Category Archives: News Section

RSVP Hosts 20th Awards Luncheon to Honor Volunteers

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Photo by Ellen Ferrara
Shirley Cochran with her 5 year service pin at the RSVP Awards Luncheon.

•April 28, 2021•
By Ellen Ferrara
NP Writer

Approximately 50 members of the Retired and Senior Volunteers Program (RSVP) gathered at First United Methodist Church on April 21 to celebrate their 20th year Awards Luncheon.
Last year’s luncheon was cancelled due to COVID so this was a most welcome celebration. Each attendee received a brightly colored thermos mug, and the tables were set with daffodil arrangements, candy bars and festive placemats.
Ladies from the church served a plated luncheon of salad, herbed chicken filet, mashed potatoes, green beans and an apple/nut brownie with hot caramel sauce and whipped cream. Read More

The Cicadas Are Coming – What You Need To Know

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•April 28, 2021•
By Sharon Barricklow
Correspondent

They’re loud, messy and everywhere in 2021. Periodical Cicadas are getting ready to emerge from their 17-year embryo sleep, molt, mate, spread their wings and wreak havoc with outdoor activities for a three to four-week period this summer.
Periodical Cicadas, known as the 17-year cicada, are the longest living insect known in the natural world. The eggs are buried in the ground and take almost two decades to reach maturity before emerging and wreaking havoc during their short lives. Also known as Brood X – for Roman numeral 10, the bugs are native to areas with large plains, largely in the eastern half of the United States. In Illinois, Shelby County sits almost on the dividing line between Brood X, more common to Northern Illinois and the 13-year Cicada, known for populating the southern part of the state. The Chicago Botanical Garden says Brood X are not found anywhere else in the world. Read More

State Scholars 2021

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Photo by Crystal Reed
ALAH State Scholars
Arthur Lovington Atwood Hammond High School Illinois State Scholars are front (from left to right): Shalie Taylor, Cassidee Pantier, Erin Schrock. Back row (left to right): Jack Martin, Wyatt Romine,Layton Hall. Not pictured: Colton Middleton.

Photo by Crystal Reed
OVHS State Scholars
Okaw Valley High School’s Illinois State Scholars are Kalynn Teague and Carleigh Bobbett. Not pictured: Olivia Whitney.

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SHS State Scholars
Sullivan High School’s Illinois State Scholars are Noah Bates, Zoe Walton, Emily White and Reagan Crouse.

Illinois Farm Bureau to Fund Illinois Press Foundation Grants

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•April 28, 2021•
Illinois Farm Bureau will be the financial sponsor of this year’s Illinois Press Foundation mini-grants program that assists existing media programs at public and private high schools throughout the state.
Selected schools receive grants of up to $1,500 from the Illinois Press Foundation to pay for a computer, software or other equipment needed for a high school’s student media program to produce print or online newspapers. School media programs will be receiving application information Monday, with requests due on or before May 14. Funds or equipment will be received in September. Read More

Council Approves Purchase Of New Police Car

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•April 28, 2021•
by Crystal Reed
NP Writer

The Sullivan City Council approved the purchase of two vehicles during their regular meeting on Monday night.The board approved the purchase of a 2013 Ford F-150 for use by the water plant. The purchase is being made from Northside Ford in Effingham at a price of $20,333, including fees. Mayor Richard Glazebrook made a motion to waive bidding and approve purchase of a 2021 Police Ford Explorer. The purchase is being made from Northside Ford in Effingham at a price of $34,721.00, including document fees.
In comments from the public in attendance Mayor Glazebrook read a letter from County Board Chairman Dave McCabe and Tyler Graven, Chairman of Building and Grounds committee. The Moultrie County Board has retained the services of an architectural firm to determine the scope and cost of repairs to the roof of the county courthouse. They are requesting assistance from the city in the form of TIF funds for repairs. Read More

SHS Prom King and Queen 2021

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Photo by R.R. Best
Prom King and Queen
The Sullivan High School Prom King and Queen were crowned during halftime of the SOV football game last Friday night. Prom King is Leyton Ellis and Prom Queen is Taylor Orris.

Barry Golden Retiring From Sullivan IGA

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Pat Thompson, Burl Jividen, Catherine Ray and Barry Golden at the Sullivan IGA.

•April 21, 2021•
by Crystal Reed
NP Writer

Barry Golden is retiring from the Sullivan IGA after 53 years, 50 of those as meat manager. He began in 1967 at age 16 with Lehman/Jividen Foods for $1.40 an hour. At that time the store was located where McDonald’s is currently. When Golden graduated high school in 1969, he became a full-time meat cutter. In 1970 when he was 19, he transferred to the Arthur IGA, which was also owned by Lehman/Jividen, to become meat manager. In 1974, Burl Jividen, who was part owner and Barry’s mentor, stepped down as the meat manager, and Barry took over the Sullivan meat market at 19 and is still there today at age 70. In 1977, Lehman/ Jividen moved the store to its current location, and it was renamed Sullivan IGA. Golden has dedicated his career to providing the Sullivan community with outstanding customer service, the freshest meat possible and unheard-of-meat cutting experience for more than 50 years. He has had numerous achievements over his career but is especially proud of the Beef Stampede Promotion. Read More

County Board Amends Animal Control Ordinance

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•April 21, 2021•
by Crystal Reed
NP Writer

The Moultrie County Board met last Thursday and amended the animal control ordinance of Moultrie County. They approved a motion on application by the Moultrie County Zoning Board of Appeals to make amendments to the Moultrie County Zoning Ordinance. According to State’s Attorney Tracy Weaver, she worked with Karen Cody of the zoning department and Caleb Smith regarding the animal ordinance and zoning in terms of dog kennels and breeders. “This language adds clear numbers and definitions as opposed to the previous ordinances in animal control where it is up to interpretation,” Weaver said. The board also approved the ordinance amending the Animal Control Ordinance. Read More

Check Presented to Bethany Fire Protection District

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Check Presented to Bethany Fire Protection District
The 10 Bones on the Marrowbone committee presented a check for $500 to the Bethany Fire Protection District for equipment. From left to right: Assistant Chief Phil Ozier, Chief Mike Jennings and Curt Robinson from the 10 Bones on the Marrowbone committee.

Safety Training

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Photo by R.R. Best
Safety Training
Safety training was given to Sullivan, Bethany and Lovington firefighters last Saturday. The crew of Air EVAC Lifeteam from Mattoon taught how to choose the best landing zones and safe loading of the patients. Pictured is Medic Tyler Wright and firefighter Tyler Graven.