Photos by R.R. Best Remembrance A Memorial Day observance was held in Sullivan on Monday morning. Since 1971, when Congress declared Memorial Day a national holiday, it has continued to be a dedicated day for honoring U.S. military personnel who have died while serving in the United States armed forces. Over 1.3 Million Americans have paid the ultimate sacrifice for their nation. The ceremony was led by the Sullivan American Legion.
•May 22, 2024•
by Sharon Barricklow
More than $54 million in projected development and the potential for more than 100 new residents had Sullivan City Council members smiling at their regular meeting Thursday night.
Commissioner Douglas Shook told the council plans were moving ahead for several new developments including restaurants, small businesses and housing. One $11.5 million project will build 22 new homes throughout Sullivan through a federal program.
“The houses will be built on existing city lots where either the lot is vacant or the property abandoned,” Shook said. “It will help us integrate new housing and new residents into our existing community.”
Along with hoping to attract new residents, development projects in the works include a new day care center and other public facilities. Shook said the new development could add up to $60 million to the city’s tax base. Read More
•May 15, 2024•
Students from the Arthur Christian School, ALAH High School, Arthur Grade School, Atwood-Hammond Grade School, and Lovington Grade School recently participated in the 2024 Americanism Essay Contest. Sponsored by the Arthur Legion Auxiliary #479, the Atwood Legion Auxiliary #770, and the Lovington Legion Auxiliary #429, the competition aimed to encourage students to reflect on the question “Why Am I Proud to be an American?” Read More
•May 8, 2024•
by Sharon Barricklow
The Sullivan City Council hired a local resident as City Treasurer, renewed a long standing energy contract and approved an increase in water and sewer rates at their May 2 meeting.
The council voted to hire Kassie Waggoner as the new City Treasurer.
“Kassie and her family are long-time residents and we’re glad to have her with us,” said Mayor Mike Mossman. Read More
•May 1, 2024•
Five members of the Sullivan High School Chapter of FCCLA (Family, Career, Community Leaders of America), along with their two advisors, attended the 2024 Illinois FCCLA State Leadership Conference held in Springfield, IL April 11-April 13th. This conference drew attendance from 79 FCCLA Chapters in the State, with 635 of the members in attendance as STAR and Proficiency Competitors, across 45 different events. Members in attendance from Sullivan were Sarina Voegel, Addison Brush, Linnea Graham, Kya Allen, and Claire Welch. Former SHS FCCLA Alumni, and current SHS FCCLA advisors Kali Taylor and Jennifer Voegel attended this three day conference with their students. Read More
•April 24, 2024•
By Sharon Barricklow
Where Sullivan gets its energy and how to make sure it keeps coming was the main topic of discussion at the Sullivan City Council meeting last Thursday.
The council heard a presentation from representatives of the Illinois Municipal Electric Agency. The non profit IMEA currently acts as the agent supplying Sullivan’s electrical power with a contract through 2035. The agency is asking the council to consider adding years to the contract, making it effective through 2050. Kevin Gaden, President and CEO of the agency told the council the group hopes to make all power to its member communities renewable energy by 2035. Read More
•April 17, 2024•
Tim Uphoff, Findlay HS Class of 1981, has been chosen for the Alumni Wall of Fame. To be nominated the individual must have been a graduate of Bethany, Findlay, or Okaw Valley. Nominations were based on an individual’s contribution to society and community, the betterment of mankind or occupational/endeavor recognition.
Tim will be recognized at the 2024 Okaw Valley Commencement. He joins prior inductees Mike Cohan, Ryan Fitzgerald, Sam Scott, Robert Disney Jr., Rita Florey, Sean Creviston and Brett Robinson.
Habitat for Humanity awards homes
Last Saturday, members of Habitat for Humanity gathered at the ReStore to present two houses in Sullivan to deserving families. The first house is a rehab house presented to Jamie Minor and her children. The second house is a new build to begin soon, presented to Dakoda and Cortney Lucas and their two children.
Habitat for Humanity representative Cheryl Thomas stated “We look forward to working with these two families.” She added “We are so fortunate to live in a community that supports the efforts of our local Habitat for Humanity affiliate.”
Applications for next years build will be available at the end of the year.
Pictured is Thomas informing the two families that were chosen.
Photo furnished
2024 Fish Habitat Day
Many individual volunteers and several volunteer groups showed up Saturday, March 23 and made quick work of the donated Christmas trees, placing them in Lake Shelbyville to continue efforts of Fish Habitat Improvement. The trees were tied together in bundles and then dropped into the lake along with cubes and stumps that were built during recent Fish Habitat Build Events.
•March 27, 2024•
By Sharon Barricklow
After more than eight months without a mutual aid agreement in place with Shelby County, the Moultrie County Dive Board told the Shelby County Board last week they would not continue to offer assistance on rescue calls in Shelby County. Read More