Moultrie County Impact Giving Circle awards grants

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•March 18, 2026•

Submitted

On March 4th, the Moultrie County Impact Giving Circle held its first meeting of 2026. It was another encouraging evening of neighbors coming together to support their community. After hearing nominations and brief presentations from several local organizations, members voted to award two $2,000 grants.

The Sullivan Elementary School PTO received $2,000 to help provide students the opportunity to attend a children’s musical at The Little Theatre On The Square. Experiences like this introduce young students to live theater and the arts, something many children might not otherwise have the opportunity to experience.

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Sullivan School District: cell phones and successes

News Progress Posted on by


•March 18, 2026•

by DM Williamee

On Monday, March 9th, the Sullivan School District held its monthly regular meeting. All were present, except Mr. Grooms.

NHS/NEHS highlights: Maddie Shonkwiler presented and shared that in the last month, they signed and delivered letters and treats to staff for school staff appreciation days. They will have their club photo for the yearbook on Thursday, March 12th, with all members expected to wear their club shirts. She shared ongoing efforts for school clean up, indoors as well as on the property. At their last meeting, members made sure they had worked enough events to gain their board’s approval on decision day, explaining that every member has to work at least one minor event. Event examples shared were a concession shift, one to two school beautification days, and the annual pork chop dinner, as well as ‘Breakfast of Champions’, wrapping gifts when adopting a family, working the SCEF teacher appreciation dinner, or hiding Easter eggs. The monies raised this year will go to Post Pom.

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Prairieland Frontiersman: reveling in and reliving the past

News Progress Posted on by


•March 18, 2026•

Photo by DM Williamee
Gilbert Schriber, author, per-1840 period historian and craftsman, blows his horn as his patient wife of 61 years, Kathy, works beside him at their table. Mr. Schriber has been muzzle-loading and making crafts for 35 years.

by DM Williamee

Where to shop for the person who has everything? On Friday, March 13th and 14th, the Prairieland Frontiersmen held their 37th annual Historic Arts and Crafts show at the Sullivan American Legion. The Legion Hall was packed wall to wall with traders and artisans representing the colonial, fur trade, and Civil War eras, with their multitude of hand-made goods and wares on offer. Many men and women dressed in historical attire, spanning the different eras represented. From beautiful maple-stocked muzzle-loading rifles, all manner of loading gear, rattlesnake vertebrae earrings, fur accessories of all types, books and manuals, and beaded necklaces to leatherworks tanned and tooled, period pieces of clothing and camaraderie, the craft show was a step into the past.

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Honorable mention award

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Sullivan High School student Claire Kursell recently participated in the Central Illinois High School Art Exhibition at Millikin University. She received an honorable mention for her piece, “Bride of Frankenstein”. 

4-H youth build confidence and communication skills 

News Progress Posted on by


•March 11, 2026•

Pictured: Ellie Hensley, Bria Hershberger, Aubrie Stenger, and Regan Hershberger rubbing Lincoln’s nose for good luck, at Lincoln Hall.

Nearly 75% of individuals report a fear of public speaking, but 22 courageous 4-H youth from Coles, Cumberland, Douglas, Moultrie, and Shelby counties chose to face that fear head-on during the recent Confident Communicators Workshop hosted at the University of Illinois. Twelve participants were from Moultrie-Douglas County 4-H, including Aubrie Stenger, Bria Hershberger, Raegan Hershberger, Roxy Clark, Ben Stutzman, Sophia Horst, Perla Juarez, Lola Fifield, Emma Hostetler, Ellie Hensley, Jenna Welsh, and Gabby Welsh. The hands-on workshop was led by Dr. Laura Stengrim and two University of Illinois Speech Communication students. Throughout the day, participants engaged in interactive sessions designed to strengthen public speaking skills, boost self-confidence, and enhance message delivery.

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Lovington Grade School teachers awarded education grants

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•March 11, 2026•

On Monday, February 23rd, Grant Wade, HICF Philanthropic Advisor for Moultrie County, surprised three exceptional teachers with continuing education grants. Mrs. Morrow, Mrs. Martin, and Mrs. Moffett are among the first recipients of our 2026 Teacher Development Grant program. Each will attend the 2026 Pump-Up Primary Conference to gain fresh strategies and bring new energy and ideas back to their classrooms.

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Dawkins NEHS submission wows 

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Mae Dawkins, a Sullivan High School senior and member of the National English Honor Society, was recently informed that she is a national winner of the NEHS Intellectual Freedom Challenge, a prestigious competition that encourages NEHS members to craft compelling arguments defending texts that have faced challenges and bans. Her essay scored among some of the best submissions in the nation by university professors. May was awarded a certificate and a $150 dollar prize.

Findlay Fire Protection District grain bin training

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•March 4, 2026•

by DM Williamee

The Findlay Fire Protection District will be hosting a grain bin technical rescue class on March 6th through 8th, continuing on March 13th through 15th, for a complete and highly specialized 40-hour class. This training opportunity has been realized as a result of a multi-year process to implement all components: training, equipment, and manpower. Approximately two years ago, David Winans, Captain of the Findlay Fire Department, was able to purchase a set of grain rescue tubes through a local grain bin dealer who works with GSI (Grain Systems out of Assumption), with the cost being shared equally between the Findlay Fire Protection District, GSI, and Bins247.

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City extends water emergency

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•March 4, 2026•

by Sharon Barricklow

Residents of Sullivan will still be able to fill their water glasses and do their laundry despite the city extending their water emergency while they search for water alternatives, the city council said at their February 23rd meeting. “You can have a glass of water and wash your clothes,” Mayor Mike Mossman said. “We’re just asking people to be careful.” 

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