Photo by Mike Brothers
Abe Lincon’s Hat
Moultrie County Sixth Circuit Judge Brad Rau read Abe Lincoln’s Hat to Lovington Grade School kindergartners last Friday. The children’s book by Martha Brenner is recommended by the Illinois Judge’s Association and explains how Lincoln kept important notes in his top hat to aid his poor memory. The kindergartners quizzed Judge Rau on the slavery issue as well as expressing their delight that Lincoln grew a beard following his election as president.
Photo by R.R. Best
State Finals for Okaw Valley
Coach Brad Ackers keeps the Okaw Valley girls’ team focused during Super-Sectional action against Mounds-Meridian in Salem Monday night. Elite Eight turned to Final Four as the Timberwolves travel to Redbird Arena in Bloomington for first round state final action against Stockton at 11:00 a.m. Friday.
Photo furnished
Voter machine set up
The Moultrie County Clerk’s office was busy Friday, Feb. 16 as Ken Gibson of Liberty Systems LLC set up the county’s voting machines. Early voting was delayed but has begun with Democratic Attorney General candidate Scott Drury approved for inclusion on the March 20 ballot. Gibson, along with assistants of the Liberty Systems team, had Moultrie County machines ready for use by Friday afternoon.
Photo furnished
OVHS in WYSE’s Competition
Okaw Valley High School finished third at the annual WYSE Competition at Lake Land College Feb. 2. Senior Ethan Macklin finished second in chemistry and third in math, and senior Quinn Brooks finished third in engineering graphics. They advance to the sectional which will be held at EIU in March.
The cover of Moultrie County Historical and Genealogical Society’s new book “Captured Moments” features a photo of natural prairie in the county as it appeared to early settlers. Committee members are taking advanced orders starting Feb. 15. Above seated from left: Gail Price, Janet Roney, and Pat Cribbit; (standing) Joe Pound and Paul Stone.
•February 14, 2018•
By Mike Brothers
Captured Moments, the new pictorial history of Moultrie County, launches discounted pre-sales Feb. 15 at the Moultrie County Historical and Genealogical Society Heritage Center in Sullivan.
The hardbound full color book covers Moultrie County’s history from Native Americans to 2017 with Janet Roney and Pat Cribbit putting together the 197 page pictorial history of the area in under a year.
“We have posted historic photographs on FaceBook and the post of the 1900s eclipse this year received 5000 hits,” Cribbit said. “So we knew people were interested.”
She has sorted through the thousands of photos from the historical society files to include 32 color photographs among the 300 featured in Captured Moments.
Roney and Gail Price discovered intriguing and sometimes controversial documents while researching the first four chapters of the narrative. Read More
Photo by R.R. Best
Tension Mounts
There were tense moments on the court and in the stands for fans during Regional tournament action last week. Sullivan upset No. 3 seeded Greenville and No. 2 seeded Tuscola to win the Arthur regional, then upset No. 1 seeded Marshall in the sectional semifinals Monday night in Effingham. They play again at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 15. More on page 10.
Photo courtesy Les Winkler
Redbird snowbird
The Cardinal above is making the most of this snow laced snack of sunflower seeds. Snow covered ground and single digit temps in Moultrie County hinder regular bird feeding. Cardinals, like the many fans of the baseball team, are waiting around for spring training and a chance at another season.
Photo furnished
OVHS Student
Selected for State Honors Choir
Okaw Valley junior Isabella Benning was selected to participate in the Illinois Music Educators Association All-State Conference in Peoria January 24-27. Benning qualified for Honors Choir through a rigorous audition process.
This festival is the highest honor that may be achieved by a high school musician. More than 1300 selected musicians representing more than 300 schools from across the state were chosen.
During the week they attended rehearsals with nationally known conductors, concerts, a college fair, and performed for the public on Saturday.
Photo furnished
ALAH FFA Students Place at Section Public Speaking Contest
Submitted by: Katie Gingerich,
ALAH FFA Reporter
The Section 17 FFA Public Speaking contest was held January 24 at Monticello High School. Makenna Green competed in Varsity Extemporaneous Public Speaking, and Zane Crist in Prepared Public Speaking.
Green drew a topic out of a hat and had 30 minutes to prepare a speech. She then presented her speech and answered questions about her topic. “It is really fun to have to think on your feet. I would definitely recommend it to kids to step outside of their comfort zone and learn to defend what you know and fly by the seat of your pants. And learn to conquer the fear of talking in front of people,” Green said.
Crist prepared a speech about the excess levels of nitrogen and phosphorus and stimulating the growth of algae. “These algae deplete oxygen from the water and eventually kill fish due to the low levels of oxygen. I liked it and I would recommend it,” he said.
Green and Crist each placed second in extemporaneous and prepared speaking respectively. They compete at the District 4 Public Speaking CDE in April.
Photo furnished
SES Gold Slip Awards
Pictured from back left to right: Ivan Moxley, Gavin Helmuth, Caidon Hill, Nixon Dundee, Tessla Ashbrook, Kendall Penberthy, Nevaeh Marlow
Front left to right: Avram Bates, Aiden Dinger At Sullivan Elementary School, students who go above and beyond expectations are awarded a “Gold Slip.”