•October 29, 2025•
by DM Williamee
On Saturday, October 25th, BASO sponsored Bethany’s Main Street Trick or Treat, with numerous local businesses participating in the fun. From ghastly ghosts and giggling goblins to pretty princesses and prowling pirates, everyone came to show their holiday best. In addition to treats, there was music, games, sweatshirts, and-of course, good cheer amongst all in attendance.
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•October 29, 2025•
by DM Williamee
On October 26th, Habitat for Humanity and the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation (HICF), as well as friends and family, gathered to give Cherie Kursell and her children, Amber and Claire, the keys to their new home. Greetings were conducted, introductions, an opening prayer, scripture reading (Isaiah 32:18), presentation of a bible by the family sponsor, blessing of the home, presentation of the American Flag, presentation of the house key, comments by partner family, words of appreciation, and closing, and ending with a benediction by Rev. Grant Wade. Habitat for Humanity also thanked HICF for its fifteen-thousand-dollar contribution, which made completion of this home by this Fall possible. This is the 36th Habitat Home completed in the Sullivan area in twenty-nine years. Home recipient Cherie Kursell emotionally thanked everyone for the home and their support. Within minutes, the home began to fill with furniture and friends, and the overall atmosphere was one of joy.
Photo Submitted
Okaw Valley held their fall senior night on October 20th at the volleyball game. Those honored included marching band, golf, football cheer and volleyball. Pictured are Gracie Plummer and Reese Bruns from the volleyball team.
Submitted
Sullivan High School’s FCCLA, has been honored as a 2024–2025 FCCLA Ultimate Chapter Award recipient. This prestigious recognition, the highest honor bestowed upon FCCLA chapters nationwide, celebrates the chapter’s exceptional leadership, service, and commitment to creating lasting impact in their school and community. The chapter is advised by Ms. Jennifer Voegel and Ms. Kali Taylor. Over the past two years, they have successfully expanded the chapter from 20 members to more than 60 members and are growing. Their commitment to the organization and its members is truly commendable.
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•October 29, 2025•
Flesor’s Candy Kitchen will be accepting Christmas candy orders from Sullivan, Moultrie County, and surrounding county residents this year from now through November 21st. Orders will be taken this year by mail. Order forms have been mailed to past supporters of this fundraiser, and additional forms are available at Flesor’s Candy Kitchen, 101 West Sale Street, Tuscola, and Sweet Vail Café, 1600 S. Hamilton Street in Sullivan. Sweet Vail’s hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 5:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturdays from 7:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. All Christmas candy orders will be ready for pick up at Sweet Vail Café on December 6th.
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•October 29, 2025•
by DM Williamee
Greatness comes from humble beginnings; it comes from grunt work.” (Ryan Holiday). Proof of that adage is Sullivan’s Mid-State Tank Company, which recently received a grant for $50,000 from the Made in Illinois Grant Program, administered by IMEC with funding from the Department of Economic Opportunity. The check presentation/award ceremony, tour of the facilities, and award speeches were held on Wednesday, October 22nd, at Mid-State Tank’s facilities. A jovial yet humble Kevin Conlin accepted the grant and, in his address to those present, made clearly apparent his appreciation for the grant, his entire team, and the support of the Sullivan community.
Read MoreNOTICE is hereby given that the office of MOULTRIE COUNTY CLERK & RECORDER’S will be open from 8:30 A.M. TO 4:30 P.M., beginning OCTOBER 27, 2025 through NOVEMBER 3, 2025, for the purpose of accepting candidate petitions or certificates for the GENERAL PRIMARY ELECTION to be held on MARCH 17, 2026 for the following offices.
COUNTY CLERK & RECORDER
TREASURER
SHERIFF
PRECINCT COMMITTEE PERSONS
Linda S. Qualls
Signature of Local Election Official
•October 22, 2025•
The 94th annual Bethany High School Alumni Banquet was held on October 11th at the Okaw Valley High School gymnasium, with nearly 90 in attendance. Diane Foster Waggoner, Class of 1983, welcomed the alumni and friends to the banquet, and Bart Spencer, Class of 1980, gave the opening prayer. Terry Muzzy, Class of 1966, gave a Military Recognition and talked about the Wall of Honor with pictures of Bethany School graduates who served in the military.
The graduating classes of 1975 were honored for 50 years, and the graduating class of 2000 for 25 years. Alumni who passed away since the last banquet were recognized, and all alumni in attendance were invited to stand for the Roll Call of Classes. The featured speaker, Dave Overlot, Class of 1977, shared his memories of attending Bethany Schools and brought back fond memories for those attending. Door prizes were awarded to Harold Keown, Class of 1946, for being the oldest graduate, 80 years ago, and to Norma Tipsword Farris, Class of 1949, for serving the longest administrative term, with 24 years as high school secretary.
The 50/50 drawing was won by Joyce Shipman Jenkins, Class of 1954, and a drawing for a whole hog, donated by Corrington Farms, was won by Libby Larkin Booker, Class of 1980. The meal was catered by Rhodes Catering from Effingham and desserts by Sweet Vail in Sullivan. The Okaw Valley FFA students and their sponsor, Wes Wise and his wife Megan, assisted with serving and other duties. Officers for the next year will continue with Diane Foster Waggoner, Class of 1983, as President; Rita Kesterson Seelow, Class of 1983, as Vice President; Libby Larkin Booker, Class of 1980, as Secretary; and Nancy Sowers Mueller, Class of 1974, as Treasurer. The evening wrapped up with alumni visiting and taking pictures. The 2026 reunion date will be set for late September or early October. All alumni and friends are invited to attend.
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•October 22, 2025•
The Moultrie County Historical and Genealogical Society monthly meeting was held October 16th at the History Center in Sullivan.
The featured speaker was Alice Durbin, a Moultrie County native. Alice was a dental hygienist and was instrumental in bringing modern dental practices to Kosovo, an Eastern European country. She told those attendance that she got involved in war-torn Kosovo in 2001 when she visited the area for the first time to set up a dental clinic.
Read MoreHere are a few simple tricks to help your children enjoy their Halloween treats
•October 22, 2025•
by Angela Hogan
Halloween is an exciting time for kids. They look forward to wearing their costumes. They also anticipate the delicious Halloween treats they’ll collect during their trick-or-treat activities. However, as parents, it’s crucial to ensure our children remain safe during this holiday. In this article, we’ll share some “tricks” to help you prioritize their safety.
Halloween Should Be Fun and Safe
For many, Halloween is a fun way to welcome the fall season. Unfortunately, the costumes, activities, and even the treats present some unique hazards. Help keep your kids safe by discussing the following tips before they begin their adventure.
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