the US Navy at Midway, and the role played by a young Navy man from Lovington, Illinois who did not survive. Read More
Ash Grove Christian Church Celebrates Anniversary

Photo by Crystal Reed
Haney Delivers Sermon at Ash Grove
Tom Haney, who grew up in Windsor and attended Ash Grove Christian Church, returned to the area on Sunday, June 5 to deliver a sermon during the church’s anniversary.
•June 8, 2022•
Ash Grove Christian Church in Windsor celebrated their 190th anniversary with a worship service and meal on Sunday, June 5. Tom Haney who grew up in Windsor and attended the church gave the sermon and he and his sister Jane McKown sang several pieces of music together and separately.
At the beginning of the service, State Representative Brad Halbrook presented a certificate in honor of the milestone to Pastor Patrick Powers. After the service those in attendance were invited to a catered meal.

Photo by Crystal Reed
State Representative Halbrook Presentation
State Representative Brad Halbrook (left) presented a certificate to Pastor Patrick Powers (right) of Ash Grove Christian Church during the worship service on the church’s 190th anniversary.
The Arches in Findlay Being Brought Back to Life

Photo by Crystal Reed
Rob (pictured) and Kara Pfeiffer of Shelbyville have been working on the Arches building in Findlay the last few years with the goal of opening a business when the building’s renovations are complete.
•June 8, 2022•
by Crystal Reed
NP Writer
In Findlay there is a building called the Arches Building. That building was constructed around 100 years ago. For the last few years, a local couple has been working on the inside with the end goal of opening a business. Rob and Kara Pfeiffer of Shelbyville are carrying out this labor of love.
According to Kara, in August 2019 they started the demo of the inside of the building. They have also put on a new roof, rebuilt the brick, tackled the outside overhangs and removed plaster and garbage. She said they hope to keep as much of the original as they can because it gives the building more character. Read More
