•October 14, 2026•

by Jamie Crosier

Brothers Gavin and Everett Finn were looking for a way to earn money that could work around their busy high school schedules when they landed on an idea that played to something they already knew well — school.

The Sullivan High School students started offering peer tutoring to students in grades 6 through 11, providing help in subjects including math, English and science, along with homework help, study skills and test preparation. Tutoring is available for $12 to $15 per hour and can be scheduled in person or remotely.

Everett, 14, is a freshman, while Gavin, 16, is a junior. Rather than taking on traditional jobs during the school year, the brothers began looking for what Everett described as “an entrepreneurial opportunity that would highlight our strengths in academics.”

The brothers do not remember which of them first suggested tutoring. Once the idea surfaced, they began working on it together.

For Gavin, the business began to feel real when they sat down to create their promotional flyer.

“When we sat down and mocked up the flyer, although still hesitant, I was excited to see where it led,” Gavin said.

•October 7, 2026•

by Jamie Crosier

An open building site in Sullivan became the starting point for a new home Aug. 30 as Moultrie County Habitat for Humanity gathered with Sheila Anderson and her family for a groundbreaking ceremony.

Board members, local supporters and traveling Habitat volunteers joined the Anderson family to mark the beginning of the project. Anderson and her children are this year’s selected Habitat family.

Gerald Wood prepared an account of the groundbreaking for Moultrie County Habitat for Humanity, providing details from the ceremony and the volunteers involved. The ceremony included prayer and Scripture led by the Rev. Justin Cullen of Faith Lutheran Church in Sullivan. Cullen prayed for the volunteers who would give their time and skills to the project and for the family who will eventually call the house home.

•August 26, 2026•

by Jamie Crosier

What began as a childhood hobby has grown into a small business with a growing reputation and a mission to give back.

Sarah Windhorst, an incoming freshman from Sullivan, started making jewelry when she was about 10 years old after watching someone else create handmade pieces. Curious to see if she could do it herself, she purchased a few supplies and discovered a hobby she enjoyed. Over time, that hobby naturally became Sarah’s Jewels, a business known for custom jewelry, school spirit accessories and community involvement.

“There was no defining line of turning it into a business from a hobby,” Windhorst said. “It just slowly worked its way into that category while getting bigger and bigger.”

•July 29, 2026•

by Jamie Crosier

What started as a walk to a backyard flower garden has blossomed into a summer project that is teaching two young Sullivan sisters lessons about hard work, patience and financial responsibility.

Bretton and Hattie Crouse’s daughters, Josephine, 5, and Dorothy, 3, spend part of their summer helping care for a patch of colorful zinnias before arranging bouquets that are sold to the community. Every dollar earned goes into investment accounts for the girls, giving them an early introduction to saving for the future.

The idea for the flower stand grew from a simple family tradition.

•June 10, 2026•

On Tuesday, June 2nd, members of Habitat for Humanity gathered at Heritage Woods to notify Shelia Anderson that she and her family will be the recipients of the next home built by Habitat for Humanity in Sullivan. Habitat for Humanity representative Sandy Sanders stated, “We look forward to working with this family. We are so fortunate to live in a community that supports the efforts of our local Habitat for Humanity affiliate.” Shelia Anderson was surprised at work with the notification, and expressed her deep gratitude to all present, with many hugs and warm exchanges resulting.