Photo by Crystal Reed
OVHS Senior Citizens Christmas Dinner
The 50th Annual Senior Citizens Christmas Dinner provided by the Okaw Valley School District was held on Friday, December 9 in the high school cafeteria. Music was provided by students who were accompanied on piano by Kathy Doty. Pictured in no order are Garrett Ferguson, Eli Peters, Sayj Jean, Kayla Fleshner and Lydia Webner.
Photo by Crystal Reed
Metro Communications Places Christmas Tree
A new Christmas Tree has been placed in Downtown Sullivan Illinois by Metro Communications. The tree was installed next to the Metro building on the corner of Harrison and Washington streets. Metro employees spent several days out in the chilly weather assembling and decorating the tree. Multiple motorized lifts had to be used to raise workers up to reach the highest of the branches. The artificial evergreen has been covered with silver, gold, red and green ornaments. The biggest size of the metallic spheres has a circumference of 24 inches. The Sullivan Chamber and Economic Development organization partnered on this project. Laurrie Minor, the Director of The S.C.E.D., said her organization is incredibly happy to be able to share Metro’s generosity with the community.
Photo furnished
ALAH Illinois State Scholars
Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond High School recently announced the Class of 2023 Illinois State Scholars. They are Josie Hale, Alisha Frederick, Kaylee Schrock, Emma Edwards, Connor Edmonds, Clay Seal, and Charley Condill (not pictured). Students are selected based on their outstanding academic achievement and SAT scores.
Photo furnished
October Students of the Month
Windsor Jr./Sr. High School is pleased to announce their October Students of the Month Jasmine Rodriguez and Grace Mast. Jazmin Rodriguez is the daughter of Adrian and Ali Rodriguez. She is currently a junior and is involved in Dance, Spanish Club, Art Club, and Drama Club. She is interested in becoming a high school counselor or going into Graphic Design.
Grace Mast is the daughter of Mose and Hana Mast. She is currently an 8th grade student and is involved in Eco Team, FFA, and Volleyball. She enjoys working with her animals and helping her dad on the farm. Pictured (left to right) are Jazmin Rodriguez and Grace Mast.
Photo by Ellen Ferrera
Honor Drive Held for Shoni Anderson
A blood drive was held on Tuesday, November 15 in honor of Shoni Anderson at the Sullivan American Legion. Organizer Jeri Davis said there were over 100 people that signed up and over 70 had already donated by 4 pm that day. Most were regular donors but a large number of first timers as well. Many were from Mt. Zion where Shoni lives. Pictured is Richard Johnson of Mt. Zion, who was a first time blood donor during the drive.
Photo by Crystal Reed
Shoot for a Turkey Held at Civic Center
Coach Craig Black and the Sullivan High School Basketball Team organized the Shoot for a Turkey event on Saturday, November 19 in the Sullivan Civic Center gym. Entrants competed in knock out to determine who would receive a certificate for a frozen turkey from Sullivan IGA. Pictured are the SHS Basketball team with the three winners kneeling in front. Winners were (in no order): Brayden Mesnard, Cooper Christensen and Coach Taylor.
Photos by Crystal Reed Veterans Day Observed at Schools with Ceremonies Schools in the area observed Veterans Day on Friday, November 11. Ceremonies were held at Okaw Valley High School, Lovington Grade School, Sullivan Grade and Sullivan High Schools. Pictured are moments captured from the Sullivan Veterans Day ceremonies at the schools.
Photo by R.R. Best
Rick Matthews Retires from Moultrie County
Rick Matthews (right) retired as Maintenance Director for Moultrie County on Monday, October 31 after almost 18 years of service. As part of his send off he rang the bell at the Moultrie County Courthouse. Jef Liddiard (left) was hired on September 1 to work as maintenance director upon Matthew’s retirement.
Photo Submitted
Sullivan Dance Studio’s Competition Team Members
Attend Convention
Sullivan Dance Studio had 10 Competition Dance team members attend Revel—The Dance Convention Revelation Radiate You Tour in St. Louis, Missouri on October 21, 22 & 23, 2022. Mini Level dancers were Natalia Beals and Fionn Lynch. The mini level dancers all got to perform in the final showcase and even had a fun Dance Party during one of their sessions. Junior level dancers from SDS Competition Team were Gabrielle Carpenter, Avery Florey, Adalee Foster, Lillian Hood, Aleena Ingram, and Miah Voegel. Special shout out to Lillian Hood for being chosen to perform from her level in the final showcase. Zoe Lynch and Sarina Voegel were teen level dancers who attended the convention. Zoe was able to attend bonus classes on Friday night at the convention as well. Revel Dance Convention gave dancers a chance to work diligently with a diverse faculty that included educators and choreographers from all facets of the dance world. Those who attended had a chance to attend ballet, contemporary, hip hop, jazz, jazz funk and tap classes.
Photo Submitted
Glimmer Nights Dance Held at Building 1225
Moultrie County had its first annual dance for adult community members who have special needs. There were approximately 65 participants from the community that participated in this event. Each participant enjoyed being crowned with a crown or tiara and a personal welcome announcement as they entered the event.
The Glimmer Nights Dance was held on October 15 at Building 1225. The night was full of lots of dancing, a photo booth, a craft, and snacks. It was a night enjoyed by all and we are already looking forward to this being an annual event. This event was hosted through the Sullivan Area Ministerial Services giving monetary donations and community volunteers to make this event happen.