Stork pins awarded
Category Archives: News Section
Summertime food safety
Four proven strategies to improve food safety this summer
by Angela Hogan
The summer season has begun, offering opportunities for picnics, backyard cookouts, and family gatherings. However, warmer temperatures and outdoor events make food safety especially challenging.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), food poisoning affects approximately one in six Americans each year. Not surprisingly, more foodborne illnesses occur during summer than in other seasons.
The Moultrie County Health Department (MCHD) encourages you to follow four proven food safety strategies: Clean, Separate, Cook, and Chill. These simple actions can help improve your food safety and reduce your risk of foodborne illness.
Read MoreDistrict to receive final transportation payment for the fiscal year
by Ariana R Cherry
“We are going to receive a final transportation payment this fiscal year - it is in the queue,” stated Superintendent Shannon Cheek at the most recent meeting of the ALAH School Board held on Wednesday, May 21, 2025.
“There are many years where we get three payments. We don’t get the full amount every year. It still has been an ongoing issue,” informed Cheek as he spoke about the deficit that the transportation fund has had frequently due to not receiving payments from the state. “We budget conservatively and always budget for three payments,” he explained.
Read More7th annual “Redskin Achievement Award”
Plank and Betts named as recipients
•May 28, 2025•
Submitted by Lou Ann Soper
The SHS Class of 1968 presented the 7th Annual Redskin Achievement Award during the Decision Day program held May 7th. Wilma Plank, daughter of Clara Plank, was the female recipient, and Keagan Betts, son of Ashley Betts and Damien Lash, was the male recipient. Each recipient received a $300 check, an individual plaque, and their name was engraved on a plaque, which is on display in the SHS trophy case.
Read MoreAmerican Legion Post 68, the community, pays respects to service members
•May 28, 2025•
A Memorial Day observance ceremony was held in Sullivan early this past Monday morning at Greenhill Cemetery and at the American Legion Post. In 1971, Congress declared Memorial Day a national holiday, dedicated to honoring U.S. Military Personnel who have died in service to their country. Over 1.8 million Americans have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their nation to date. At both services, prayers were said, three volleys were fired in memory of the deceased, the mournful “Taps” was played, and Mayor Mike Mossman spoke to those in attendance. Afterwards, the community gathered at the American Legion Post Hall for a hearty breakfast and additional ceremonies. Local youth’s “Poppy Posters” were on display at the Hall, with many winners, numerous honorable mentions, and beautiful work by all for the Legion-sponsored contest.
SES Preschool carnival a hit
SSD CUSD #300 Board meeting
End of year scramble while looking to the bright future
•May 21, 2025•
by DM Williamee
Per the minutes and reports of the Sullivan School District’s May 12th school board meeting, it has been an industrious and joyous ending to another successful year for the Sullivan School District. The amount of hard work and excellence put in by teachers, students, families, volunteers, organizations, and staff, as exemplified by the programs and achievements highlighted, reflects a community that cares and puts students first. After the caps are tossed, prom nights end, and children race towards summer, the work begins again for the next year, the new and progressing students, and the infrastructure that holds it all together.
Read MoreCassie Yoder and Cass Concepts win top honors
2024 Decatur Regional Chamber Awards
•May 21, 2025•
The 2024 Decatur Regional Chamber of Commerce Awards, held Thursday, May 8, 2025, at the Country Club of Decatur, was a night to celebrate the individuals, businesses, and organizations that fuel progress and purpose in the region. Among the evening’s most celebrated honorees was Cassie J. Yoder, founder and owner of Cass Concepts: Marketing, Media and Events, who was awarded Entrepreneur of the Year. Her agency, celebrating its 20th year, was also named Small Business of the Year.
“To even be finalists alongside legacy businesses like Brinkoetter Realtors and Staley Credit Union was an honor,” said Yoder. “These organizations have served our community for decades, and it means so much to be recognized in such an inspiring company.”
Read MoreThrough Their Eyes
SHS Students receive Holocaust writing awards
•May 21, 2025•
Five Sullivan High School students recently received awards as a part of the annual Through Their Eyes: A Holocaust Art and Writing Contest sponsored by the Holocaust Education Center of the Champaign-Urbana Jewish Federation.
Senior Madison Flexser tied for Best in Show for all art entries and took first place in the high school junior and senior painting and drawing division with her piece entitled “The Silent Tears from History.” Flexser’s Creator’s Statement explained her piece: “My piece is inspired by the story of Dorotka Goldstein born February 1st, 1932, in Warsaw Poland. She was saved by a German as her and her sister were sent to the gas chambers because they thought she had beautiful eyes. Her sister waved goodbye to her, so she wouldn’t go after her. Dorotka is obviously a very strong woman who survived the Holocaust.”
Read MoreLovington’s “Farmer’s Market”: Event created to bring community together
•May 14, 2025•
by DM Williamee
The Lovington Farmer’s Market began on May 8th, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., 130 W State Street, in Lovington.
The brainchild of lifetime Lovington resident Lisa Kamm, who was inspired after attending local Mapping Group meetings. From those meetings, Lisa was driven to create an event that would benefit the Lovington community, and thus the Farmers Market was born: a free place for vendors (no charge, but bring your own tables, signage, displays, etc.) to set up and offer their wares, and a place for the community to purchase those items.
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