Category Archives: Standalone Photo

Arthur Fire District Delivers

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Photo furnished Arthur Fire District Delivers Members of the Arthur Fire Protection District and volunteers delivered 90 boxes of food and toys Saturday, Dec. 15 to families living in the fire district. Arthur FD has a roster of 34 firefighters, but on delivery day they got help. Most of the volunteers were college age young adults who have helped in the past and came back to assist again.

Christmas Hams

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Photo by Mike Brothers Christmas Hams Once again the generosity of Moultrie County residents was exhibited with the annual donation of 100 hams from Sullivan IGA to the Moultrie County Food Bank. The anonymous donor helps complete Christmas dinner once the staff at the Food Bank create the holiday boxes for families. Above Sullivan IGA meat department staff made the delivery to the Food Bank in plenty of time for Christmas dinner. Front Mason Harner, back from left Seth Cobb, IGA Meat Dept. manager Barry Golden and Emmalee Hortenstine.

Carolers Visit Senior Center

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Photo by Ellen Ferrera Carolers Visit Senior Center Sullivan Elementary School fourth graders entertained Mid-Illinois Senior Center visitors on Dec 17.Courtney Leach, SES Music Teacher, led some 80 members of the Elementary School Choir from their bus into the Senior Center on Wednesday to sing carols to the audience gathered for the concert. The children, all dressed in red and white Santa caps, were seated on the floor and sang such favorites as “Let it Snow”, “Silent Night”, “Deck the Halls” and “We Wish you a Merry Christmas”. The Elementary School Choir presented a delightful song, “Christmas Rush”, with choreographed with dance movements, shopping bags with long Christmas lists. They finished with a medley of Christmas songs. Santa and Norma Piper from RSVP were at the door to give each child a candy cane and a bag of cookies as they exited to a loud applause from the happy seniors.

Youth Advisory Council

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Sen. Chapin Rose hosts dozens of students during Youth Advisory Council in Champaign. Students from Okaw Valley and Sullivan high schools attended. Sullivan High School students L to R: Zane Finfrock, Carley Towle, Adalee Nichols, Sen. Rose.

Sparrows Wrap

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Photo by Darian Hays
Sparrows Wrap
On Saturday Dec. 8 Lovington area volunteers gathered at the Lovington Church of God community building where Sparrows Unlimited helpers such as Tracy Garmon meticulously wrapped gifts to be presented to nearly 100 Lovington area children while village trustee Dennis Garmon volunteered as DJ, playing Christmas music all morning.

Secret Santa Delivers

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Secret Santa Delivers
It was Operation Secret Santa gift distribution on Dec 15 at the Moultrie County Beacon. Secret Santa helped more than 80 families and 265 kids to celebrate Christmas this year. Pictured are some of the volunteers: Justine Brewer, Angie Coy, Lisa Sheehan, Cheryl Thomas, Areiana Donaldson, Kassie Waggoner, Brock Waggoner and Elizabeth Houser.

IGA Gives to Secret Santa

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Photo by Mike Brothers
IGA Gives to Secret Santa
As the holiday season heads toward Christmas, volunteers for Secret Santa are on their way to Kohl’s in Forsyth to shop for 265 kids in need. Local coordinator Kassie Waggoner said 30 volunteers helped shop Friday, Dec. 7 with each Secret Santa sponsored child receiving two outfits and two gift items. Sullivan Chief of Police Jim Waggoner explained the number in need increased by more than 100 kids this year. “It’s a testimony to the support of the community,” Waggoner said. “Thanks to donations from businesses such as Sullivan IGA we continue to help those who need it most.” Pictured above Chief Waggoner and daughter Kassie accept the annual Sullivan IGA donation of $500 from store manage Pat Stinson.

Live Nativity Walk is in Lovington

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Live Nativity Walk is in Lovington
The Lovington First Church of God will present their fourth annual live walk through nativity event, “O Come Let Us Adore Him”, on Saturday, December 15 from 5–7 p.m. at the Family Life Center located at 305 West State Street.
Come share and experience the true meaning of Christmas, which features costumed characters and live animals.
Hot chocolate, cookies and live readings of the nativity story are provided inside the Life Center where the kids can make a Christmas keepsake.
The Lovington United Methodist Church Christmas choir will perform a special preview of their Christmas cantata, “Good News from Home” at 6 p.m.
This event is a free gift to the community from the Lovington First Church of God.

Decoration Team

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Photo by Mike Brothers
Decoration Team
It took 25 Sullivan Pre School students just a little while to add their personal Christmas decorations to the tree in the Moultrie County courthouse rotunda recently. The young Santa helpers also received a visit from Santa Claus and got a chance to tell him their Christmas Eve wishes.

Jeremy Richey Sworn as Resident Judge

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Jeremy Richey Sworn as Resident Judge
Jeremy Richey was sworn in as Moultrie County resident judge for the sixth circuit during ceremonies at the Moultrie County Courthouse Thursday, Nov. 29.
Chief Judge of the Sixth Circuit the Honorable Richard L. Broch of Douglas County presided over a courtroom filled with family, friends and colleagues of the former State’s Attorney of Moultrie County. Judge Broch noted that in his new role Judge Richey must prepare each case keeping in mind that every case is the most important case to the person involved.
The Honorable Judge Hugh Finson of Piatt County administered Richey’s oath. After his swearing in, the Honorable Judge Richey thanked his family, and those attending the ceremony. A reception was held in Courtroom B for those attending. Above, Richey’s wife Cassie helps with his robe.