File photo
Keeping Cool
July temperatures remind us the season’s go on no matter what the human condition is. Above kayaking and canoeing on the Kaskaskia helped cool those hot summer days, but that was last year. This year would require a little more social distancing to keep cool on the river.
Photo by R.R. Best
Mobile Coronavirus Testing
The Douglas County Health Department offered mobile testing for corona virus last week. Those wishing to be tested drove up to the Moultrie-Douglas Fairground where they were greeted by testers. Douglas County Health Dept. Director Amanda S. Minor, MPH, LEHP, expressed her appreciation for the partnerships with the Village of Arthur, Arthur Police, Douglas County Sheriff, IT and highway, the park board, Douglas County MRC volunteers and the Millikin University nursing students. “Because of everyone
working together and sharing resources, we had a great turnout and it went very smoothly,” Minor said. “We are hopeful to have another one soon in Tuscola for the Eastern part of the county to again be accessible to all of the residents.” There were 101 tested at the mobile clinic with five positive for Douglas County and two for Moultrie County, Stacy Shonkwiler, RN, MSN Director of Nursing at the Douglas County Health Department reported.
Photo by R.R. Best
Jeepin for Jesse
Hundreds filled the streets outside the Toy Bar in Sullivan dressed in Halloween costumes for the annual Secret Santa Jeepin for Jesse cruise and fundraiser. Prizes were awarded the best costume as well as the best decorated Jeep. The July 11 cruise highlighted locations in Moultrie County before returning to Sullivan in the afternoon.
Photo by R. R. Best
Sullivan provided fireworks and the people came from miles around to enjoy. With most communities canceling Fourth Celebrations people came in droves to watch the Sullivan Fourth of July parade and fireworks celebration on Saturday, July 4. Sullivan American Legion Post 68 is the annual Fourth Celebration sponsor.
Photo furnished
Beacon Serves
The Lighthouse Kitchen located at the Moultrie County Beacon at 401 W Water street is now serving lunch on Wednesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and dinner on Thursday’s from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. You do not need to call ahead. Just follow the signs.
Photo by Mike Brothers
Boy Scout Troop 39 led the Sullivan Fourth of July Parade on Saturday displaying the Colors on behalf of the Sullivan American Legion Post 68 and its Honor Guard.
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.