Photo furnished
Easter Donation
The Kirby Foods meat department delivered hams to the Moultrie County Food Pantry on Monday thanks to generous anonymous donation. The hams will provide for a nice Easter dinner. Pictured are meat department members Blake Eller and Cameron Eccles.
•March 27, 2024•
by E. Scott England
Kate Bushue was selected as the State FFA Proficiency Winner in Food Service Entrepreneurship. She was previously chosen as the Chapter, Section, and District awardee of this area.
Illinois FFA recognizes students in forty-eight different areas based on their work-based learning, also known as Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs). FFA members who demonstrate outstanding agricultural skills and competencies through record keeping, leadership, and scholastic achievement may be considered for this award. Read More
•March 27, 2024•
By Sharon Barricklow
After more than eight months without a mutual aid agreement in place with Shelby County, the Moultrie County Dive Board told the Shelby County Board last week they would not continue to offer assistance on rescue calls in Shelby County. Read More
•March 20, 2024•
Sullivan Dance Studio’s Competition Team has attended two competitions so far this year. Specialty routines and the one Teen level dance attended “Believe Dance Competition” at Gateway Convention Center in Collinsville, IL February 2-4. All thirty team members attended the Energy Dance Competition the weekend of February 16-18 at Kirkwood High School in Kirkwood, Missouri. Read More
Photo submitted
Genealogy Circle Meets
The first Genealogy Circle was held on March 12 at the history center in Sullivan. Gail Price, Genealogist, held the class with 16 attending and having different levels of experience with Family History research. This class was about how to start with research and document your findings. The next class will be April 9 from 6:30-8 p.m. For future classes, special speakers are scheduled for various topics of information that can be obtained.
Going forward this program will be held the second Tuesday of the month. If you would like to participate in the class and learn about your family history, have any questions or to register for the program, contact the History Center at 217-728-4085 or follow the Facebook page for details.
•March 20, 2024•
Sullivan CUSD #300 is finding itself embroiled in yet another attempt to have its team name and mascot changed. Mind you, the district has never been the one to initiate the talks. But if the 103rd General Assembly has its way, the Sullivan Redskins will have to become the Sullivan [insert new name here] by September 1, 2027.
HB 5617 was introduced on February 9, 2024 by Rep. Maurice A. West, II (D-Rockford). The bill says “that a school board shall prohibit a school from using a native name, logo, or mascot that names, refers to, represents, or is associated with Native Americans, including aspects of Native American cultures and specific Native American tribes.” It does go on to say that “a school may continue to use uniforms or other materials bearing a native name, logo, or mascot that were purchased on or before the effective data of the Act until September 1, 2027. Read More
•March 20, 2024•
By Angela Hogan
Wondering what’s the big deal about the April 8th solar eclipse?
A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and the Earth. When this happens, the moon blocks (eclipses) the Sun's light and casts a shadow on certain parts of the Earth.
According to NASA, solar eclipses occur “fairly often,” but they only shadow a specific geographic area about once every 100 years. This year, the total eclipse path will travel across southern Illinois. Parts of Illinois not in the total eclipse area may still experience a partial eclipse.
For many, witnessing a solar eclipse is a breathtaking experience. However, it's essential to prioritize safety while viewing this cosmic event and avoid risking your eyesight. Read More
•March 20, 2024•
Fees increasing for the 2024-2025 school year
by Ariana R Cherry
Superintendent Shannon Cheek presented the winning bid to repair the Lovington Grade School parking lot at the most recent school board meeting. The winning bid was from Dunn Construction with an amount of $437,801, which also includes a $35,000 allowance. Cheek informed the board that the bid came in about $5,000 less than what had originally been estimated. The work also includes the entire replacement of the sidewalks and curbs that lead up to the building. “It is really needed and long overdue. We hope that the work is done before school starts for the next school year. It has been a long time coming,” commented Cheek.
It was also announced that fees will be increasing for the 2024-2025 school year. According to Cheek’s research, prices have stayed pretty consistent since the 2014-2015 school year aside from lunch fees. While the prices will increase, they still will be lower than several of the surrounding school districts. Cheek stated that most fees will see about a $5-$10 increase. Read More
Artistic Greetings
Artist Peyton Morrow, of Mattoon, was seen last Thursday working on the mural near downtown in Findlay.
•March 13, 2024•
Moultrie County has been issued a final property assessment equalization factor of 1.0000, according to David Harris, director of the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR).
The property assessment equalization factor, often called the “multiplier,” is the method used to achieve uniform property assessments among counties, as required by law. This equalization is particularly important because some of the state’s 6,600 local taxing districts overlap into two or more counties (e.g., school districts, junior college districts, fire protection districts). If there was no equalization among counties, substantial inequities among taxpayers with comparable properties would result. Read More