Category Archives: News Section

Former Director of Prairie Winds Recognized with Plaque

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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

Food Pantry Candy Fundraiser Now Accepting Candy Orders

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•October 26, 2022•
by Crystal Reed
NP Writer

Flesor’s Candy Kitchen will be accepting Christmas candy orders from Sullivan, Moultrie County, and surrounding county residents this year from now through November 22. Orders will be taken again by mail this year. Order forms have been mailed to past supporters of the fundraiser. Additional order forms are available at Cathrine’s Gallery Gifts and More, 7 W. Jefferson in Sullivan and at Flesor’s Candy Kitchen, 101 West Sale in Tuscola. Read More

ALAH School Dist. Receives Highest Financial Score on Budget Audit

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•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

SHS Junior Collecting Items for Kemmerer Village for Eagle Scout Project

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Photo by Crystal Reed
Aston Johnson, a member of Boy Scout Troop 142 and junior at Sullivan High School, is collecting items to support the foster care program at Kemmerer Village for his Eagle Scout project. His project is called “Welcome Home” A Community Shower.

•October 26, 2022•
by Crystal Reed
NP Writer

A Sullivan High School junior is working toward his Eagle Scout rank and has chosen to work with Kemmerer Village to support their foster care program. Aston Johnson has been involved in scouting for almost 10 years and is a member of Boy Scout Troop 142 at Stewardson-Strasburg. To achieve the rank of Eagle Scout a person must have a minimum of 21 merit badges and Johnson has 32.
He has titled his project “Welcome Home” A Community Shower. Johnson has decided to work with Kemmerer Village because, through scouting, he has gained a bonus family and wants to give back to the communities he has had the opportunity of which to be a part. “Every child deserves to have a place to call home and a family to call their own,” he said. “With your help we can provide the resources families need to help them thrive.” Read More

Moultrie Co. Board Awards Final Round of American Rescue Plan Grants

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•October 19, 2022•
by Crystal Reed
NP Writer

The Moultrie County Board awarded American Rescue Plan (ARPA) grants to eight recipients during their Thursday, October 13, meeting. The total amount awarded in this round was $1,095,525. Board members John Fayhee and Marsha Kirby attended the meeting via phone, and John Vander Burgh was absent.
Grants were awarded to the Life Center in the amount of $41,000 for roof and HVAC upgrades, Moultrie County Dive Team in the amount of $100,000 for mobile command unit and upgrades to rescue boats, Kaskaskia Valley Animal Hospital in the amount of $15,000 for generator as county’s animal hospital and boarding provider, Village of Arthur for $200,000 for water sewer project, Sullivan Bakery for $89,000 for lost revenue during COVID, County Detention Center for $167,525 for upgrades to electronics and door, Bethany Diner for $60,000 for roof and HVAC updates and Andrew’s Group for $423,000 for consultation, deployment and investment of childcare crisis plan. Read More

Sullivan Fire Protection District Receives Donation for Grain Bin Rescue Equipment

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Photo by Crystal Reed
The Sullivan Fire Protection District was presented with a check for $1,000 from South Central FS and Total Grain Marketing for grain bin rescue equipment on Wednesday, October 12. Pictured from left to right are Captain Tyler Wright, South Central FS, Inc. CEO and TGM General Manager Joe Meinhart, Fire Chief Larry Edwards and Assistant Fire Chief Chris Wright.

•October 19, 2022•
by Crystal Reed
NP Writer

The Sullivan Fire Protection District has a new tool to help them out when responding to grain bin rescues. South Central FS and Total Grain Marketing presented the fire district with a check for $1,000 which was applied to the purchase of a rescue grain auger. The auger may be used when a person becomes trapped in a grain bin.
The person trapped is placed inside the tube, and it removes the grain or other product surrounding them. According to Captain Tyler Wright, prior to this, if the department should have a rescue, crews would use old coffee cans to remove the product from around the victim. Wright noted that the Arthur Fire Department also has a rescue grain auger available to them as well. Read More

LTOTS to Host an Evening with John and Julie

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•October 19, 2022•
by Crystal Reed
NP Writer

The Little Theatre on The Square will host An Evening with John and Julie on Friday, October 28 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, October 30 at 2 p.m. The show was staged by Executive Producer John Stephens and Decatur native Julie McClarey-Smith. McClarey is the undefeated national Ragtime Piano Playing Award winner.
She will play a little bit of everything from Ragtime and the Bumble Boogie to classical music and praise hymn favorites. John will bring some of his past favorite roles back to life and also visit a medley of songs from roles in which he wishes he had been cast as well as some classic pop and country hits. Read More

Margie Pondo Memorial Coat Giveaway

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Margie Pondo Memorial Coat Giveaway
The annual Margie Pondo Memorial Goat Giveaway was held on Monday, October 3 and Tuesday, October 4 at the Sullivan American Legion. According to Jeri Davis, Over the two days, 145 plus families were helped with over 310 children outfitted for winter. Pictured are Memphis and Mason Harper, sons of Jamie Miller trying out their new winter gear.

Sullivan Elementary School Celebrates Fall Fundraiser Success

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Photo by Crystal Reed
Sullivan Elementary School Celebrates Fall Fundraiser Success
Sullivan Elementary students celebrated the success of the school’s fall fundraiser on Wednesday, October 5 with inflatable slides, obstacle courses and games. Throughout the day classes went outdoors to enjoy the weather and have fun. Sullivan Elementary School raised $21,383 during their fall fundraiser.

First Responders Appreciation Cookout

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Photo by Crystal Reed
First Responders Appreciation Cookout
Sullivan IGA held a First Responders Appreciation Cookout on Thursday, October 6. All local police, fire, paramedics and Moultrie County Dive Team members who attended received a free sandwich, chips and drink. Pictured are Pat Stinson, Seth Cobb, Nikki Schlieker, Gavin Sullivan and Sullivan Police Chief Andy Pistorius.