•December 29, 2021•
by Ariana Cherry
NP Writer

At the beginning of the ALAH School Board meeting held Wednesday, December 15, a couple students from the fourth grade at Arthur Elementary showed the board some of their recent products they created from home while learning about economics. Students from the classes of Mrs. Eads and Mrs. Martinez asked students to use their imagination to create a product they could market to other students. Students were given the chance to showcase their products in the cafeteria, and three people from each class were given the chance to come shop for free.
In doing all of this, students also learned lessons about supply and demand. Superintendent Shannon Cheek commented on the talent and creativity from all the students and also browsed through their “market” that was presented in the cafeteria.
Parent Sam Miller questioned the board on whether there had been any more discussion regarding whether masks would be optional in the school district. “At that time, the motion was to see if there were any other options out there,” replied President Beth Wiley. “There haven’t really been any changes at this time. It is something that we will have to discuss as a board to see where we are at this time,” she added. Read More

•December 29, 2021•
January 6
Doug Booker was sworn in as Commissioner of Streets and Public Improvements.
The first babies of 2021 at Decatur Memorial Hospital and St. Mary’s Hospital were born to two Bethany couples. Carson and Rosario Hiser of Bethany had their child Luke Martin on January 1 at 7:25 pm. Tiffany and Shaun Cotner of Bethany had their child Harrison Cotner at 7:20 am on January 1.
Sullivan resident Dawnaya Key authored her first book Tomate.

January 13
Courtyard Estates of Sullivan, Supportive Living, made it possible for tenants to “hug” their loved ones even in the midst of a pandemic. The Welsh family generously donated the “hugging booth.” The booth sits against an outer door that gives families safe entrance into the booth and it’s fitted with plastic arms and gloves on both sides of the booth for both the tenant and family members to hug.
Sullivan City Council approved additional funds for COVID PPE supplies. The amount of the protective equipment was not to exceed $10,000 for a total authorization of $60,000.

January 20
The criminal justice reform package passed by the Illinois House and Senate was drawing concern from local officials. Both Moultrie County State’s Attorney Tracy Weaver and Sheriff Chris Sims were concerned about the impact. Read More

•December 22, 2021•
by Crystal Reed
NP Writer

John Vander Burgh was appointed to the Moultrie County Board during their monthly meeting Thursday, December 9. He fills the vacancy left by Dave McCabe who resigned in November. Vander Burgh and his wife Heidi live in Bethany and their three children have attended Okaw Valley schools. He has a farm, a forensic accounting firm called 20/20 Forensic Accounting and Vander Burgh Financial Services.
Vander Burgh is an MBA, a CPA and a certified fraud examiner. He has worked in public accounting firms, national corporations and banking. In addition to now being a Moultrie County board member he is also the treasurer of the Okaw Valley School Board.
“I feel a civic responsibility to use my God-given abilities to help,” Vander Burgh said. He continued to say that he doesn’t have any preconceived notions about the board position; he just wants to help in a leadership capacity. In his free time, he enjoys fishing, family activities and being involved in church.