Category Archives: News Section

SES receives book vending machine

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HICF donates machine, students reap rewards

by DM Williamee

On Tuesday, May 6th, the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation (HICF) unveiled a book vending machine at Sullivan Elementary School at 8:00 am. Each year, the HICF funds the book vending machines. This year, Sullivan is one of the schools fortunate to receive one. On hand from HICG were Kaitlyn Farrar and Chastity Casey. Rev. Grant Wade serves as the Moultrie County advisor for HICF and has worked on this project with Leslie Guyot (school principal) and Leah Fleming (school librarian). 

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Sullivan siblings’ passion for journalism

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Photo by Sonya Best

The “Bests” of writing, photography, and community

by DM Williamee

Siblings Kathy and Bob Best, both Sullivan locals, were recently interviewed by Vanessa Ferguson in NPR Illinois’ “Community Voices” segment. Both have worked in multiple journalistic roles throughout their careers; editor, writer, publication owner, and photographer (to name a few), with Kathy having won (with her team, as she strongly emphasizes) the Pulitzer Prize twice (and recently nominated for the third!), in both the small-town and big-city journalism arenas.

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Council hears Dash and Bash plans

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•May 7, 2025•

by Sharon Barricklow

A highlight of the summer season will include a car show, 5k, and live music at St. Jude’s “Dash and Bash” on June 13th and 14th at Wyman and Tabor Parks.

Jeff Stuart told the Sullivan City Council this year’s fundraiser includes a 5K and one-mile fun run/walk, car show, pretzel sale, and live music. “Last year we raised over $25,000, and this year we hope to do better,” Stuart said. 

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FCCLA is a ‘Gold Level’ Chapter for 2024/2025

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•May 7, 2025•

Membership finding success in leadership journey

SHS’s FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America) recently received word from National FCCLA, for which they earned recognition as a Gold Level chapter in the 2024-2025 “Go For The Red Membership” recruitment campaign. Chapters that demonstrate exceptional recruitment efforts and increase their membership by at least 20 members are eligible to apply for this yearly award. Sullivan High School FCCLA announced they are the only chapter in the state of Illinois to earn this “Gold” recognition for increasing membership from 22 members in 2023-2024 to 60 members for the 2024-2025 year.

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IAHC holds groundbreaking

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New Visitor Center and Museum expected to open in 2026

On Friday, April 25th, the Illinois Amish Heritage Society held a groundbreaking event for their new Visitor Center and Museum, which drew a sizable crowd. The mission is to respect the heritage, preserve the culture, and promote the understanding of the Illinois Amish. The vision is to be the gateway for experiencing Amish history and culture. Pictured are a horse and plough team at work, and the IAHC board, shovels in hand, performing the groundbreaking ceremony.

Tips for driving safely during planting season

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Driving tips are critical for farmers and all drivers

•April 30, 2025•

by Angie Hogan

The spring planting season has arrived. As farmers approach the 2025 crop season, drivers across rural communities are reminded of their role in making 2025 a safe and successful year in American agriculture. Large agricultural machinery, rural roadways, and unpredictable spring weather can create dangerous driving conditions. Staying alert and respectful can help prevent accidents and keep everyone safe this season.

More farm equipment on the road: Spring planting brings early mornings, long days, and an increased number of slow-moving vehicles on the road. While these machines are essential to help farmers produce America’s food supply, they often travel at speeds under 25 mph. Additionally, modern farm equipment may span across lanes and require wide turns into fields and driveways. Awareness and patience among all drivers are key to avoiding dangerous situations.

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Moultrie Amateur Radio Klub hosts “Hamfest”

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Photo by Ellen Ferrera Radio Klub President Shane Ramos, holds a part that attaches to a radio to manipulate the antenna.

•April 30, 2025•

by Ellen Ferrera

On April 26th, members of the Moultrie Amateur Radio Klub (MARK) held the first of two annual “Hamfests” at the American Legion Hall. Approximately 75 ham radio enthusiasts from all over Central Illinois gathered to sell, buy, or trade all manner of ham radio equipment, electronics, tools, and all related to ham radio. It was part flea market, part swap meet.

Shane Ramos, President of the Klub, said, “Besides the swapping and trading, we also administer the test here for those seeking to get their ham radio license.” He added, “Our next Hamfest will be in the Fall, and they are always open to the public.”

The Moultrie Klub has been in existence for more than 60 years and meets on the third Monday of each month at the Honey Bee restaurant in Mattoon. Dinner is at 5:00 p.m. with the meeting at 6:00 p.m. Visitors and those interested in joining the Klub are always welcome.

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Sobering pre-prom event impacts students

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Recreation of a distracted/impaired driving accident at SHS

•April 30, 2025•

by Kenny Graven

On Thursday, April 24th at 10:30 a.m. in the Sullivan High School parking lot, students witnessed a dramatic and emotional demonstration with the goal of highlighting the dangers and consequences of drinking and distracted driving.

In a coordinated effort, the Sullivan Fire and Police Departments, the Moultrie County Sheriff’s Office, Moultrie County Coroner Lynn Reed, and McMullin-Young Funeral Home staged a realistic mock car accident. This powerful event was designed to show students the real-life consequences of impaired and distracted driving.

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Egg hunt a big hit

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Despite threatening skies and gusting winds, the Easter Egg hunt sponsored by Sullivan’s First United Methodist Church on Friday, April 18th, was a big hit with a large turnout. Pictured is Amari Tulloch, age 3, who maneuvered the egg hunt like a pro.

ALAH District looking to update phone system, cameras

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Custodian night crew needed

•April 23, 2025•

by Ariana R Cherry

Superintendent Shannon Cheek announced that the school district was in need of a custodian night crew at the most recent school board meeting held on Wednesday, April 16. “We have open positions in each building, and we need those positions filled as we are trying to have a full custodian crew. We have zero applicants at the moment. If it doesn’t come to fruition by next year, we will have to reach out to a few other companies,” he said. 

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