•November 2, 2022•
by Crystal Reed
NP Writer

A newly formed student action group at Sullivan High School is helping their peers with acquiring necessary personal care items, clothing and food. Team IMPACT’s mission is to create a safe, inclusive space that provides District #300 students the opportunity to make anonymous requests for personal care items and necessary resources. The group’s aims are to develop youth leadership, provide peer-led support and create sustainable community partnerships.
According to Darby Poe of Moultrie County Counseling, they received a grant from the Regional Office of Education #3 to help fund the effort. Poe and SHS teacher Kali Taylor recently had a conversation at a cross country meet. Taylor indicated that students are lacking basic necessities, and they don’t have any programs in the area that are youth based.
As a teacher, Taylor said, that in the course of a day she sees 75-80% of the student body. “There’s this need of kids that are hungry or lacking supplies.” Poe added that kids often don’t admit they are in need. Read More

Photo by Crystal Reed
Award Winners from Day of the Dead Celebration
Pictured are those who won awards for their altars, costumes and modeling during the fashion show. The event was educational and fun for the students.

•November 2, 2022•
by Crystal Reed
NP Writer

Photo by Crystal Reed
Portraying
Famous People
Above, Spanish students dressed as famous deceased persons stopped for a photo. Students dressed up as famous artists, actors, sports figures and historical icons as part of The Day of the Dead celebration.

Patricia King who teaches Spanish at Sullivan High School and her students enjoyed a celebration of The Day of the Dead (Dia de Los Muertos) last Friday in the high school commons. According to www.history.com, this is a Mexican holiday when families welcome back the souls of their deceased relatives for a brief reunion that includes food, drink and celebration. The holiday is celebrated each year from October 31-November 2. Read More

•October 26, 2022•
by Crystal Reed
NP Writer

The Sullivan City Council approved three items on the agenda Monday night relating to the issuance of $1 million in bonds for the water treatment plant facility. The first of those items was an ordinance authorizing the issuance of waterworks and a sewerage system revenue bond. City Treasurer Sarah Golden said previous ordinances for water treatment plant original was $8.5 million, and they went back for $2 million.
The total project price requires the city to put up $1.7 million of its own money. By issuing this additional million the council can reduce the city’s putting forth on non-financed funding and repay the IEPA loan, and it will help make this loan payment. “This interest rate is better than the IEPA loan that we currently owe,” she said. Read More

Photo by Crystal Reed
Sullivan mayor Richard Glazebrook presented a plaque recognizing Virginia Darnell, former director of the Prairie Winds, for her 30 years of dedication to the performing group. Looking on is Virginia’s husband Jim. Darnell retired as director in November 2015. The group recently disbanded.

•October 26, 2022•
Virginia Darnell, who directed the Prairie Winds from Sullivan for 30 years, was surprised last Wednesday at Tanglewood Village in Decatur. Sullivan mayor Richard Glazebrook presented a plaque to her in recognition of her work with the group that performed for seniors in Moultrie, Douglas and Shelby counties. The Prairie Winds recently disbanded. Read More

•October 26, 2022•
by Ariana R. Cherry
NP Writer

The boys’ high school golf team was recognized at the school board meeting Wednesday, October 19. The team has won four consecutive championships in the last two seasons, and they have not lost a conference match. Four of the eight players have played in the all-conference as well.
The new grade school music teacher was introduced. Dr Jose Gobbo, who is a Brazilian native, has been splitting his time between Arthur, Atwood-Hammond and Lovington grade schools. He plays a wide variety of musical instruments such as piano, trombone, trumpet and saxophone. The district is quite excited to have him on board and stated that he has gotten kids excited about and loving music again. Read More