Voice of Democracy Winners

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Voice of Democracy Winners
Blake Thompson receives his award for winning the local Voice of Democracy contest from the VFW. Larry Gregory of the Sullivan VFW is presenting him with the award at the Veterans Day assembly at SHS. He is one of four district finalists and will learn if he advances to the next level on January 5 at the VFW in Decatur. Seventh grader Olivia Leigh Cordes is the local post winner for Patriot’s Pen and receives a $100 award. Jennnifer Hobbs at SES coordinated the contest, and Rebecca Lawson was Thompson’s sponsoring teacher. He also won the Career English VOD contest as well.

Sunday Morning Fire

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Photo by R.R. Best
Sunday Morning Fire
Early morning Sunday morning several explosions rocked the neighborhood at 511 S. Grant St., Sullivan. Those explosions were caused by medical oxygen bottles located inside the home with the cause of the fire under investigation, according to a news release from Sullivan Fire Protection Dist. Chief Mike Piper.
Sullivan, Bethany and Lovington fire departments responded to the 1:21 a.m. fire. When SFD fire fighters arrived the fire was showing and all occupants out of the house. One occupant was treated on the scene by EMS for minor smoke inhalation. No injuries were reported.
The home and most personal items sustained heavy fire, smoke, and water damage and is estimated a complete loss. Red Cross was contacted and responded to the scene assisting occupants with personal needs. Fire crews cleared the scene by 4:40 a.m. Dec. 15.

Sullivan City Council Enacts Moratoriums

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•December 18, 2019•
By Mike Brothers

Sullivan City Council put the cannabis sales decision on hold and extended the liquor license moratorium for six months.
Rather than opt out of potential cannabis revenue as the county has Mayor Richard Glazebrook suggested a six month moratorium on the decision. He explained there was little likelihood of a dispensary locating in the city and waiting could clear up questions about the new law.
Commissioners Peggy Hargis, Chuck Woodworth, Abbey Sherwood, Mike Fowler and Glazebrook voted for the six month vote moratorium on cannabis policy.
A moratorium on new liquor licenses was approved unanimously for an additional six months. The moratorium does not affect existing licenses or renewals.
The annual levy and assessment of taxes was adopted unanimously by the city council. In the presentation Treasurer Sarah Golden explained the tax levy was one percent over the previous year. Read More

A Century Filled With Action for Genny Sutton

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Genny Sutton (seated) celebrated her 102 birthday at Courtyard Manor. The event was hosted by the Sullivan Women’s Civic Club last week. Her birthday was December 16.

Honored at 102

•December 18, 2019•
Charter member of the Sullivan Women’s Civic Club Genny Sutton was honored last Tuesday for her 102nd birthday.
Members gathered at Courtyard Manor Monday, Dec. 9 with family and friends for the celebration.
Genny served as club president and as a caller until last year. A member since 1976, she enjoyed helping with the annual homecoming chili supper.
She graduated in the top 10 of the Sullivan High School graduating class of 1935 and received the SHS Alumni’s “Who’s Who Award”. Read More

Passionate Performance

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Passionate Performance
Students at the Sullivan Elementary School Holiday musical program gave whole hearted performances at the Sullivan High School gymnasium last week. Students are on vacation December 20, 2019 through January 6, 2020.

Lovington Village Board Offered Park Christmas Display

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•December 11, 2019•
When the Lovington village board met Nov. 12 learning Lovington Grade School’s student council had plans for a Christmas competition at Tom Conn Park.
Trustee Pam Anklam explained the student council was starting again at LGS and the 10 students involved would like to place 10 Christmas trees in the park.
Anklam reported the students would be decorating the trees with recycled materials and have the community to vote on them.
The request for lighting the 10 trees was an issued, since there was no available electricity. Read More

ESDA/Animal Control Consolidate

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•December 11, 2019•
Animal Control and Emergency Services and Disaster Agency consolidated in Moultrie County and Sheriff Chris Sims reported progress to two county board committees last week.
Sims and Deputy Caleb Smith, who is designated Animal Control and ESDA coordinator, replaces animal control officer Sam Donaker, who retires at the end of the year and ESDA coordinator Jan Haegen who retired in December. Read More

Sullivan Fire Department’s New Tanker Improves Rural Fire Protection

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Photo by Mike Brothers
State Fire Marshall Matt Perez (left) announced the Fire Truck Revolving Loan program helped Sullivan Fire Protection Dist. purchase a new 3000 gallon tanker. Pictured with Perez are Sullivan Fire Dist. Chief Mike Piper, Assistant Chief Larry Edwards and Larry Peasley Maroa Fire Chief.

•December 11, 2019•
By Mike Brothers

Sullivan Fire Protection District can deliver 3000 gallons of water and dispense it in three minutes thanks to the Fire Truck Revolving Loan Program.
The new $278,335 3000 gallon tanker was on display at the Sullivan Fire department Dec. 3 when Illinois State Fire Marshal Matt Perez announced Sullivan was one of 23 communities benefiting from 0% interest loan program.
“The Sullivan Fire Protection District was approved for a 0% loan through OSFM for a new 3000-gallon tanker, a much needed new piece of equipment,” Sullivan Fire Chief Mike Piper began. “Through the program, our station has been able to purchase a new Ladder Truck and have an ambulance box remounted on a new chassis,” he continued.
“Without the Revolving Loan Program, we may not have been able to make the purchases necessary to continue serving local residents.” Read More

Santa Visits Lovington

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Photo furnished. Santa Visits Lovington. Santa visited the Lovington American Legion Post Sunday, Dec. 8 delivering treats and listening to requests. The annual event is sponsored by the Lovington American Legion Auxiliary. Sparrow’s Unlimited held the 25th annual Kids Auction at Jerry’s East End in Lovington on Saturday which raised needed funds for local families during the holidays.

Night Parade Grand Marshal Reflects on Community and Giving

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By Marshal Cook
for The News Progress

Becky Lawson came to Sullivan High School as an English teacher 32 years ago, this Friday, Dec. 13 she is Grand Marshal of the Sullivan Night Christmas parade.
Entries should gather at 4:30 p.m. Dec. 13 in the high school parking lot prepared to light up the night over Sullivan. The parade kicks off at 6:00 p.m.
Parade director Jeri Davis noted the perfect candidate for the nighttime Christmas Parade Grand Marshal had to be Lawson whose devotion to community, veterans and her students has been an inspiration for more than three decades.
Lawson’s students and former students stay in touch with their favorite English teacher by following her on social media and reaching out from all over the country.
So devoted were her past students they took to FaceBook and overwhelmingly voted her Teacher of the Year in 2016. Read More