A lifeline to county residents

•June 11, 2025•

by DM Williamee

Many are aware that the local Sullivan CEFS office is involved in, or directs, numerous programs that support Moultrie County residents: Sullivan, Arthur, Allenville, Gays, Dalton City, Bethany, and Lovington. Of note is its Food Pantry, which serves monthly food boxes, consisting of 4-5 meals per box, to between 180 and 220 families every month, and will deliver these food boxes to the homebound. This program is funded via private donations as well as in-kind donations from grocers and other food suppliers. During the summer growing season, the Illinois Extension donates produce as well. CEFS includes recipes when they can to help recipients maximize their food boxes, and especially when items like venison are distributed. So far this year, CEFS has been assisting primarily young families and the elderly, but those groups and numbers are subject to change. And although it’s a monthly food box, if you are still struggling to put food on the table, the CEFS office can still help.

Other items are available if requested, such as infant formula (and a referral to the Women, Infants, and Children program, if needed), personal hygiene products, diapers, and, when available, household cleaning products. CEFS Food Pantries’ biggest needs right now are cash donations and canned proteins, such as chicken.

•May 28, 2025•

A Memorial Day observance ceremony was held in Sullivan early this past Monday morning at Greenhill Cemetery and at the American Legion Post. In 1971, Congress declared Memorial Day a national holiday, dedicated to honoring U.S. Military Personnel who have died in service to their country. Over 1.8 million Americans have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their nation to date. At both services, prayers were said, three volleys were fired in memory of the deceased, the mournful “Taps” was played, and Mayor Mike Mossman spoke to those in attendance. Afterwards, the community gathered at the American Legion Post Hall for a hearty breakfast and additional ceremonies. Local youth’s “Poppy Posters” were on display at the Hall, with many winners, numerous honorable mentions, and beautiful work by all for the Legion-sponsored contest.

The “Bests” of writing, photography, and community

by DM Williamee

Siblings Kathy and Bob Best, both Sullivan locals, were recently interviewed by Vanessa Ferguson in NPR Illinois’ “Community Voices” segment. Both have worked in multiple journalistic roles throughout their careers; editor, writer, publication owner, and photographer (to name a few), with Kathy having won (with her team, as she strongly emphasizes) the Pulitzer Prize twice (and recently nominated for the third!), in both the small-town and big-city journalism arenas.

Recreation of a distracted/impaired driving accident at SHS

•April 30, 2025•

by Kenny Graven

On Thursday, April 24th at 10:30 a.m. in the Sullivan High School parking lot, students witnessed a dramatic and emotional demonstration with the goal of highlighting the dangers and consequences of drinking and distracted driving.

In a coordinated effort, the Sullivan Fire and Police Departments, the Moultrie County Sheriff’s Office, Moultrie County Coroner Lynn Reed, and McMullin-Young Funeral Home staged a realistic mock car accident. This powerful event was designed to show students the real-life consequences of impaired and distracted driving.

Emotional goodbye from colleagues, on to next chapter

•April 16, 2025•

by DM Williamee

On Friday, April 11th, Sullivan Fire Department’s Firefighter/Medic Daniel Boyer’s colleagues, friends, and family held a retirement party for him at the Sullivan Fire Department.  The party was opened with prayer and the pledge of allegiance, and colleagues wished him the best in his next chapter of life after twenty years of faithful service. All extended heart-felt gratitude for his loyal service to the community, his loyalty and leadership within the fire department, and the sacrifices he made. Boyer could always be counted on to bring 100% for every shift, often working late and covering shifts. The formal ceremony ended with the presentation of an honorary plaque, the flag that flew over the fire station on his last day of service, and a traditional fire hat, ending with a radio “final call.” Afterwards, Boyer walked a procession line and individually thanked his colleagues with a handshake and a bear hug.