Photo by Mike Brothers
Bus Stop
Schools all over Moultrie County are back in session. During this busy time of finding classes, getting to classes and getting to school it is important to remember students are getting on and off buses and drivers around the schools and buses should use extreme caution as the cargo is precious.
Photo by Mike Brothers
Gypsy Soul Revival
Gypsy Soul Revival is now open at 101 Jefferson St. in Sullivan, occupying the same building as the new Sullivan Chamber and Economic Development office. The building is being restored by Quality Network Services owner Mel Workman and the main floor includes space for Darby Berry’s Gypsy Soul, which features 15 local artisans’ works under one roof. Berry is open Tuesday through Friday 11-5 and Saturdays 10-3. Berry opened August 11 in the new location and is welcomed above by Chamber Executive Director Laurrie Minor. The Chamber office and a small business incubator are also located in the building.
Middle School Grows
This is the inaugural year for the new middle school classroom configuration. Over the summer the fifth grade class was moved into the original high school building enlarging the middle school to include fifth through eighth grades. The move made more space for a crowded elementary school and created excitement for the first fifth grade class included in Sullivan Middle School. Above sixth grader James Hauser and incoming fifth grader Frank Mirocha were excited to check out the next level before high school. Middle School principal Nathan Ogle said it was good to have the classrooms of the building filled with students. Supt. Ted Walk was stationed at Sullivan Elementary School where first through fourth graders were being “High Fived” by principal Dan Allen.
Photos by Mike Brothers
Musical High School
Sullivan High School students were provided front lawn DJ services on the first day of school as DJ’s Fire and Ice played requests as students were dancing their way into the school to Vanilla Ice’s “Ice, Ice Baby”. High School principal Erik Young is making his final selection before heading toward the halls as assistant principal Jessica Reeder discusses the music selection with approaching students.
Photo by R.R. Best
Lovington Wins at Water Ball
The Sullivan Fire Protection District helped kick off Moultrie County Relay for Life with the traditional water ball competition. Lovington, Bethany and Sullivan Fire District competed, with Lovington Fire Proetction District winning the traveling plaque this year. Above Bethany Fire Protection District lieutenant Robert Martz and Training captain Phil Ozier keep water jet focused on the ball, but couldn’t grab the victory. This year’s water ball competition was especially damp; a downpour prior to the Relay delayed opening events. Donations have poured in, and the fund drive is only $7,000 from the set goal of $50,000. It would be historic nationally to reach the goal; donations are still being accepted.
Photo by R.R. Best
Parking Space Art
With Sullivan students attending the first day of school Wednesday, August 15 high school seniors got a head start on the school year. Starting at 7:30 a.m. Friday, August 3 SHS seniors were allowed to personalize their parking spots. Above blue handprints mark the spot for Hannah Schlieker and Kyleigh Read.
Photo by Mike Brothers
The Northenders at DC
The Northenders endured a torrential downpour during the All Wheel Extravaganza in Dalton City on July 22. The Northenders Band members Jan Courtright, Chris Eckel and Mike Harmison survived all kinds of weather but kept on playing.
Photo by Mike Brothers
Shucking Corn
During the Steam Threshing and Baling show held at the Illinois Amish Heritage Center August 3 and 4 people from all over the area gathered at the Center east of Arthur to watch field demonstrations from early farming. Above the horse powered corn shucking machine cut a single row of stalks which were stacked on wagons for further preparation. Demonstrations of past farming operations included silage chopping, oat combining, disking, plowing, sickle mowing and hay loading by horses and tractors.
Photo by R.R. Best
Fun Week
The Sullivan Parks and Recreation week of fun came to a close on Friday with Sullivan Fire District providing a cool closing followed by serving lunch to everyone participating in the weeklong program. Above fire department volunteer Dave Reed, Fire Chief Mike Piper and volunteer Rob Young serve Park and Recreation summer program participants.
Photo by Mike Brothers
DC Extravaganza
The Eighth Annual All Wheel Extravaganza was held in Dalton City with 105 vehicles on display. Bob Montague of Sullivan brought his 347ci powered1962 Ford Ranchero with the crowd traveling to and from Harley’s Hide Out and the Shamrock during rainy spells. The Northenders endured weather and heat to play from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, July 22.