
Photo by R. R. Best
Cameron Sharp drives the lane against Neoga Saturday.

Photo by R. R. Best
Cameron Sharp drives the lane against Neoga Saturday.

Photo furnished
SHS Illinois State Scholars
Congratulations to this year’s Illinois State Scholars: Gary Herschberger, Aiden Short, Shyanne Hunter, Adalee Nichols, and Kaitlyn White. This is a tremendous honor that requires hard work, intelligence, and dedication. Illinois State Scholars are chosen through a formula that is based off of SAT scores and class rank.

Photo furnished
Feast of the Epiphany
On Saturday, January 4 Saint Columcille parishioners were blessed with a visit from the Magi (from left to right: Ron Auer, Rob Farabaugh, and Duane Deters)!
Catholics bless their home on the Feast of the Epiphany by marking above the doorway with blessed chalk and pray for God’s blessing during the coming year. An Epiphany Party was enjoyed by all in the Parish Center.

Photo by R.R. Best
Flooded Road
The intersection of CR1425N and 1575E was impassable Saturday morning. Asssitant Fire Chief Larry Edwards reported the Sullivan Fire Protection District was called to the location east of Jonathon Creek Christian Church at 8:09 a.m. Jan. 11 where they assisted the dive team in rescuing the vehicle and its driver from high water. The Dodge van stalled in about two feet of water at the intersection as the driver was en route to transport members of the Amish community. Moultrie County Dive team member Jason Smith (left) prepares the van for towing as Moultrie County Sheriff Chris Sims discusses the weather with the driver. No injuries were involved with Sullivan Fire District and Dive Team personnel clearing the scene at 9:49 a.m.

Photo furnished
2019-2020 Windsor High School Homecoming Court
Windsor High School will be hosting its Homecoming Dance on Saturday, January 25th at the high school. Coronation will be at 7:30 p.m. and is open to the public. This year’s theme is Hawaiian Luau. Court members are pictured, Back row L to R: King candidates Mason Campbell, Brandon Milligan, and Eli Howard, Junior attendant Morgan Greuel, Sophomore attendant Sam Welton, and Freshman attendant Rhett Rincker. Front row L to R: Queen candidates Ava Bennett, Hannah Reed, and Zoe Nichols, Junior attendant Haley Beck, Sophomore attendant Karlie Bean, and Freshman attendant Kiersten Wheeler.

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State VOD Competitor
SHS Senior Blake Thompson won the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ district Voice of Democracy competition and will advance to the state competition. Thompson presented his winning speech January 5 at a VFW district meeting in Decatur where he received a medal, an all-expenses paid weekend trip to Springfield, and award money. VFW commander Russell Craig, VFW Auxiliary Commander Valerie Turnbow, VOD coordinator Jennifer Hobbs, sponsoring teacher Becky Lawson; parents: Candi Cole and Matthew Cole (step dad), father Carl Thompson; grandparents: Daniel Adrian and Gaye Adrian plus several other local VFW and VFW auxiliary members attended the awards ceremony.

Photo by Dennis Garman
Sparrows Wraps
Lovington based volunteers for Sparrows gathered at the Church of God Community Center in Lovington Saturday morning to wrap gifts and make deliveries to more than 144 local children.

Photo by Mike Brothers
Christmas Hams Donated
Christmas dinner will be much better for families served by the C.E.F.S. Moultrie County Food pantry thanks to one couple who takes the spirit of Holiday giving seriously. Sullivan IGA provided 100 hams to go along with Christmas dinners prepared for county families in need. Delivering the hams to the Food Pantry located in Sullivan from the Sullivan IGA meat department on Friday, December 20 were from left: Mason Harner, Emmalee Hortenstine, Meat Dept. manager Barry Golden, Julie Delpino, Seth Cobb and Blake Eller.

Photo furnished
Voice of Democracy Winners
Blake Thompson receives his award for winning the local Voice of Democracy contest from the VFW. Larry Gregory of the Sullivan VFW is presenting him with the award at the Veterans Day assembly at SHS. He is one of four district finalists and will learn if he advances to the next level on January 5 at the VFW in Decatur. Seventh grader Olivia Leigh Cordes is the local post winner for Patriot’s Pen and receives a $100 award. Jennnifer Hobbs at SES coordinated the contest, and Rebecca Lawson was Thompson’s sponsoring teacher. He also won the Career English VOD contest as well.

Photo by R.R. Best
Sunday Morning Fire
Early morning Sunday morning several explosions rocked the neighborhood at 511 S. Grant St., Sullivan. Those explosions were caused by medical oxygen bottles located inside the home with the cause of the fire under investigation, according to a news release from Sullivan Fire Protection Dist. Chief Mike Piper.
Sullivan, Bethany and Lovington fire departments responded to the 1:21 a.m. fire. When SFD fire fighters arrived the fire was showing and all occupants out of the house. One occupant was treated on the scene by EMS for minor smoke inhalation. No injuries were reported.
The home and most personal items sustained heavy fire, smoke, and water damage and is estimated a complete loss. Red Cross was contacted and responded to the scene assisting occupants with personal needs. Fire crews cleared the scene by 4:40 a.m. Dec. 15.