•May 27, 2026•

The Sullivan Fire Protection District officially placed its new rescue pumper in service with a “push-in ceremony” on Monday, May 18th. The ceremony was performed by several of the Department’s children, “pushing” the truck into the apparatus bay. The ceremony is rooted in traditions of the past when fire apparatus were pulled by horses. The firefighters would have to push the wagons back into the station after a call to return them to service. Much has changed since then, while in some ways still remaining the very similar. The new engine features several updates while carrying older traditions into the future. Most noticeable is the blue paint color that Sullivan FPD has been known for for many years. Another tradition that was brought back was the single green light on the passenger side of the front of the apparatus. This is a tradition that is borrowed from the navy, which ships display a red light on the port side and a green light on the starboard side. It is meant to signify that help is coming toward you. Many past fire apparatus in Sullivan featured this light arrangement in the past, and it returns with the new Engine. 

by DM Williamee

Sullivan High and Middle School students will notice some changes when they return to school after this summer, most notably a modernized revamp of their library. The library is currently a small, utilitarian space compared to what students will find when they return to classes this fall. Principal Nathan Ogle, lead of the project, shared the new floor plans, layout, furniture, and modernization in the design of the coming space, which were all impressive and reflected a great deal of detailed planning.

•April 29, 2026•

Dr. Kent Stauder, superintendent of Okaw Valley CUSD #302, has been named the 2026 Superintendent of Distinction by his peers in the Abe Lincoln Region of the Illinois Association of School Administrators (IASA). Stauder was honored at an awards luncheon on April 23 in Springfield, where 21 regional Superintendents of Distinction were recognized. Dr. Steven Isoye, Chair of the Illinois State Board of Education, served as the featured speaker.

•April 15, 2026•

by DM Williamee

On Thursday, April 9th, One Book, One Sullivan (OBOS) experienced a record turnout of 130 people from the community, the largest turnout in nineteen years, for their annual student-led book reading. This year’s title, “The Fire, the Water, and Maudie McGinn,” by Sally J. Pla, drew both insightful and some rave reviews from those who read it. Rikki Ray, who began the OBOS program, shared that her students are especially passionate about OBOS, with three students sharing their experiences and perspectives.

Said SHS Emma Drake, a student participant of OBOS, “I signed up for OBOS at the suggestion of my elementary school librarian, Mrs. Fleming. I joined my 5th-grade year, and I have participated in OBOS since then. OBOS has helped me with so many life skills through middle school and high school. I’ve learned how to look at situations from new perspectives. I’ve also gained confidence in my leadership skills, trying to be the best role model I can, especially as a high schooler. I would encourage younger students to join and become involved. You always have strengths to add to a group, even if you don’t think you do. And if OBOS is not for you, get involved in something and find out what you are passionate about.”

•April 1, 2026•

by DM Williamee

On Saturday, April 28th, at building 1225, the annual Easter Marketplace was packed to the rafters with consumers taking advantage of the shopping and socialization opportunity while enjoying the peppy pop music piped throughout. There was a clear sense of community as one walked throughout the market, watching friends and neighbors ask each other for advice on a purchase, chat together, and exchange hugs.