•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

•September 29, 2021•
by Crystal Reed
NP Writer
Sullivan’s SPARK program is in the process of being revived after COVID put it on hiatus. The effort is being led by Sequoia Cornell-Conner, an Americorps fellow, who has been assigned to the Chamber of Commerce to bring back SPARK and work on community economic development programs. Read More

Photo by Crystal Reed
Senior Lilly Graham and Junior Lane Richardson sing during the Patriot Day Assembly held on Friday, September 10 at Sullivan High School.

•September 15, 2021•
by Crystal Reed
NP Writer

Sullivan High School marked the 20th anniversary of the September 11,2001 terrorist attacks last Friday with a Patriot Day assembly. The program began with the “Star Spangled Banner” being played by the school band. There was news footage played with narration and video of the towers falling. Local first responders and veterans and active military personnel were honored then by having them stand and receive applause. They also had those who have relatives who are first responders or member of the military stand to receive applause as well. The junior Lane Richardson and senior Lilly Graham sang “My Country Tis Of Thee.”
High School Principal Daniel Allen then addressed those in attendance. He said that September 11,2001 was during his first month of teaching. “In times of adversity you get opportunity or you become a victim,” he said “you can be part of the solution or admit defeat.” He said that after the events of that day students were coming up to him asking how they could help the victims of the attacks.
“Freedom comes with a great amount of responsibility,” he said “if we are not responsible with it freedom is going to be lost.” He encouraged those in attendance to work to help others and not just themselves. He said that he wanted those in attendance to remember the sacrifices that have been made for them.
Also speaking was Annie McClellan, who was a freshman in high school on 9-11. She noted that 2,977 lives were lost that day. “2,977 is more than a number,” she said “it’s sisters and brothers and fathers and mothers and children.” Read More