Photo furnished
OVHS/Corps Get to Work
Tanner Coleman and Dylan Holt, seniors at Okaw Valley High School, met with Corps of Engineer officials recently. They will participate in a year long work study in which they will work mornings with the Corps. The students will participate in a variety of projects around Lake Shelbyville. Coleman is the son of Tracy Coleman and Chrissy Grant, and Holt is the son of Mike and Candis Holt.
Photo furnished
New Faces at Okaw Valley CUSD #302
Okaw Valley CUSD #302 would like to welcome new staff members. From left to right: Superintendent, Kent Stauder, Okaw Valley Elementary Aide: Kara Thomas, Okaw Valley Second Grade Teacher: Mandy Stollard, Okaw Valley Fourth Grade Teacher: Ashley Christensen, Okaw Valley Third Grade Teacher: Kalyn Poland, Okaw Valley High School Science Teacher: Shelby Mueller, and Okaw Valley Resource Aide: Diana Seitz.
Drone photo by RR Best
Bethany Fire Protection District
On Saturday, August 12 the Bethany Fire Protection District put equipment on display outside the building as the public was welcomed inside during the annual open house celebration for refreshments from 4-7 p.m.
Photo furnished
Wins Festival Preteen Pageant
Okaw Valley seventh grader Grace Moeller was recently crowned Miss Preteen at the Illinois Preteen festival held during Decatur Celebration.
Photo by RR Best
Slip Sliding Away
Sophia Smith is making the most of the Sullivan Fire Department water fun day at Wyman Park. This the third year that the Sullivan Fire Dept. has organized a cookout and water day for park rec students. More than 100 children enjoyed the day. Firefighters grilled and served hot dogs, chips and drinks to all the students. All food was donated by Courtyard Estates, Sullivan IGA and Sullivan Elementary School. After lunch, the aerial truck was pulled over to the open lots by the park shed and the children got to slip n’ slide on giant tarps as the aerial truck sprayed down on them. Fire Department volunteers also had a sprinkler system set up which cast off water that became tiny mud puddles which the children enjoyed even more. One group even created a dam, where the sidewalk slopes down, using grass, sticks and other things they could find. They all left filthy and wet but the most heard comment: “This was the best Park Rec day ever!” See Page 11 of this week's issue. There are also more photos here.
Photo by Mike Brothers
Dalton City Car Show
Rick Schoonover of Decatur and his granddaughter check out Carl and Joyce Patrick’s 1947 Ford Coupe at the 7th annual Dalton City Car Show held July 23. Crowds and cool cars gathered on a hot summer day to enjoy festivities while many spent the afternoon in air conditioning at Harley’s Hide Out and the Shamrock which are main sponsors of the annual event.
Photo by RR Best
Tragic Crash
Services were held Tuesday for 41 year old Robert Day of Hammond. Day, a member of the Hammond Fire Department, died as a result of a 6:30 p.m. July 20 crop sprayer/train accident on CR2000N near the Hwy. 121 intersection south of Dalton City. First responders from Sullivan, Bethany, Mt. Zion, Dora Township and Illinois State Police assisted at the scene. Area first responders formed the processional from Hammond to St. Isidore Catholic Church Cemetery.
Photo furnished
European Vacation
Young adults from Sullivan recently traveled to London, Paris, Florence and Rome with Marsha Kirby through Education First Tours. Pictured from left: Lexi Elder, Kelsey Clark, Katie Webb, Jon Gavin, Brendan Rau. The students were able to visit many historical sites including Buckingham Palace, the Eiffel Tower, the Palace of Versailles, Trevi Fountain, and Pompeii. Kirby is currently putting together a trip to Germany, Austria & Switzerland for the summer of 2018 and a trip to Washington D.C. for summer 2019. This is not limited to students but is open to all members of the community. Those interested should call Marsha Kirby at 217-853-6842 for more information.
Photo by Ellen Ferrera
What Is This?
Every time motorists drive north on Route 32 to Lovington they pass a monument on the right side of the road, but they may not have noticed it. It is a memorial to Charles R. France who donated some 200 acres to Masonic Charities. The inscription on the plaque reads:
Charles R. France, Apr. 1, 1888 Jan. 17, 1968.
Memorial Farm: By his widow Mrs. Enid R. France. A freemason of the past, who provided for those of the future by dedicating this farm to Masonic Charity.
This plaque erected by the Illinois Masonic Home AD 1980 AL 5980
Photo by Mike Brothers
Chesterville Derby Winner
Winning the first Belgian Draft Horse race in the world at the Illinois Amish Heritage Center July 21 was Rose. In a two furlong race Rose won by a length, in a world record eight second time. The Cadwell entry is pictured with rider Daniel Yoder claiming the inaugural Chesterville Derby trophy which remains on display at the Amish Interpretive Center located west of Chesterville on Hwy 133. The Belgian Draft horses racing included members of the Moses Yoder house pull team from September 2016.