•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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•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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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.
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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•April 30, 2025•
by Ellen Ferrera
On April 26th, members of the Moultrie Amateur Radio Klub (MARK) held the first of two annual “Hamfests” at the American Legion Hall. Approximately 75 ham radio enthusiasts from all over Central Illinois gathered to sell, buy, or trade all manner of ham radio equipment, electronics, tools, and all related to ham radio. It was part flea market, part swap meet.
Shane Ramos, President of the Klub, said, “Besides the swapping and trading, we also administer the test here for those seeking to get their ham radio license.” He added, “Our next Hamfest will be in the Fall, and they are always open to the public.”
The Moultrie Klub has been in existence for more than 60 years and meets on the third Monday of each month at the Honey Bee restaurant in Mattoon. Dinner is at 5:00 p.m. with the meeting at 6:00 p.m. Visitors and those interested in joining the Klub are always welcome.
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Recreation of a distracted/impaired driving accident at SHS
•April 30, 2025•
by Kenny Graven
On Thursday, April 24th at 10:30 a.m. in the Sullivan High School parking lot, students witnessed a dramatic and emotional demonstration with the goal of highlighting the dangers and consequences of drinking and distracted driving.
In a coordinated effort, the Sullivan Fire and Police Departments, the Moultrie County Sheriff’s Office, Moultrie County Coroner Lynn Reed, and McMullin-Young Funeral Home staged a realistic mock car accident. This powerful event was designed to show students the real-life consequences of impaired and distracted driving.
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Custodian night crew needed
•April 23, 2025•
by Ariana R Cherry
Superintendent Shannon Cheek announced that the school district was in need of a custodian night crew at the most recent school board meeting held on Wednesday, April 16. “We have open positions in each building, and we need those positions filled as we are trying to have a full custodian crew. We have zero applicants at the moment. If it doesn’t come to fruition by next year, we will have to reach out to a few other companies,” he said.
Read MoreA career that is different every day; in service to others
•April 23, 2025•
by Denise Williamee
If you are looking for a new career or just starting on your career path, consider joining the Sullivan Fire Department, located in Sullivan, Illinois. It’s a stable, service-driven career path, with earnings that can support a family; each workday will be different, and you will have an opportunity to give back to the community. The starting salary for EMT Basic is $49,787.00, and EMT Paramedic certified at $56,872.00, with an additional $1,000.00 for Basic Operations Firefighter certification, and a generous benefits package.
Despite the stereotype of firefighters only running into burning buildings, or saving kittens from trees, you will meet people on what could be the worst day of their life, and have an opportunity to mitigate that by making that day better through service and directing them to resources they may not have been aware of. As a paramedic, you will also be responsible for not just life-saving heroics, but important services such as patient transfers and other less publicized duties. The Sullivan Fire Department averages 16 to 17 hundred call-outs per year. Stereotypes aside, it’s an exciting and interesting career that many have found rewarding on multiple levels. Shifts are 24 hours on, 48 hours off, leaving plenty of time for family and other interests.
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