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.
Photo courtesy Rick Matthews
Monumental Graduate
Sullivan High School graduates adopted one more member to the Class of 2020. The courthouse lawn memorial to those who fought in the Civil War from Moultrie County was dressed in cap and gown to honor high school graduates parading around the courthouse square on May 17.
Photo by R.R. Best
SHS Graduates’ Parade
Sullivan High School Class of 2020 had a parade to commemorate a most unusual school year. Seniors gathered in their vehicles at the high school at 2:30 p.m. Sunday with the parade circling the square allowing well wishers to maintain social distancing while recognizing the graduates. Valedictory and salutatory addresses were played online, and on radio during the parade, as were the announcement of each graduate. Due to inclement weather each graduate marched across the high school gym in a private diploma presentation which included up to seven guests of the graduating senior.
Photo by R.R. Best
Reflections
With the world going crazy all around and most folks fed up with the stay at home restrictions the lake at Wyman Park offers an opportunity for reflection. Reflecting on the way life used to be or whether there is a prize winning bass waiting to be hooked the lake offers the solution.
Photo by R.R. Best
On the Lake
As the weather continues to improve and stay at home restrictions relax families are starting to enjoy the open air. Last weekend Lake Shelbyville’s vast water surface allowed boasters to enjoy the break in the weather without endangering personal space.
Photo by R.R. Best
Lightning Strikes Bell Tower
Lightning struck the First Baptist Church bell tower April 28 blowing bricks as far as the post office out the back and into the neighbors lawn across the street in front.
Sullivan Fire Department was called to the Harrison Street church at 8:57 p.m. last Wednesday.
Fire Chief Mike Piper reported the lightning strike had caused some structural damage to the bell tower as well as electrical damage when the strike continued to the roof flashing, the gutter system and on to the ground.
No fire damage was discovered and Sullivan firefighters returned to the station at 9:59 p.m.
Pastor Mark Bjornbak explained the lightning strike destroyed the church sound system and computers with damage assessments on going.
“We appreciate our alert neighbors who called the fire department and we are thankful no one was injured,” Rev. Bjronbak said.
He explained the building damage was limited to the bell tower and the remaining building is safe.
The First Baptist Church is observing social distancing and regular services have been suspended since the stay at home order due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Photo by Mike Brothers
Food Pantry Donation
Moultrie County Clerk Georgia England (right) was honored to present Norma Piper, a volunteer at the CEFS Moultrie County Food Pantry with a $500 check given by the county clerk’s recording vendor. Fidlar Technologies owners Ernie Riggen and Dave Steil stated they understand the responsibilities of the Recorder’s offices and the necessity to keep functioning during the challenges presented during the Coronavirus crisis. “In these trying times, we believe it’s important to give back and support the communities who are so vital to our customers. In the end, your communities are also part of our communities. We encourage you to promote and share with them everything that your office has accomplished.” Filar owners stated as they offered $500 to the charity of the Recorder’s choice.