Through Their Eyes

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SHS Students receive Holocaust writing awards

(Left to right) SHS art teacher Lisa Bertetto; SHS senior Madison Flexser receiving her Best in Show award; Rebecca Lawson, contest director; Sarayu Papi Reddy of Next Generation School in Champaign receiving her Best in Show award with her mother Shasikala Papisetty

•May 21, 2025•

Five Sullivan High School students recently received awards as a part of the annual Through Their Eyes: A Holocaust Art and Writing Contest sponsored by the Holocaust Education Center of the Champaign-Urbana Jewish Federation.

Senior Madison Flexser tied for Best in Show for all art entries and took first place in the high school junior and senior painting and drawing division with her piece entitled “The Silent Tears from History.” Flexser’s Creator’s Statement explained her piece: “My piece is inspired by the story of Dorotka Goldstein born February 1st, 1932, in Warsaw Poland. She was saved by a German as her and her sister were sent to the gas chambers because they thought she had beautiful eyes. Her sister waved goodbye to her, so she wouldn’t go after her. Dorotka is obviously a very strong woman who survived the Holocaust.” 

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Lovington’s “Farmer’s Market”: Event created to bring community together

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•May 14, 2025•

by DM Williamee

The Lovington Farmer’s Market began on May 8th, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., 130 W State Street, in Lovington.

The brainchild of lifetime Lovington resident Lisa Kamm, who was inspired after attending local Mapping Group meetings. From those meetings, Lisa was driven to create an event that would benefit the Lovington community, and thus the Farmers Market was born: a free place for vendors (no charge, but bring your own tables, signage, displays, etc.) to set up and offer their wares, and a place for the community to purchase those items.

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Utility rate increase approved by City Council

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•May 14, 2025•

by Sharon Barricklow

Public utility costs will be going up for Sullivan residents after the City Council passed several rate increases at their meeting Monday night. 

The council approved a four and one half percent increase in electrical rates on the recommendation of Commissioner Mike Kirk who said wholesale electric rates continued to rise. 

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Mosquitoes: health concerns and prevention tips

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Enjoy the outdoors and reduce your risk of mosquito-related health concerns

by Angela Hogan

More Than an Annoyance: Spring marks the return of warmer weather and the chance to spend more time outdoors. It also marks the return of mosquitoes and the health concerns that can affect individuals and animals. The presence of mosquitoes is more than an annoyance. Mosquitoes are carriers of several diseases. Their bites can threaten the public’s health, especially during peak mosquito season.

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SES receives book vending machine

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HICF donates machine, students reap rewards

by DM Williamee

On Tuesday, May 6th, the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation (HICF) unveiled a book vending machine at Sullivan Elementary School at 8:00 am. Each year, the HICF funds the book vending machines. This year, Sullivan is one of the schools fortunate to receive one. On hand from HICG were Kaitlyn Farrar and Chastity Casey. Rev. Grant Wade serves as the Moultrie County advisor for HICF and has worked on this project with Leslie Guyot (school principal) and Leah Fleming (school librarian). 

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Sullivan siblings’ passion for journalism

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Photo by Sonya Best

The “Bests” of writing, photography, and community

by DM Williamee

Siblings Kathy and Bob Best, both Sullivan locals, were recently interviewed by Vanessa Ferguson in NPR Illinois’ “Community Voices” segment. Both have worked in multiple journalistic roles throughout their careers; editor, writer, publication owner, and photographer (to name a few), with Kathy having won (with her team, as she strongly emphasizes) the Pulitzer Prize twice (and recently nominated for the third!), in both the small-town and big-city journalism arenas.

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Council hears Dash and Bash plans

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•May 7, 2025•

by Sharon Barricklow

A highlight of the summer season will include a car show, 5k, and live music at St. Jude’s “Dash and Bash” on June 13th and 14th at Wyman and Tabor Parks.

Jeff Stuart told the Sullivan City Council this year’s fundraiser includes a 5K and one-mile fun run/walk, car show, pretzel sale, and live music. “Last year we raised over $25,000, and this year we hope to do better,” Stuart said. 

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FCCLA is a ‘Gold Level’ Chapter for 2024/2025

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•May 7, 2025•

Membership finding success in leadership journey

SHS’s FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America) recently received word from National FCCLA, for which they earned recognition as a Gold Level chapter in the 2024-2025 “Go For The Red Membership” recruitment campaign. Chapters that demonstrate exceptional recruitment efforts and increase their membership by at least 20 members are eligible to apply for this yearly award. Sullivan High School FCCLA announced they are the only chapter in the state of Illinois to earn this “Gold” recognition for increasing membership from 22 members in 2023-2024 to 60 members for the 2024-2025 year.

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IAHC holds groundbreaking

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New Visitor Center and Museum expected to open in 2026

On Friday, April 25th, the Illinois Amish Heritage Society held a groundbreaking event for their new Visitor Center and Museum, which drew a sizable crowd. The mission is to respect the heritage, preserve the culture, and promote the understanding of the Illinois Amish. The vision is to be the gateway for experiencing Amish history and culture. Pictured are a horse and plough team at work, and the IAHC board, shovels in hand, performing the groundbreaking ceremony.

Tips for driving safely during planting season

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Driving tips are critical for farmers and all drivers

•April 30, 2025•

by Angie Hogan

The spring planting season has arrived. As farmers approach the 2025 crop season, drivers across rural communities are reminded of their role in making 2025 a safe and successful year in American agriculture. Large agricultural machinery, rural roadways, and unpredictable spring weather can create dangerous driving conditions. Staying alert and respectful can help prevent accidents and keep everyone safe this season.

More farm equipment on the road: Spring planting brings early mornings, long days, and an increased number of slow-moving vehicles on the road. While these machines are essential to help farmers produce America’s food supply, they often travel at speeds under 25 mph. Additionally, modern farm equipment may span across lanes and require wide turns into fields and driveways. Awareness and patience among all drivers are key to avoiding dangerous situations.

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