The Sullivan American Legion Auxiliary Unit #68 recently announced the results of this year’s Veterans Day Art and Writing Contest.
The Best in Show award went to SHS junior Claire Kursell for her drawing “My Dearest Irene,” which also received first place in art for juniors and seniors.
Kursell noted in her Creator’s Statement that her piece was “inspired by the letters of WWII veteran Natale Bellantoni to Irene Sztucinski,” which she read while researching topics for the contest. She added that she was so interested in their story that she knew she wanted to use their story for her submission.
The Sullivan Lions Club recently donated a bench at Wyman Park. The bench can be enjoyed for years to come in various spots around the park, based on the season. Since 1941, Sullivan Lions Club, an affiliate of Lions International, has been committed to helping local residents with vision and hearing services, hunger, and youth needs. If you are interested in learning more about our organization, contact Brent Mansfield at (217) 248-6180.
Members in the photo include: Brent Mansfield, Jess Barker, Dick Martin, Dave Walker, Lynn Elder, Don Evans, Steve Mayberry, Connor Klingele, Ginger Voegel, Bill VanKeuren, and Richard Murphy.
On Saturday, October 25th, BASO sponsored Bethany’s Main Street Trick or Treat, with numerous local businesses participating in the fun. From ghastly ghosts and giggling goblins to pretty princesses and prowling pirates, everyone came to show their holiday best. In addition to treats, there was music, games, sweatshirts, and-of course, good cheer amongst all in attendance.
Photo by DM Williamee
Habitat for Humanity Sullivan board members, former Board Members, and HICF CEO Natalie Beck. Front Row: Salisa Hortenstine-Olmsted, Nancy Hall, Becky Comstock, Sandy Sanders, Cheryl Thomas, Habitat home recipient Cherie Kursell, and Natalie Beck. Back row: Rev. Grant Wade, Mike Aikman, Roger Barnnes, Mark Hall, Roger Glazebrook, Gary Smith, and Gene Mueller.
by DM Williamee
Photo by DM Williamee
In a contagiously emotional moment, Gene Meuller gives the keys to her new home to Cherie Kursell.
On October 26th, Habitat for Humanity and the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation (HICF), as well as friends and family, gathered to give Cherie Kursell and her children, Amber and Claire, the keys to their new home. Greetings were conducted, introductions, an opening prayer, scripture reading (Isaiah 32:18), presentation of a bible by the family sponsor, blessing of the home, presentation of the American Flag, presentation of the house key, comments by partner family, words of appreciation, and closing, and ending with a benediction by Rev. Grant Wade. Habitat for Humanity also thanked HICF for its fifteen-thousand-dollar contribution, which made completion of this home by this Fall possible. This is the 36th Habitat Home completed in the Sullivan area in twenty-nine years. Home recipient Cherie Kursell emotionally thanked everyone for the home and their support. Within minutes, the home began to fill with furniture and friends, and the overall atmosphere was one of joy.
Okaw Valley held their fall senior night on October 20th at the volleyball game. Those honored included marching band, golf, football cheer and volleyball. Pictured are Gracie Plummer and Reese Bruns from the volleyball team.
Sullivan High School’s FCCLA, has been honored as a 2024–2025 FCCLA Ultimate Chapter Award recipient. This prestigious recognition, the highest honor bestowed upon FCCLA chapters nationwide, celebrates the chapter’s exceptional leadership, service, and commitment to creating lasting impact in their school and community. The chapter is advised by Ms. Jennifer Voegel and Ms. Kali Taylor. Over the past two years, they have successfully expanded the chapter from 20 members to more than 60 members and are growing. Their commitment to the organization and its members is truly commendable.
Flesor’s Candy Kitchen will be accepting Christmas candy orders from Sullivan, Moultrie County, and surrounding county residents this year from now through November 21st. Orders will be taken this year by mail. Order forms have been mailed to past supporters of this fundraiser, and additional forms are available at Flesor’s Candy Kitchen, 101 West Sale Street, Tuscola, and Sweet Vail Café, 1600 S. Hamilton Street in Sullivan. Sweet Vail’s hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 5:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturdays from 7:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. All Christmas candy orders will be ready for pick up at Sweet Vail Café on December 6th.
Photo by DM Williamee
IMEC check presentation to Kevin Conlin.
Greatness comes from humble beginnings; it comes from grunt work.” (Ryan Holiday). Proof of that adage is Sullivan’s Mid-State Tank Company, which recently received a grant for $50,000 from the Made in Illinois Grant Program, administered by IMEC with funding from the Department of Economic Opportunity. The check presentation/award ceremony, tour of the facilities, and award speeches were held on Wednesday, October 22nd, at Mid-State Tank’s facilities. A jovial yet humble Kevin Conlin accepted the grant and, in his address to those present, made clearly apparent his appreciation for the grant, his entire team, and the support of the Sullivan community.
NOTICE is hereby given that the office of MOULTRIE COUNTY CLERK & RECORDER’S will be open from 8:30 A.M. TO 4:30 P.M., beginning OCTOBER 27, 2025 through NOVEMBER 3, 2025, for the purpose of accepting candidate petitions or certificates for the GENERAL PRIMARY ELECTION to be held on MARCH 17, 2026 for the following offices.
COUNTY CLERK & RECORDER TREASURER SHERIFF PRECINCT COMMITTEE PERSONS
Linda S. Qualls Signature of Local Election Official
The 94th annual Bethany High School Alumni Banquet was held on October 11th at the Okaw Valley High School gymnasium, with nearly 90 in attendance. Diane Foster Waggoner, Class of 1983, welcomed the alumni and friends to the banquet, and Bart Spencer, Class of 1980, gave the opening prayer. Terry Muzzy, Class of 1966, gave a Military Recognition and talked about the Wall of Honor with pictures of Bethany School graduates who served in the military.
Photo Submitted
Dave Overlot, speaker.
The graduating classes of 1975 were honored for 50 years, and the graduating class of 2000 for 25 years. Alumni who passed away since the last banquet were recognized, and all alumni in attendance were invited to stand for the Roll Call of Classes. The featured speaker, Dave Overlot, Class of 1977, shared his memories of attending Bethany Schools and brought back fond memories for those attending. Door prizes were awarded to Harold Keown, Class of 1946, for being the oldest graduate, 80 years ago, and to Norma Tipsword Farris, Class of 1949, for serving the longest administrative term, with 24 years as high school secretary.
Photo Submitted
Honored Class of 1975 for 50 years - Greg Allsop, Linda Webner Casteel, Stan Stables
The 50/50 drawing was won by Joyce Shipman Jenkins, Class of 1954, and a drawing for a whole hog, donated by Corrington Farms, was won by Libby Larkin Booker, Class of 1980. The meal was catered by Rhodes Catering from Effingham and desserts by Sweet Vail in Sullivan. The Okaw Valley FFA students and their sponsor, Wes Wise and his wife Megan, assisted with serving and other duties. Officers for the next year will continue with Diane Foster Waggoner, Class of 1983, as President; Rita Kesterson Seelow, Class of 1983, as Vice President; Libby Larkin Booker, Class of 1980, as Secretary; and Nancy Sowers Mueller, Class of 1974, as Treasurer. The evening wrapped up with alumni visiting and taking pictures. The 2026 reunion date will be set for late September or early October. All alumni and friends are invited to attend. [/s2If]
