New Visitor Center and Museum expected to open in 2026
On Friday, April 25th, the Illinois Amish Heritage Society held a groundbreaking event for their new Visitor Center and Museum, which drew a sizable crowd. The mission is to respect the heritage, preserve the culture, and promote the understanding of the Illinois Amish. The vision is to be the gateway for experiencing Amish history and culture. Pictured are a horse and plough team at work, and the IAHC board, shovels in hand, performing the groundbreaking ceremony.
Recreation of a distracted/impaired driving accident at SHS
•April 30, 2025•
by Kenny Graven
On Thursday, April 24th at 10:30 a.m. in the Sullivan High School parking lot, students witnessed a dramatic and emotional demonstration with the goal of highlighting the dangers and consequences of drinking and distracted driving.
In a coordinated effort, the Sullivan Fire and Police Departments, the Moultrie County Sheriff’s Office, Moultrie County Coroner Lynn Reed, and McMullin-Young Funeral Home staged a realistic mock car accident. This powerful event was designed to show students the real-life consequences of impaired and distracted driving.
In 1978, Sandy Brix was a math teacher at Sullivan Junior High School. One of her students was Carla Moon. At the time neither one would imagine that almost five decades later the two would be writing a book together.
“That’s almost as interesting as our book is,” smiles Carla Moon Stirrett. “We’ve been friends for as long as I can remember. After Sandy quit teaching, she became the office manager at her husband’s veterinary clinic. And I also worked with her there for over 25 years.”
Emotional goodbye from colleagues, on to next chapter
•April 16, 2025•
by DM Williamee
On Friday, April 11th, Sullivan Fire Department’s Firefighter/Medic Daniel Boyer’s colleagues, friends, and family held a retirement party for him at the Sullivan Fire Department. The party was opened with prayer and the pledge of allegiance, and colleagues wished him the best in his next chapter of life after twenty years of faithful service. All extended heart-felt gratitude for his loyal service to the community, his loyalty and leadership within the fire department, and the sacrifices he made. Boyer could always be counted on to bring 100% for every shift, often working late and covering shifts. The formal ceremony ended with the presentation of an honorary plaque, the flag that flew over the fire station on his last day of service, and a traditional fire hat, ending with a radio “final call.” Afterwards, Boyer walked a procession line and individually thanked his colleagues with a handshake and a bear hug.
Election judges play an important role on Election Day protecting the integrity of our elections. Taking time out of their morning duties at the Sullivan polling location to pose for a photo are seated, (l-r) Cindy Haegen, Leroy Fifer, Joe Cohan and standing, (l-r) Karen Goss, Cheryl Thomas and Dan Fultz.
Low turnouts, few contested in Moultrie County
•April 9, 2025•
This year’s April 1 Consolidated Election results reflect a low turnout in Moultrie County races, with few contested and fewer surprises. Official Moultrie County statistics show just 1,596 ballots cast of the 8,807 total voters, just an 18.1% turnout. In the few contested races however, turnout was a little higher.
In the Village of Bethany trustee race, Gene Mueller, Karen Jeffers and Greg McLain were elected to fill the three available seats. The Village of Dalton City saw Shelby Hutchens defeat Michael Couch 83-48 for the mayors seat. The Village of Lovington turnout at the polls was increased by a race for Village President between April Daily and Brittany Bates. Bates took the seat with a 164-79 vote. William (Bill) Richardson was re-elected as Township Highway Commissioner in Dora with 80.8% of the vote over challenger Alex Ballweg. Dora Township also elected four trustees, Larry Crawley, Steven Smith, Bill Chandler and Jeffery Watts emerged in the seven person race.
Family, humor, and gratitude key to quality of life at any age
•April 2, 2025•
by DM Williamee
"Growing old is mandatory, but growing up is optional.” – Walt Disney.
Only 0.027 percent of the US population will live an entire century, making the three centenarian ladies at Sullivan’s Heritage Woods a standout in any community. Bright, cheerful, and friendly, these ladies shared some insights into what quality of life means to them.
Lorraine Livesay
Lorraine Livesay, 100, referred to as the “baby of the bunch”, shared that the happiest times of her life were her 40s and 50s. She was still working, was in good health, and enjoyed the company of her children and grandchildren. Some of her happiest memories as a child and teen were visiting friends and families on their local area farms (she was a town girl), where she would see the animals and help out however she could. These days, the things that make her the happiest are good jokes and happy people. Lorraine is also a sports fan who particularly loves basketball and baseball (never having been a fan of football). “Go Cubs! Like they say, maybe next year…” she chuckled.
New facility will expand studio and local childcare
•March 26, 2025•
by DM Williamee
Empower Academy held a groundbreaking ceremony on Friday, March 21st. Owners Ryan and Melissa Krieger are planning to build 20,000+ square foot building that will expand Sullivan Dance Studio’s operations, as well as provide 126 licensed childcare spots in the future. The studio and facility will be licensed and accepting childcare assistance funding.
The new name was inspired by Melissa’s passion of empowering our community’s youth. The facility will house multiple dance spaces, tumbling, childcare, and parties/events as well as the childcare spots. Ryan and Melissa experienced first-hand the local childcare crisis when looking for care for their 3 daughters. The frustrations of lack of availability and non-conducive operating hours inspired Melissa towards change.
L-R: Andrea Wardrip, Stephanie Leinard, Tracy Garmon, Natalie Beck, Sage Hale, Brittany Bates, Jamie Franklin
Local group works to help launch local community members’ business aspirations
•March 19, 2025•
by D.M. Williamee
On March 4th, the Lovington Working Women’s Collective (LWWC) held its quarterly Open House in Lovington, with guest speaker Nathalie Beck, CEO of the Heart of Illinois Foundation, who spoke about how her foundation provides resources to improve the quality of life for residents of the communities served. Natalie, “believes in philanthropy’s unique ability to deliver “innovation capital” while leveraging partnerships.” The soup and freshly baked sourdough bread were provided by Hanna Heady with “Hanna’s Sourdough & Signs” and enjoyed by all in attendance.
Pictured are the One Book, One Sullivan student participants and teacher/advisor Rikki Ray.
•March 12, 2025•
by D.M. Williamee
Founded in 2007, and funded by Rotary under Rotary Club’s reading initiative, “One Book, One Sullivan” connects middle school and high school students with the community at large through reading. Each yearly event allows students to interact with adults in the community where they discuss the book chosen by the students. Students learn better communication, leadership, and critical thinking skills in this program, monthly student meetings and this yearly public event.
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is seeking campground hosts for the 2025 camping season for state parks, recreation areas, and historic sites throughout Illinois.
Campground hosting is the perfect position for anyone who enjoys camping and helping other people. Hosts are often the first face to greet state park visitors. They check on arrivals and departures, write camping permits, acquaint campers with park facilities and regulations, answer questions about local and statewide attractions, help visitors plan outings, and more.
