•June 14, 2023•
by Crystal Reed

The Sullivan City Council held a regular meeting Monday, June 12.
Commissioner Abbey Sherwood shared an update on the city hall project. She gave a timeline of the project and the different locations they had explored. The former city hall was demolished in February of this year.
The first bid opening came in way over budget so council members went back to the drawing board. Sherwood noted that on May 23 she received a text message from Mayor Mike Mossman asking her to stop the further development of the building project . Sherwood said she respects the council’s decision, and they should definitely discuss it.
Mossman said before they can sign off on it, they need to know what has gone on with the project prior to the current council. Commissioner Doug Shook indicated he would like a chance to look at the plans for the building before he would be prepared to make a decision. He said he was concerned about ADA access. Read More

Photo by Crystal Reed
Superintendent Shannon Cheek addresses the Class of 2023 and those attending the ALAH Class of 2023 commencement ceremony.

by Crystal Reed

The ceremony began with the playing of the national anthem, and Class President Brady Moore welcomed everyone to the ceremony.
Salutatorian Charley Condill came to the podium to deliver her speech to the class. She noted the members of their class are better today than they were walking in as freshmen.
Condill said the first two weeks of the shutdown had the excitement of a Christmas vacation. She noted that they as a class struggled mentally and emotionally. “We faced isolation at a time of our lives when we needed socialization the most,” she said.
Condill added that they used their competitive spirits to be better than the day before. The class earned $1.5 million in scholarship money, a new school record. “Our class went above and beyond because of our competitiveness and willingness to work,” she said. Read More

•May 17, 2023•
by Crystal Reed

The Okaw Valley Class of 2023 had commencement Saturday, May 13 in the high school gymnasium. Superintendent Kent Stauder was honored for 10 years of service to the district. Okaw Valley School Board President Brooke Bartimus presented him with an award. Stauder noted that the best thing that his family ever did was move to this area and become a part of Okaw Valley.
Stauder presented awards for the Volunteer Hall of Fame and Alumni Wall of Fame.

Dru Bennett, volunteer recipient, received a lifelong extracurricular pass and his name on a plaque placed in the gym lobby.
The Alumni Wall of Fame recipient was awarded to Brett Robinson. Robinson thanked the nominating committee and others responsible for his receiving the honor. He also thanked his parents and wife and daughters for always loving and supporting him.
Class president Hudson Ruppert said he realized that many of the class memories revolve around that gymnasium and noted they value each and every member of the class. Ruppert said his confidence in walking into the unknown comes from knowing that God does know. Read More

Photo by Crystal Reed
Jalexis Barrett of Sullivan at her booth during the Illini Prairie CEO Trade Show held at Yoder’s Kitchen in Arthur on Thursday, April 25. Her business is called Cozy Creations and involves creating custom rugs.

•May 3, 2023•
by Crystal Reed

The Illini Prairie CEO class which includes students from the Arcola, Arthur, Sullivan and Tuscola communities held their trade show at Yoder’s Kitchen Tuesday, April 25. There were 10 student businesses showcased at the event including a tea business, keychain business, photography business and custom card business.
One of the students participating was Jalexis Barrett, a senior at Sullivan High School. After graduation, she plans to attend Southern Illinois University at Carbondale and study criminology. Barrett said she joined the CEO program to help push her out of her comfort zone and make her a more driven and business-minded individual. Read More

•April 19, 2023•
On Monday, April 10, Paige Robinson, an Okaw Valley alum, became the first player in Illinois State University Women’s Basketball history to be drafted to the WNBA after being selected 31st overall by the Dallas Wings. During her time at Illinois State, she started in 32 of 33 games, averaged 18.3 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3 assists. Some of her recognitions include 2021 NCAA D2 Player of the Year, two-time NCAA D2 All-American, 2023 MVC Player of the Year and 2023 MVC Newcomer of the Year. Read More