Category Archives: News Section

Sullivan Fire Protection District hiring

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A career that is different every day; in service to others

•April 23, 2025•

by Denise Williamee

If you are looking for a new career or just starting on your career path, consider joining the Sullivan Fire Department, located in Sullivan, Illinois. It’s a stable, service-driven career path, with earnings that can support a family; each workday will be different, and you will have an opportunity to give back to the community. The starting salary for EMT Basic is $49,787.00, and EMT Paramedic certified at $56,872.00, with an additional $1,000.00 for Basic Operations Firefighter certification, and a generous benefits package. 

Despite the stereotype of firefighters only running into burning buildings, or saving kittens from trees, you will meet people on what could be the worst day of their life, and have an opportunity to mitigate that by making that day better through service and directing them to resources they may not have been aware of. As a paramedic, you will also be responsible for not just life-saving heroics, but important services such as patient transfers and other less publicized duties. The Sullivan Fire Department averages 16 to 17 hundred call-outs per year. Stereotypes aside, it’s an exciting and interesting career that many have found rewarding on multiple levels. Shifts are 24 hours on, 48 hours off, leaving plenty of time for family and other interests.

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Easter Donation

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The Kirby Foods meat department delivered hams to the Moultrie County Food Pantry on Wednesday the 16th, thanks to a generous anonymous donation. The hams will provide a nice Easter dinner.

Findlay road repairs this Summer

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•April 23, 2025•

by Sharon Barricklow

The long awaited resurfacing of the Findlay road east of Findlay is expected to be done this summer after a bid letting for the project later this month.

Shelby County Highway Engineer Michael Tappendorf told the Shelby County Board last week that construction is expected to take six to eight weeks. He said he hoped businesses along the road would only be minimally inconvenienced but acknowledged the work is being done during the busy tourist season for Lake Shelbyville.

“Unfortunately asphalt has to be laid at a certain temperature,” he said. 

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Sullivan School District

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New HS delays while students continue to impress

•April 23, 2025•

by DM Williamee

The Sullivan School Board met on April 14th at 6:30 p.m. After a call to order, no citizen non-agenda items were to be addressed, and the meeting moved to NHS/NEHS news. Brooklyn Booker, NEHS Sgt. at Arms, reported that Juniors and Seniors are reviewing contests, including essay writing and art pieces, to get an NEHS cord for graduation. They are currently in the process of changing over to their new officers, beginning tomorrow, with ballots open for a week. They are also looking forward to their pen pal meetup on Wednesday, April 30th. Annual English trivia event coming up, involving every student in the High School, which is structured thematically, with a snack party reward. Speaking as the NHS president, Ms. Booker shared the Blessed teachers for April. Two school beautification events have been held, but clean-up has been hampered by the weather. On May 8th, the “Breakfast of Champions” will be held. NHS is also in the process of changing officers. Additionally, NHS donated monies to assist the tornado-damaged school in Neoga and for the North Carolina school that suffered catastrophic flooding earlier this year, SHS made school bracelets in their school colors and personalized bags for every student and teacher of the high school, filled with goodies. SHS received a surprise envelope filled with over a hundred thank you cards and a banner. Two students reported that they were both national qualifiers and state winners for their record book areas. 

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Local women team up for new children’s book, “A Cat Named Mary

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•April 23, 2025•

In 1978, Sandy Brix was a math teacher at Sullivan Junior High School. One of her students was Carla Moon. At the time neither one would imagine that almost five decades later the two would be writing a book together.

“That’s almost as interesting as our book is,” smiles Carla Moon Stirrett. “We’ve been friends for as long as I can remember. After Sandy quit teaching, she became the office manager at her husband’s veterinary clinic. And I also worked with her there for over 25 years.”

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Moultrie board approves extension funding

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•April 16, 2025•

by Sharon Barricklow

Extension services are  alive and well in Moultrie County, the Moultrie County Board heard Thursday night before approving funding for the University of Illinois service. 

Jessie McCluskyand Rachel Stenger told the board that Extension serves the county in a variety of ways including Partners in Produce that provides food for area food pantries and 4 H programs for youth. Stenger said Moultrie County formed a new club this year, the Shooting Sport SPINS that provides instruction in shooting using air rifles and air pistols.        

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On the catwalk

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On April 14th, local SHS students and community members volunteered to walk the runway at a fashion show held at the Mid Illinois Senior Center, with all clothing provided by the Sullivan Thrift Store. Proceeds from Thrift Store purchases support the Senior Center. Pictured is SHS student Joleigh Tipsword in a lovely sweater/skirt ensemble.

City council approves construction projects

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•April 16, 2025•

by Sharon Barricklow

The Sullivan City Council heard some updates on a variety of projects and the city’s response to recent damage to power lines in a brief meeting Monday night. 

During the public comment portion at the beginning of the meeting, the council heard a complaint about a deteriorated property. Mayor Mike Mossman said the city has had a hard time finding the property owner after the property had been sold.  

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Community reminded to retrieve signage

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•April 16, 2025•

The Moultrie County Planning and Zoning Office reminds those who place temporary signs (general advertising- the following does not apply to political signs) on public property such as public thoroughfares and easements to retrieve their signs, per Zoning Code 40-4-37 (B) 1-6, which states as follows:

(5) Temporary signs not covered in the foregoing categories do not need a permit, so long as such signs meet the following restrictions:

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OVHS Job Shadow and Work Study programs

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Pictured, L-R: Jorja Plummer (OV Job Shadow Senior), Reese Nichols (OV Job Shadow Senior), Dr. Savannah Birch, Julia Hildebrant, Vet. Tech. at Kaskaskia Valley Animal Hospital.

Preparing students for the future

•April 16, 2025•

At Okaw Valley High School (OVHS), the Job Shadow and Work Study programs provide students with invaluable opportunities to gain hands-on experience, explore careers, and develop key skills for future success. These programs go beyond traditional classroom instruction by offering hands-on experience, professional development, and personal growth. Students leave high school not only with the knowledge they need but also the skills and confidence necessary to pursue successful careers in a variety of industries. 

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