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SES Visits Nature Center
First graders from Sullivan Elementary School took a trip to Ballard Nature Center in Altamont. Presenters from the nature center taught them all about birds and insects while discussing this year’s theme, “things with wings”. Students participated in a nature hike where they found plenty of “things with wings” native to Illinois natural habitats. Students also played hands-on games where they guessed the animal or insect based on certain characteristics. Finally, they got to explore and play inside Ballard’s wonderful Discovery Education Center.

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Fun in the Sun
Kids from Lovington gathered at Tom Conn Park every day from 11:00 to 2:00 for the village Recreation Summer fun program. Children spent the week enjoying a variety of activities to help kick off the summer in a big way.

Photo by Mike Brothers
Food Pantry Donation
Following the Memorial Day Weekend Block Party in Sullivan, 5 West Coffee and Wine Lounge and Toy Bar donated $400 to the Food Pantry from the door proceeds of the event. Pictured are Cathrine and JR Craig, owners of 5 West, and Kristy Dawson, director of the Moultrie County Food Pantry. “We created this event to encourage more residents and tourists to visit the downtown area. But it’s also important to us to give back to the community. We’re happy to share our success,” Cathrine said of the donation.

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SES Gold Slip Students
Sullivan Elementary School recognizes students who go above and beyond expectations by giving them “Gold Slips.” The SES Gold Slip winners from April and May are (from left to right): Cali Szabo and Emmersyn Jianonni (not pictured) helped a kindergarten student clean up his spilled tray in the cafeteria. Carigan Cole observed two students working together and noticed that one of the students was getting frustrated. Cole asked whether she could help the frustrated student because she felt she could encourage him and teach him the concept.
Cannin Hall finished early during art class. He started washing out paint brushes when students finished painting. When Mrs. Auten checked the sink he was using, it was spotless. Hall showed respect to Mr. Crowe and the school by making sure he left no mess. Aceon Fryman helped the cafeteria staff clean up the kitchen after lunch. Nevaeh Wilson and Alyssa Ray took it upon themselves to clean up a paint mess that was in the hallway. They are both very helpful throughout the year and take pride in their school.

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OVES Tours Ag Plots
Okaw Valley High School FFA gave tours of their agriculture plots Wednesday to OVES students and staff. The high school students planted corn in the afternoon with help from Monsanto and Sloans [John Deere]. OV students will spend the summer tending to their four bee hives and keeping the area mowed while monitoring the growth of their crops.