SFD local response
Boy Scouts annual cookout during town wide rummage
City council makes appointments
•June 11, 2025•
by Sharon Barricklow
The Sullivan City Council made several appointments and approved some routine matters during a brief city council meeting Monday night.
The council approved a recommendation from Commissioner Woodworth to appoint LJ Vincent as Water Distribution Collections Systems Foreman. They also approved recommendations from Mayor Mossman appointing Amanda Mayberry, Karen Reed, Jennifer Love and Kathy Price to terms on the Elizabeth Titus Memorial Library Board.
Also on the agenda was financing for the Sullivan Chamber and Economic Development. On the recommendation of several council members, Mossman agreed to postpone the vote until the council could meet with members of the group.
The council held a closed executive session to discuss internal and external audits.
Lovington Board addresses a multitude of issues, tables numerous for information
•June 11, 2025•
by DM Williamee
On Monday, the Village of Lovington held its regular Board Meeting. Guests in attendance were Eric Shangraw of GFI, Linda Patrick, a resident, and Roger Nuxoll of Farnsworth Group.
With respect to the visitor and public comments section, Linda Patrick was very vocal on numerous points. Her first concern was not being able to reach the Village during regular business hours, and there being no signs posted on the door as to whom to speak with if needed. She had a water leak and called the police, but had to leave a message. She finally called Don Jackson, who was able to stop the leak, and then she called a plumber to repair the issue. Mrs. Patrick is very concerned that the Village appears to have no contingency plan in cases such as this. The Board advised that the Village pays for Dennis and Chris’s cell phones, so they should be reachable as needed after hours and in case of emergency, but also stressed the importance of contacting the County Sheriff’s office.
Mrs. Patrick next spoke about there being a lack of police coverage in Lovington, and not feeling safe, mentioning how many single, older widows live in Lovington and feel unsafe as well. She has had people banging on the side of her house in the middle of the night and scaring her, and she, as well as other neighbors, have begun leaving lights on at night to feel safe. She posited the question: Is there no budget for police, or some other problem? She has never seen a patrol car drive by her residence. The Board responded that there is a budget, they have hired officers, but no one wants to work. In the interim, the Board advised that calling 911 is the appropriate procedure at this time.
Read MoreLovington “Junefest” schedule of events
•June 11, 2025•
On Friday, June 13th, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., Lovington will hold its Alumni Banquet at the Family Life Center. From 8:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m., Country Sky and Eddie’s Taco Truck will be outside the East End tavern.
On Saturday, June 14th, from 7:00 to 11:00 a.m., the sausage pancake breakfast will be held at the Firehouse. From 9:30 a.m. until noon, the Car Show will be held in the business district with the Lovington Rec Ball grilling lunch.
Read more: Lovington “Junefest” schedule of events Read MoreMoultrie County CEFS food pantry
A lifeline to county residents
•June 11, 2025•
by DM Williamee
Many are aware that the local Sullivan CEFS office is involved in, or directs, numerous programs that support Moultrie County residents: Sullivan, Arthur, Allenville, Gays, Dalton City, Bethany, and Lovington. Of note is its Food Pantry, which serves monthly food boxes, consisting of 4-5 meals per box, to between 180 and 220 families every month, and will deliver these food boxes to the homebound. This program is funded via private donations as well as in-kind donations from grocers and other food suppliers. During the summer growing season, the Illinois Extension donates produce as well. CEFS includes recipes when they can to help recipients maximize their food boxes, and especially when items like venison are distributed. So far this year, CEFS has been assisting primarily young families and the elderly, but those groups and numbers are subject to change. And although it’s a monthly food box, if you are still struggling to put food on the table, the CEFS office can still help.
Read more: Moultrie County CEFS food pantryOther items are available if requested, such as infant formula (and a referral to the Women, Infants, and Children program, if needed), personal hygiene products, diapers, and, when available, household cleaning products. CEFS Food Pantries’ biggest needs right now are cash donations and canned proteins, such as chicken.
Read MoreSullivan Electronics Recycling event much needed by community
City prepares for summer electrical usage
•June 4, 2025•
by Sharon Barricklow
The Sullivan City Electrical Department is getting ready for a busy summer with potential interruptions from Ameren that will require the city to generate its own power.
“In the past, we’ve had two hours’ notice before we need to go online,” Jon Edwards told the council. “Now they’re saying 30 minutes.”
Read more: City prepares for summer electrical usage Read MoreETML Summer Reading Program Kickoff
First Responders of M.C. school supply drive
•June 4, 2025•
The first responders of Moultrie County are looking for donations to assist in the acquisition of school supplies for Sullivan, Bethany, and Lovington Elementary Schools. These donations can be monetary and/or physical supplies, as listed by each school district. The monetary donations will assist in the purchase of school supplies, as well as needs requested from each school district.
Read more: First Responders of M.C. school supply drive