Photo by Ellen Ferrera
Honor Drive Exceeds Goal
From her mother Stephanie’s lap, River Helmuth blows kisses to those who participated in her Honor Blood Drive September 15 at the Sullivan American Legion. With 104 donors, the drive exceeded its goal of 100 and coordinator Jeri Davis received a special certificate from the American Red Cross.
Photo by Ariana Cherry
Arthur Cheese Fest Visitors
Sean and Bailey Clark of Sullivan brought grandmother Tari Howard and family to the Arthur Cheese Festival over the weekend. Nephew Jensen Howard, 5; daughter Brooklynn Clark, 5 and niece Joslynn Howard, 3, all waited for and received free cheese. The family spent their time eating lunch (fried macaroni was a favorite), getting free cheese and visiting the petting zoo.
Photo furnished
SES Holds Scholastic Book Fair
RSVP volunteer Janet Paslay watches Dimitri Schrock count out his money with the help of his mom LaDonna while brother Aaron waits his turn at the SES Scholastic Book Fair.
Photo by Ellen Ferrera
Candidates Gather for Dinner
Democratic candidates attending the spaghetti dinner hosted by the Moultrie County Democrat Party Sept. 14 at Sullivan American Legion Post 68 . From left County Board candidate Gary Smith, Sixth Circuit judge candidate Ramona Sullivan, U.S. District 15 Congressional candidate Kevin Gaither, Circuit Clerk Beth Pruitt, Sixth Circuit judge candidate Chad Beckett, County Clerk Georgia England, County board candidate Steve Mayberry, and County Treasurer candidate Diane Waggoner. Glenn Poshard, retired U.S. Congressman, was the headline speaker and gave an impassioned speech calling for a return to a time when those at home and abroad could trust America to keep promises, commitments and treaties. He received a rousing standing ovation from the capacity-filled crowd.
Photo furnished
OVES Grandparents Play
OVES Grandparents Day had visitors participating in all sorts of activities under the direction of student assistants Molly Phillips and Kailey George.
Photo by Jeni Yantis
King and Queen of OVHS
Garrett Tippit and Bella Benning were crowed as the 2018 Okaw Valley High School Homecoming King and Queen at the Homecoming Dance Saturday, September 8.
Photo by Mike Brothers
SHS Patriot’s Day
Area first responders were honored at SHS observance of Patriot’s Day on Tuesday, Sept. 11 with Becky Lawson’s Mirror Images English Careers class coordinating the 17th anniversary reflection on the day in 2001 when the Twin Towers in New York City and the Pentagon in Washington D.C were attacked by terrorist flown jet air liners filled with passengers. Above local first responders were among those recognized. Bagpiper Paul Vincent once again concluded the Patriot’s Day observation playing Flowers of the Forest. First responders were then served lunch by the school.
Photo furnished
Democrat Open House
The Moultrie County Democratic Party has a new election headquarters at 16 W. Harrison Street in Sullivan.
Central Committee Chair Tim Singer and local candidates are holding an Open House 4-7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 27. Visitors are invited to check out the headquarters, meet candidates and pick up literature, yard signs and bumper stickers.
Moultrie County Democrats are holding the annual spaghetti dinner at the Sullivan American Legion beginning at 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 14. Speakers include Illinois treasurer Michael Frerichs.
Drone photo R.R. Best
Cruise Night from Above
Sullivan Street Machine Association’s 39th annual Cruise Night on the Sullivan square was held Saturday, Sept. 1 and was captured in this drone photo by R.R. Best. The event drew classic show cars and hot rods from the region with more than $1500 in door prizes given away. Young drivers 3-9 competed in a Power Wheels Demo Derby. Bounce houses and a dunk tank offered entertainment for the young with Shovelhead the featured musical act. Boy Scout Troop #39, AmBuC’s and Wood Real Estate Insurance were primary outside sponsors of Cruise Night.
Findlay Area Farmer Don Keown Honored With Tractor Cruise
Findlay area farmer Don Keown died in April 2018 but his spirit was present during a tractor cruise held in his honor Sunday, August 26. Don’s son, David emphasized his dad loved driving his 1953 International Super M in area tractor rides, and this year the son drove one of dad’s antique collection along with 24 tractors from all over the area that gathered at Findlay School.
Antique tractors, 28 people and a support vehicle made the complete circuit.
The 38 mile journey began on back roads from Findlay to Bethany, down Wilborn Creek Road toward Camp Camfield and to lunch at the Sullivan V.F.W. then back to Findlay.
Don’s brother Larry also drove the 1953 Farmall Super M their father bought new. The ride went from Findlay past the Wright Cemetery where Don is buried and the family had gathered. David pointed out it was a good way to view the country and crops at 12 miles per hour; plus the funds raised went to the Okaw Valley FFA Alumni for future scholarships.