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Hole in One at Eagle Creek
Bob Montgomery of Sullivan became the latest Hole in One club member at Eagle Creek Golf Course. On August 9, Montgomery hit a Nike golf ball with his nine iron for a 125 yard drive to the cup.

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Early Pay Off
The Moultrie County Board was able to make the final $64,583.33 payment on the county jail last week. Budget chairman Ron White noted the county was able to retire the $1 million loan 11 years early due to extra income generated through housing federal prisoners early on. Five county banks participated in the local debt certificate, accounting for the local share of financing for the jail. A $4 million grant helped finance the majority of the jail. Above Moultrie County budget chair Ron White (left) and Moultrie County Board chairman Dave McCabe (right) present First Mid Illinois Bank president Larry Stenger with the final payoff for the local loan.

Photo by Mike Brothers
Slick Ramp Claims Vehicles
Campers John and Sara Wilson of Hillsboro were preparing to take friends on a pontoon boat tour of Lake Shelbyville at approximately 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 3. The afternoon of lake fun was spoiled when the Jeep Liberty pulling the pontoon got pulled into the lake at the Bo Wood ramp. Sheriff Chris Sims arrived as the top of the Jeep was still visible and its windshield wipers continued to work. Wilson explained he had lowered the trailer with pontoon down the ramp. He stopped, put on the brake and got out of the Jeep to unhook the pontoon from the boat trailer. Sara alerted John that the Jeep was sliding toward the water. He was able to get inside, but attempts to pull the Jeep away from the algae coated boat ramp were in vain. Shelby County dive team members pictured above: Austin Prichard, Scott Jefson, Mark Shanks and Matt Menis with Moultrie dive team member Amanda Farley in background, prepare to go into the lake to hook up the Jeep for Walker’s Towing Service to pull it out. Moultrie County Sheriff’s Department and the Illinois Department of Conservation closed the ramp for about two hours during the Jeep rescue. Later that night the sheriff’s department returned to the Bo Wood ramp where yet another vehicle fell victim to the algae covering on the concrete ramp. On Saturday night another vehicle incident was reported at the Wilborn Creek boat ramp, and rescue workers returned to the lake. The U.S. Army Corp of Engineers noted that stagnant conditions in water levels teamed with warm temperatures increase algae growth. Ramps are inspected daily and treated with algaecides and power washed when needed.

Lemonade for a Cause
Five enterprising Sullivan elementary students served lemonade with a purpose on the square last Wednesday.
Darby Harden, owner of Gypsy Soul, where the Lemonade for School Supplies stand was set up on her front sidewalk, explained the students decided to accept school supply donations by selling lemonade.
In addition to accepting supplies they were raising funds through donations to help students who need supplies when school begins August 22.
Harden said she would continue to accept school supply donations after the stand closes, turning the supplies and donations over to Sullivan schools.
Those hawking lemonade and water for a dollar on the square were: Photo at left (from left) Callie Standerfer, Ruby Haegen, Bella Harden, Tessa Seeley, and Ava Shriver.

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Sullivan Women’s Philanthropy
Several women gathered at 5 West Thursday, July 28 to raise money for a nonprofit organization in Sullivan. Individuals and teams collectively raised $3500 that will go to The Little Theatre on the Square. Selection was made in a random drawing containing all suggested nonprofits. The next meeting is October 27.