Category Archives: News Section

Sullivan Winter Program delights all

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Photos by RR Best

On Wednesday, December 10th, the Sullivan Winter Program held its yearly performance, including the Sullivan High School Jazz Band bass player, Ayden Dolan, getting down with a solo, with Presley Van Loon and Henry Kuhns delicately adding the fine touches of xylophone to the performance. With the choral director, Heather Pistorius, reminding everyone to smile as they focused intently on their performance, many displayed their holiday cheer with accouterments such as reindeer antlers. The performance featured the Sullivan Singers Mini, Sullivan Middle School Choir, Sullivan Singers Jr, and Sullivan Singers, as well as the Band Program featuring the 6th Grade Band, 7th/8th Grade Band, High School Band, and Jazz Combo.

CHS: an emerging health concern

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•December 17, 2025•

by DM Williamee

“Uh, his name is RAAAAAALPH, man.” - Richard Anthony Marin, as Cheech Marin in the 1978 film, “Up in Smoke.” While many find this scene funny, research has identified it as a real consequence of cannabis use. 

Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) is a condition characterized by recurrent episodes of severe nausea and vomiting in individuals who regularly consume cannabis. Initially identified in the early 2000s, CHS has gained increasing recognition as cannabis use has become more widespread, especially in states where both medicinal and recreational use have been legalized.

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First United Methodist sale-goodies galore!

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•December 17, 2025•

Photo by DM Williamee
Divas of deliciousness, pictured L-R: Susan Connor, Lois Shuman, Laura Elder, and Ann Wheeler.

Despite cold temps and a fresh snowfall, locals made their way to the Sullivan First United Methodist Church bake sale in Sullivan on December 12th. This annual event has been happening for so long, no one recalls when it first began. This sale has always been scheduled later in the holiday season to provide shoppers with a sweet last-minute gift-giving option as well as help those without time to bake to have the ability to serve fresh-baked holiday favorites to friends and family come Christmas. Patrons had the option of grabbing a take-out container and filling it with an even dozen of their favorite goodies, mix-and-match, and at suggested donation prices. Who doesn’t love options, especially when it comes to baked treats?

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Utility issues discussed at Sullivan City Council meeting

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by Sharon Barricklow

A drop in the aquifer that provides Sullivan with water and an increase in electrical rates were on the discussion table at Sullivan City Council at their December 8th meeting. Commissioner Chuck Woodworth, who oversees the city’s Water Department, said that drought conditions in East Central Illinois had depleted the aquifer the city wells use to provide water to Sullivan residents. “Our (water) recharge area is one of the largest in the state,” said Woodworth, who showed a map showing the aquifer running from north of Champaign to essentially southern Illinois. “It’s been in a drought condition, and that affects us.” 

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Santa’s Little Helper Workshop

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Photos by R.R. Best

On Friday, December 5th, Dove, Inc., in collaboration with East Central Illinois ROSC, held a free “Santa’s Little Workshop” event at Mid-Illinois Senior Services in Sullivan. With free food, crafts, activities, hot chocolate, cookie decorating, and warm holiday cheers, the event was enjoyed by many locals. Santa was also present, happily hearing the Christmas list requests of children of all ages.

Elder care fraud: financial abuse

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•December 10, 2025•

by DM Williamee

Nursing and care home fraud is a growing problem that affects vulnerable populations, especially the elderly. It encompasses a diverse range of activities that exploit residents, their families, and the healthcare system. There are multiple types of nursing and care home fraud perpetrated. Here are the most common.

Billing fraud is when providers charge for services that were never rendered or overbill for services actually provided. This is the most common form of fraud in nursing homes, accounting for approximately 30% of reported cases. Kickbacks are when homes engage in illegal arrangements that involve receiving kickbacks for patient referrals or service agreements.

This type of fraud is less common but still significant, representing about 20% of cases. Next, we have resident abuse and neglect. Some caregivers exploit residents through physical, emotional, or financial abuse, which can include stealing personal belongings or financial assets. This form of fraud is responsible for approximately 25% of reported fraud incidents.

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Embrace winter: indoor activities to boost well-being

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•December 10, 2025•

by DM Williamee

As the chill of winter sets in and the selection of outdoor activities dwindles, many find themselves searching for ways to stave off boredom while maintaining mental, physical, and emotional health during the chillier winter months. Believe it or not, winter provides an opportunity to explore indoor activities that can both bust boredom and enhance well-being. From creative pursuits to physical fitness, there are options other than binge-watching television that can enhance the season.

Get crafty and unleash your creative side. Winter is the perfect time to dive into arts and crafts, for example. Engaging in creative activities not only provides a productive outlet for stress but also enhances mood and reduces that stress. Painting and/or drawing are simple examples. Experiment with watercolors, acrylics, sketching, or even just doodling. You don’t need to be a professional artist—just let your imagination take over. You can also create handmade gifts, decorations, or upcycle old items into something new. Knitting or crocheting is not only therapeutic but also functional. Both can result in cozy accessories such as scarves, hats, slippers, and lap-blankets, perfect for this chillier season.

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Food Pantry fundraiser

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Last Friday, December 5th, was pick-up day for the 14th annual hand-dipped chocolate fundraiser for the Moultrie County Food Pantry. Friends of the Moultrie County Food Pantry sent out order forms to past fundraiser supporters, and the Flesor’s Candy Kitchen in Tuscola donated 20% of sales proceeds from those orders. This year’s fundraiser raised more than last year’s, reflecting both the delight in Flesor’s treats as well as the generosity of both Flesor’s and the community. The candy was delivered to the Sweet Vail Cafe in Sullivan for those who placed orders, allowing them to pick up their sweet treats locally. Pictured is Shelly Mossman picking up her goodies.

Credit card checkout: How complicated with this become?

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•December 10, 2025•

by DM Williamee

In a landmark settlement that has sent ripples through both the retail and financial sectors, Visa and Mastercard reached an agreement with a coalition of merchants that will -fundamentally- alter the landscape of credit card transactions at checkout lanes beginning in early 2026. This settlement paves the way for businesses to implement tiered pricing based on the type of credit card that a consumer uses, and will no doubt lead to more complicated shopping experiences for consumers. From “ No purchases by credit card under $5” to “all purchases by credit card will be subject to a fee, depending on the card you use.” Huh? Don’t we already pay interest fees on our credit cards when we pay the bill every month? Yes. But wait, folks, now there’s more…

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