Preparing for safety as Spring weather arrives
Readiness for spring weather is crucial to keep yourself and your family safe
•March 26, 2025•
by Angela Hogan
Spring brings warmer temperatures, longer days, and the chance to enjoy the outdoors. However, spring weather can also bring unpredictable conditions, including severe storms, heavy rain, and even late-season cold snaps.
Here are five steps you can take to prepare for the season: Stay informed About Spring Weather Patterns -Spring weather can change quickly, often bringing thunderstorms, tornadoes, and flash floods. Here’s how you can stay aware and informed: check weather forecasts daily through reliable sources like local TV stations, the National Weather Service (NWS), or a weather app. Moultrie County residents can sign up for CodeRED, the county’s emergency warning system. Enable emergency alerts on your phone to receive notifications about severe weather. Understand weather warnings. A “Watch” means conditions are favorable for threatening weather to develop. A “Warning” means severe weather is happening or imminent.
Read MoreOV School Board discusses youth football Co-Op, anticipated impact of the dismantling of the DOE
•March 26, 2025•
by DM Williamee
The Okaw Valley CUSD #302 school board held its regularly scheduled meeting on March 20th at 7:00 p.m. at the Okaw Valley Middle School in Findlay.
After a call to Order, the first order of business was the public hearing, “Conduct of Public Hearing concerning the intent of the Board of Education to sell not to exceed $2,500,000.00 School Fire Prevention and Safety Bonds” of which no public comments were offered. It was then tabled for closed discussions.
Read MoreGrowth, cashflow, and graves: Discussion at City Council
•March 26, 2025•
by Sharon Barricklow
"When is a good thing too much of a good thing?” was on the minds of the Sullivan City Council Monday night.
Rapid growth, including new apartments and businesses, has caused the city to worry about the cash flow of different city departments. That concern led Accounts and Finance Commissioner Abby Sherwood to urge the city departments to consider budget cuts. “With all the projects going on, we have a cash flow problem,” she said.
Commissioner Mike Kirk said departments like electrical services and water have little room to make cuts, especially in personnel. “These are skilled workers with certifications and licenses,” he said. “There’s nothing we can do to reduce those costs.” Kirk said the impact of Covid-era price jumps is still being felt for electrical department purchases. “Things went up 20, 50, even 100 percent,” he said. “And they never went back down.”
Read MoreEmpower Academy breaks ground
New facility will expand studio and local childcare
•March 26, 2025•
by DM Williamee
Empower Academy held a groundbreaking ceremony on Friday, March 21st. Owners Ryan and Melissa Krieger are planning to build 20,000+ square foot building that will expand Sullivan Dance Studio’s operations, as well as provide 126 licensed childcare spots in the future. The studio and facility will be licensed and accepting childcare assistance funding.
The new name was inspired by Melissa’s passion of empowering our community’s youth. The facility will house multiple dance spaces, tumbling, childcare, and parties/events as well as the childcare spots. Ryan and Melissa experienced first-hand the local childcare crisis when looking for care for their 3 daughters. The frustrations of lack of availability and non-conducive operating hours inspired Melissa towards change.
Read MoreFree breakfast draws crowd, elicits smiles
by D.M. Williamee
The free Shrove Tuesday Breakfast at Sullivan’s First United Methodist Church drew a good crowd despite the uncooperative weather. This was their first pancake breakfast since the pandemic. Along with traditional fare, there was a “Crazy Cake” station manned by Allison Haggen which included cinnamon roll pancakes and just about any topping or concoction you could ask for.
Sullivan School Board discusses budget, updates building status
•March 19, 2025•
by D.M. Williamee
The Sullivan CUSD #300 school board held its regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, March 10th, beginning with updates from the National English Honor Society (NEHS) and the National Honor Society (NHS). NEHS has a few more weeks remaining with their pen pal letters at the elementary schools. They will finish this project with an in-person event to meet their pen pals. Also discussed was re-opening the donation box on the square, and adding food items again as the weather improves. They also plan to do their annual drive for donations.
The NHS discussed performing service work by packing food boxes at CEFS and helping with cleanup after Fall volleyball games. The NHS also shared: the intent to present cards of appreciation to K-12 staff members as well as non-certified staff, serve a Q3 “Breakfast of Champions” to students who have been recognized throughout the school year, develop a beautification project on the school premises (in the past they have done clean-up/litter removal), and they reported a successful turnout for their annual pork chop dinner.
Read MoreSHS February students and teacher of the month
SAMA hosts Open House
•March 19, 2025•
by D.M. Williamee
The Sullivan Area Ministerial Association (SAMA), formed over 15 years ago, held an Open House on Monday, March 3rd in Sullivan at Sweet Vail Café, giving community members an opportunity to see how local area churches and their leadership work together for the betterment of their community through service. This is the second open meeting held, with the previous one held in February 2024. Community interest will determine how frequent these Open House meetings will be held in the future.
Read MoreMeasles: What you need to know
What is measles, and why are we concerned about the illness and its spread?
•March 19, 2025•
by Angela Hogan
Why are we talking about measles? Recently, the CDC and several states have reported measles cases, with many news stories focusing on the outbreak in Texas. Let’s consider what you need to know about measles and how to protect yourself and your loved ones.
What is measles, and how is it dangerous? Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by the measles virus. It typically causes a cough, red eyes, high fever, and rash. However, measles can also lead to more severe health problems, including pneumonia, encephalitis, brain damage, and pregnancy complications. Below are some additional facts currently associated with measles.
Read MoreCelebrate Recovery: it’s more than you think
Local program provides free services for the community
•March 19, 2025•
by D.M. Williamee
You’ve likely seen the billboards and flyers about Celebrate Recovery, but may not be aware of the vast array of services offered, free of charge, to the Sullivan and surrounding communities.
Director Rebecca Wilhelm said that since the Sullivan chapter’s opening pre-pandemic, and revamp/re-opening in the summer of 2021, Celebrate Recovery offers more services than before to the Sullivan and surrounding communities. “Celebrate Recovery is a place for healing, to be cared for, to learn, grow and become strong again.” She also shared, “Regardless of your faith status or denominational beliefs, it’s a place for community and people to find freedom from their issues and struggles that are controlling their lives. It’s a place to find help and hope.”
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