Category Archives: News Section

Sullivan City Council Authorizes Use of ARPA Funds for Construction of Eastview Lift Station

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•April 12, 2023•
by Crystal Reed

During Monday’s meeting, the Sullivan City Council authorized the use of American Rescue Plan Act funds for the construction of the Eastview Lift Station. According to Commissioner Chuck Woodworth, the city received $300,000 last year and were supposed to get another $300,000 at the end of this year. The city has received only half of it. The reason that Eastview Lift Station was chosen is because it is the oldest.
Tia Punches approached the council in regard to money she has raised from Pack the Park the past two years plus money she has earned by making pies. She asked whether it would be possible for her to sign over the money to someone from the city. She noted if the city doesn’t want to use the money for a bandstand, they may use it for something else.
Commissioner Abbey Sherwood said that park crews have been mowing, trimming trees, mulching and making a list of trees that need to be taken down in both parks. Read More

Illinois Amish Heritage Center Receives Grant Through Tourism Attractions and Festivals Grant Program

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•April 12, 2023•
Illinois Amish Information Exhibits Inc., known as Illinois Amish Heritage Center, has been awarded a $500,000 grant through the Tourism Attractions and Festivals Grant program. Designed to support local festivals and attractions and drive tourism across the state, Illinois increased the funding available from $15 million to $22.5 million in order to support additional attractions. The additional $7.5 million was secured during the Illinois General Assembly legislative session in early January 2023 and the program is funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
The total project budget projection for the visitor center/museum building is $2 million. The visitor center/museum building for the IAHC will serve as a welcome center, museum, archive, event center and portal to tourist experiences available in the Douglas, Moultrie and Coles County region. The welcome center/museum will provide a place where visitors can begin their exploration through interpretive exhibits, classroom space, archive and theater and gather afterwards for more information and even the opportunity to purchase crafts and goods made by local Amish artisans on site and further into the communities around the site. Read More

Local Boy Scout Builds Flag Retirement Boxes for Eagle Scout Service Project

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Photo by Crystal Reed
Standing left to right: Jeff Nichols, Roger Davis, Kent Spencer, Beau Fleming, John Hickox, Bill Hagen, George Read.

•April 12, 2023•
Beau Fleming recently completed his Eagle Scout Community Service Project in which he led the planning, design, construction and completion of the project. With the help from fellow Scouts and Scout leaders from Troop 39, Beau was able to finish his last requirement for his Eagle Scout Rank application. His project included two flag retirement boxes with “How to Properly Fold the American Flag” displays located at the front entrances of the Sullivan American Legion Post 68 and VFW Post 6410. The idea for the project was brought to him by the Legion when they said they were looking to replace the old retirement receptacle and he gladly took on the challenge. Read More

Courtyard Estates Easter Egg Hunt 2023

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Photo by Crystal Reed
Freddy The Firetruck
A group of children talks to Freddy the Firetruck at the Courtyard Estates Eggstravaganza in Sullivan.

Photo by Crystal Reed
Eggstravaganza at Courtyard Estates
Children race to pick up eggs during the egg hunt portion of festivities at Courtyard Estates in Sullivan on Saturday, April 1.

Photo by Crystal Reed
Pony Ride
Jackson Lawrence enjoys a pony ride during Eggstravaganza at Courtyard Estates in Sullivan.

Photo by Crystal Reed
Photo Opportunity
Eira Taylor and Kyleigh Loflin pause to take a photo with two characters that were available for photos at Courtyard Estates on Saturday, April 1.

Senator McClure Visits Local Schools

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•April 5, 2023•
Senator Steve McClure is a new legislator to Shelby and Moultrie Counties, and his willingness to learn about the region was evident as he went back to school last week. During a break in the state senate, Senator McClure spent a day visiting schools with Regional Superintendent Dr. Kyle Thompson.
Their road trip began with introductions at Shelbyville Bridges, an alternative school led by Thompson’s Regional Office of Education #11. Dr. Zakry Standerfer provided Senator McClure with an overview of safe schools and how the program serves students in grades 6-12 who find success in the alternative education sites. Read More

Grand Opening Held for Moultrie County History Center

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Photo by Crystal Reed
The 33rd Illinois Volunteer Regiment Band played during the grand opening for the Moultrie County Historical and Genealogical Society Museum and Library on Saturday, April 1. The band is out of Bloomington. The music they played is rooted in the small town “cornet band” of the 19th century and included quicksteps, marches, ballads, polkas and overtures. Their re-created uniforms were sewn from natural wool fibers and are authentic in every detail, patterned from specimens worn by Civil War soldiers.

•April 5, 2023•
by Crystal Reed

The Moultrie County Historical and Genealogical Society held the grand opening for the Moultrie County History Center on Saturday, April 1. The opening allowed the public to see the efforts put in by society members and volunteers after renovations of the new location on South Hamilton Street. There are exhibits on the Little Theatre On The Square, the Titus Home, quilts, military history and much more.
Museum Director Pam Wood said that around 300 people attended the open house. “It took over a year to get the building completely renovated,” she said “The library and research area was the first to open and then we finished the museum area.” Read More

Windsor American Legion Recognizes 50 Year Members

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Photo by Crystal Reed
Windsor American Legion Recognizes 50 Year Members
Windsor Garrett-Baldridge American Legion and Auxiliary members celebrated the American Legion’s 104th birthday with a potluck and ceremony at the Legion on Sunday, March 26. Three Legion members received 50 year membership certificates. Auxiliary member, Linda Voris, also shared a brief history of the American Legion. Those presented 50 year membership certificates were Larry Shafer (left) and Linn Voris (right). Presenting the certificates was Post Commander Jack Johnson (center). Not pictured: Joe Hester.

Essay Winners Announced for Americanism Essay Contest

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•March 29, 2023•
The American Legion Auxiliary units of Arthur, Lovington and Atwood have announced the 2023 Department of Illinois Americanism Essay Contest that is sponsored locally. This year’s essay subject and title were “Who Are Our Modern Day Patriots?” Essays were judged by a team of local judges one each from Arthur, Lovington and Atwood. The three classes were Class I- 7th and 8th grades, Class II-9th and 10th grades and Class III-11th and 12th grades. Read More

Planning and Zoning Director Addresses Permitting and Inspections For Water Plant and Demolition of City Building

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•March 29, 2023•
by Crystal Reed

During the last city council meeting Jan Haegan approached the council about permitting and inspections for the new water plant and whether a demolition permit was obtained for the demolition of the city building. At this week’s meeting, Kristi Hart, Planning and Zoning Director for Moultrie County and the City of Sullivan spoke during public comment. In regards to the city pulling permits for city projects, Hart noted that since the city charges for permit to generate revenue, as well as to regulate what is being built, for the city to pay itself for a permit is not necessary. “However, going forward I would like to see the city pull a no-fee permit to have on file in case there is a question as to whether the city is following its own rules. This should clear up any confusion in the future,” she said.

As far as the water plant project, Hart and Commissioner Woodworth had spoken several times over the past few weeks. She noted that the project was brought before the council and therefore the public several times for different aspects of the project. Hart noted again that pulling a no-fee permit would have been the right thing to do to make sure all the bases were covered. Read More