Photo by Mike Brothers
Businesses Uncuffed!
Sullivan Chief of Police Andy Pistorius took the handcuffs off Flower Pot owner Ellen Bernius’s wrists, freeing up businesses to accept customers in Sullivan and Moultrie County on June 26. Helping with uncuffing of the county’s business were: from left Moultrie County Chief Deputy Gary Carroll, Andrew White of Hydro Gear, Chief Pistorius, Mayor Richard Glazebrook and Bernius.
Photo furnished
Fraternal Honors
The Shamrock Pub in Dalton City received two new ceiling tile honoring the Mt. Zion Oddfellows and Masonic Lodges. The tiles were presented as a donation from the Brothers Odd band performance in 2019. Pictured: Odd Brothers Dave Crisman, Brian Gee, Shamrock Manager Kristyl Novota, Greg Gadberry and Brett Dilbeck.
Photo by R.R. Best
Sullivan Streets Maintained
The annual Sullivan oil and chipping program is underway with the Earl Walker Company. The Street Department used 30,400 gallons of oil, 1,000 tons of CA-15 rock and was able to till 7,300 square yards of road this year. “We are hoping to continue progressing in this manner in the future,” Street Dept. Commissioner Peggy Hargis said. “Our ultimate goal is to have all City streets routinely maintained.”
Droneography by R.R. Best
Knee High/Sky High
This planting season was plagued with weather challenges but Moultrie County farmers stuck it out and corn is growing in the summer sun. The 4th of July arrives next week and the standard measurement of a good crop was if the corn is knee high by the fourth of July. Five year olds Leah and Landon Ziebler are looking to the sky in their grandpa, Mark Brewer’s field southwest of Bethany.
Jibby’s Rubble
Droneography by R.R. Best
The Metro Communications crew received the go ahead permit from the city of Sullivan at noon Monday, June 15 and by the end of the afternoon the back wall was gone, exposing second floor apartments with panoramic western vistas.
A few decades ago Jibby’s Restaurant was the place to eat, drink and meet the stars of the Little Theatre.
Those days are gone and the building was getting worse the longer it sat empty.
As the afternoon of demolition went on the parade of onlookers increased, creating parking issues for offices operating on Harrison Street.
One suggestion to offset the inconvenience for those businesses was to allow them to control onlooker seating.
A lawn chair in the shade on the back parking lot could go for about $10.00 if a bottle of water is included.
Metro owner Zak Horn acquired ownership of he dilapilated former restaurant which was home to the stars of the Little Theatre on the Square and is removing it along with a part of Sullivan’s past.
The past is the past and the city of Sullivan voted to contribute $20,000 toward the $40,000 demolition costs.
By July 4th Horn hopes to be the proud owner of an empty lot where Jibby’s used to be.
Photo by Barry Morgan
Townwide Tradition
The Boy Scout Cook out on IGA parking lot is a tradition that goes along with Sullivan Townwide Rummage Sales. On Friday, June 5 and Saturday, June 6 Sullivan opened up to one of the largest Townwide Sale crowds ever and the cook out went on. Due to COVID 19 restrictions boys scouts were replaced by scout leaders and fathers at the grills with everyone enjoying the food and friendship.
Photo by Mike Brothers
Flag Day
Flags were flying outside the Moultrie County Courthouse prior to the Tuesday storm. June 14 is Flag Day, which commemorates the adoption of the United States Flag on June 14, 1777, which is also the birth date of the U.S. Army. In 1861 George Morris of Hartford, Connecticut organized the first observation of Flag Day. In 1916 President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed June 14 as Flag Day and Congress established National Flag Day by act Aug. 3, 1949.
Photo by R.R. Best
Courthouse Buzz
The buzz around the Moultrie County Courthouse last week surrounded a hive of bees in one of the ornamental trees on the courthouse lawn. Beekeeper Steve Buxton (left) came to the rescue. Rick Matthews cut the limb the hive was attached to and Buxton transported the population to Buxton Farms west of Sullivan where he uses them to help with pollination.
Photo by R.R. Best
Honor Guard at Greenhill
Sullivan American Legion Post 68 Honor Guard marched from the Moultrie County Courthouse to Greenhill Cemetery in the traditional Memorial Day observation, Monday. Not traditional was the usual crowd due to personal distancing, so this year the parade the Memorial Day celebration was virtual with citizens viewing online and on the News Progress FaceBook page. The parade left the Sullivan square at 8:00 a.m. Monday, May 25 and concluded with taps at Greenhill Cemetery following the Honor Guard Salute in memory of those who fought and died to protect America.
Photo by R.R. Best
Eastview Flood
The residents of Eastview Subdivision were reminded why “Swampwater” Subdivision became its nickname Sunday night. City crews were called out and residents were cleaning up Monday morning. Photo above is Jess Barker shoveling field debris. Many in the neighborhood received a deposit of corn stalks from nearby fields as a result of the flooding. Barker said it was the worst flood he’s seen in years.