Photo Submitted L- R: Grant Wade and Andrea Gerhard from HICF, Principal Nathan Ogle, and Library Aide Julie Parrish.
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.
Weaver Kiri Fagen-Ulmschneider demonstrates the split-shed weaving of a sampler tapestry.
by DM Williamee
On Saturday, May 2nd, the Illinois Amish Heritage Center (IAHC) held its annual (and newly named) “Sheep to Yarn to Quilts’ event in Arthur. The parking area was packed full, as attendees, both young and old, from near and far, attended the event. One young lady shared she came from Altoona, Pennsylvania, with a group of friends to attend the event and experience the Arthur and Amish communities and learn more about the Amish and their history.
The shearing of the sheep took place in the lower level of the Hershberger-Miller barn, with the animals both comfortable and familiar with the process as their heavy woolen and lanolin-laden coats were sheared off. Those shearing the sheep worked quickly and efficiently, from positioning the sheep to safely maneuvering them throughout the shearing process, which reflected practiced efficiency and years of experience.
Okaw Valley Superintendent Dr. Kent Stauder (center), Illinois State Board of Education Chairman Dr. Steven Isoye, and IASA Executive Director Dr. Brent Clark.
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.
1st Place Winners: “Dolan’s Divas”: Pictured left to right: Jeannie Barnes (MCHGS President), Nancy Kuhns, Melissa Dolan, Eudora Drollinger, Jacque Lane, Matt Lane, and Brian Crawford.
•April 22, 2026•
The Moultrie County Historical and Genealogical Society recently hosted two unique and dynamic events at the History Center. The first event, the MCHGS 2nd Annual Trivia Contest, saw eight eager teams of trivia buffs vie for bragging rights and prize money. Teams answered 80 trivia questions across eight categories, ranging from sports to movie stars to Moultrie County history. After much sweat and many tears, trivia mastery was ultimately claimed by “Dolan’s Divas” in 1st Place and “Big Bob’s Disciples” in 2nd Place. Sixty-four contestants came out to the History Center for a fun night of food, friends, and facts. The MCHS encourages both veteran trivia players and newbies to consider playing in the 3rd Annual Trivia Contest next year. Details will be announced in early 2027.
Photo by DM Williamee L-R, beginning at the top: Zeke Walk, Noah Davis, Edie Gibbons, Nora Becker, Libby Wall, Ava Warren, Violet Cohan, Aubrey Fultz, Charlie Martin, Scarlett Perrott, Michaela Blickensderfer, Gideon Walk, Sarah Windhorst, Mrs. Ray, Bentley Meadows, Emma Drake, Mrs. Powell, and Mitchell Wesselman.
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.”
On Friday, April 3rd (Good Friday), locals and children from near and far converged on the Sullivan Heritage Woods property, anticipating the annual Easter Egg hunt, even as a few drizzles of rain sporadically fell, but thankfully, no storm emerged to ruin the day. Amongst the festivities, there was a 50/50 drawing, a drawing for eight new children’s bicycles (two per age group), an adult gift basket drawing, pony rides, a petting zoo, bounce houses, and multiple local food and beverage vendors were on site.
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.
When was the last time you had a full-body, weak-in-the-knees, just-cannot-stop-it fit of laughter? For most adults, it’s likely been far too long, as American culture denotes getting older with becoming more serious, and in some instances, demanding that as adults, we be more serious. Despite that, a good sense of humor is often cited as an attribute found most desirable for both life partners and employees. That seems like counterintuitive sideways math, doesn’t it?
Photo by DM Williamee Gilbert Schriber, author, per-1840 period historian and craftsman, blows his horn as his patient wife of 61 years, Kathy, works beside him at their table. Mr. Schriber has been muzzle-loading and making crafts for 35 years.
by DM Williamee
Where to shop for the person who has everything? On Friday, March 13th and 14th, the Prairieland Frontiersmen held their 37th annual Historic Arts and Crafts show at the Sullivan American Legion. The Legion Hall was packed wall to wall with traders and artisans representing the colonial, fur trade, and Civil War eras, with their multitude of hand-made goods and wares on offer. Many men and women dressed in historical attire, spanning the different eras represented. From beautiful maple-stocked muzzle-loading rifles, all manner of loading gear, rattlesnake vertebrae earrings, fur accessories of all types, books and manuals, and beaded necklaces to leatherworks tanned and tooled, period pieces of clothing and camaraderie, the craft show was a step into the past.
On Monday, February 23rd, Grant Wade, HICF Philanthropic Advisor for Moultrie County, surprised three exceptional teachers with continuing education grants. Mrs. Morrow, Mrs. Martin, and Mrs. Moffett are among the first recipients of our 2026 Teacher Development Grant program. Each will attend the 2026 Pump-Up Primary Conference to gain fresh strategies and bring new energy and ideas back to their classrooms.
