Photo by Crystal Reed
One Book, One Sullivan revealed their book pick for this year during an assembly on November 22. This year’s book is ‘The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise’ by Dan Gemeinhart. They were joined by Sullivan Rotary members Stan Parks and Lori Shasteen.

•December 1, 2021•
by Crystal Reed
NP Writer

After showing a book trailer, One Book, One Sullivan revealed this year’s book to their middle school classmates during an assembly at Sullivan High School November 22. The group narrowed down the options for this year’s selection by reading books from the 2021 Rebecca Caudill list.
Over the summer, One Book, One Sullivan students read their way through the reading titles and met in person once a week. In late September, they announced the top four titles which were Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes, Free Lunch by Rex Ogle, From the Desk of Zoe Washington by Janae Marks and The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise by Dan Gemeinhart. Members of the group distributed some copies of the book to students during the assembly. Read More

Photo by Crystal Reed
Jennifer Hobbs and Dakota Freeze carry the flags in at the beginning of the Veterans Day Ceremony. They both also spoke during the ceremony about their experiences in the military.

Photo by Crystal Reed
Lilly Graham and Clayton Schmohe sang during the Veterans Day program held at the high school last week.

•November 17, 2021•
by Crystal Reed
NP Writer

The program began with the presentation of the flags by Dakota Freese and Jennifer Hobbs. The playing of the military branch songs was held, and those veterans in attendance were encouraged to stand during their branch’s song.
Dakota Freese, who is serving in the Illinois National Guard, was one of the guest speakers for the program. After high school, he wanted to join the infantry and become a ranger, but he told of his interest in being a welder or mechanic.
Jennifer Hobbs, a former Sullivan Elementary teacher who is the author of Calmed: Growth After Trauma, joined the Army National Guard at the age of 17 and at 19, was mobilized to Iraq.
She said that after being in a combat zone, going home was a difficult adjustment. While serving overseas, her husband was hit by a roadside bomb. “Whatever the struggles that come into your life, it is you; you who decide how you handle that. You can give up, don’t give up, or you can look that it as an opportunity to grow.”
Members of the student council read selections with the ending line of “On Veterans Day remember.” Students Lily Graham and Clayton Schmohe sang “America.” Students and staff members who have family currently serving or who have served were encouraged to stand.
The program closed with the playing of “Taps” and a moment of silence.

•November 10, 2021•
by Crystal Reed
NP Writer

Army veteran Todd Ratliff, formerly of Windsor, has seen success by running his own business called Total Home and Farm Video Solutions. The company provides digital video surveillance systems and is based in Mattoon. Ratliff graduated in 1988 from Windsor High School and enlisted in 1987.
While overseas, he witnessed the liberation of East Germany. “It was a part of history that my grandchildren talk about in school, and I was there,” he said. Ratliff worked in nuclear missile control satellite communications while in the Army. Read More

Photo courtesy of Wilkins Studio
Abigale Peters, number 111, of Bethany during a motocross race. Abigale is ranked fifth overall in her series and has placed in the top 10 of all but one of her races.

•October 27, 2021•
by Crystal Reed
NP Writer

Abigale Peters, 8, of Bethany, is currently ranked fifth overall out of 25 girls in a motocross series. Peters has been riding motocross bikes since the age of four when she received her very first bike. In addition to being ranked high in her series, she has also placed in the top 10 in all but one race.
According to her father, Tim Peters, the majority of her races have been at Lincoln Trail Motorsports in Casey, Illinois. This is the first year they have done an all-girls’ class.
Her parents, Mindy and Tim Peters, said that since the girls’ class has been established, they have seen a lot of growth in their daughter. “It has built her confidence and helped her make friends,” Mindy related. Read More

Photo by Crystal Reed
Tammy Martin (third from the left) with Moultrie County Habitat for Humanity board members. Martin’s new home was dedicated on Friday, October 8.

•October 20, 2021•
by Crystal Reed
NP Writer

Moultrie County Habitat for Humanity broke ground in late August on their 31st build. Completion of the home was celebrated Friday, October 8, with a house blessing ceremony.
During the ceremony, a Holy Bible and an American flag were presented to the new homeowner Tammy Martin and her sons Tim and Trey. Moultrie County Habitat for Humanity presents these items to every new homeowner.
Tony Feeler presented the house key to the Martin family.
During the ceremony, Pastor Bob Vail of Allenville Christian Church gave a prayer, read a scripture selection from Proverbs 24:3-4 and blessed the house. The home includes three bedrooms and two bathrooms. The labor was donated for the mechanical, and volunteers provided the remainder of the labor. Volunteers included approximately 20 care-a-vanners who travel and volunteer for Habitat builds. According to Gary Smith, Moultrie County Habitat for Humanity Board President, this year’s build was pretty simple, mainly because some of the care-a-vanners are retired professionals. Read More