In 1978, Sandy Brix was a math teacher at Sullivan Junior High School. One of her students was Carla Moon. At the time neither one would imagine that almost five decades later the two would be writing a book together.
“That’s almost as interesting as our book is,” smiles Carla Moon Stirrett. “We’ve been friends for as long as I can remember. After Sandy quit teaching, she became the office manager at her husband’s veterinary clinic. And I also worked with her there for over 25 years.”
Extension services are alive and well in Moultrie County, the Moultrie County Board heard Thursday night before approving funding for the University of Illinois service.
Jessie McCluskyand Rachel Stenger told the board that Extension serves the county in a variety of ways including Partners in Produce that provides food for area food pantries and 4 H programs for youth. Stenger said Moultrie County formed a new club this year, the Shooting Sport SPINS that provides instruction in shooting using air rifles and air pistols.
On April 14th, local SHS students and community members volunteered to walk the runway at a fashion show held at the Mid Illinois Senior Center, with all clothing provided by the Sullivan Thrift Store. Proceeds from Thrift Store purchases support the Senior Center. Pictured is SHS student Joleigh Tipsword in a lovely sweater/skirt ensemble.
The Sullivan City Council heard some updates on a variety of projects and the city’s response to recent damage to power lines in a brief meeting Monday night.
During the public comment portion at the beginning of the meeting, the council heard a complaint about a deteriorated property. Mayor Mike Mossman said the city has had a hard time finding the property owner after the property had been sold.
The Moultrie County Planning and Zoning Office reminds those who place temporary signs (general advertising- the following does not apply to political signs) on public property such as public thoroughfares and easements to retrieve their signs, per Zoning Code 40-4-37 (B) 1-6, which states as follows:
(5) Temporary signs not covered in the foregoing categories do not need a permit, so long as such signs meet the following restrictions:
Pictured, L-R: Jorja Plummer (OV Job Shadow Senior), Reese Nichols (OV Job Shadow Senior), Dr. Savannah Birch, Julia Hildebrant, Vet. Tech. at Kaskaskia Valley Animal Hospital.
Preparing students for the future
•April 16, 2025•
At Okaw Valley High School (OVHS), the Job Shadow and Work Study programs provide students with invaluable opportunities to gain hands-on experience, explore careers, and develop key skills for future success. These programs go beyond traditional classroom instruction by offering hands-on experience, professional development, and personal growth. Students leave high school not only with the knowledge they need but also the skills and confidence necessary to pursue successful careers in a variety of industries.
Emotional goodbye from colleagues, on to next chapter
•April 16, 2025•
by DM Williamee
On Friday, April 11th, Sullivan Fire Department’s Firefighter/Medic Daniel Boyer’s colleagues, friends, and family held a retirement party for him at the Sullivan Fire Department. The party was opened with prayer and the pledge of allegiance, and colleagues wished him the best in his next chapter of life after twenty years of faithful service. All extended heart-felt gratitude for his loyal service to the community, his loyalty and leadership within the fire department, and the sacrifices he made. Boyer could always be counted on to bring 100% for every shift, often working late and covering shifts. The formal ceremony ended with the presentation of an honorary plaque, the flag that flew over the fire station on his last day of service, and a traditional fire hat, ending with a radio “final call.” Afterwards, Boyer walked a procession line and individually thanked his colleagues with a handshake and a bear hug.
Wednesday, April 3, was the first meeting of the year for the MCRTA (Moultrie County Retired Teachers Association). Twenty-five members attended the meeting at the United Church of Atwood. President Vickie Newberry opened with the Pledge and conducted the business meeting.
Membership milestone awards were presented for 5, 10, 20, and 30 years of retirement. Six, 2025, Moultrie County new retirees were announced. Monical’s Pizza once again will work with the MCRTA on a Community Day fundraiser; Tuesday, April 15, will be the first of three. Sullivan and Mattoon’s Monical’s Pizzas will donate 20% of your bill to the MCRTA if you mention this fundraiser at the time you order. This money helps the MCRTA provide teaching scholarships and teachers’ supplies to our county schools. “Digital Dough” is a new online way to enjoy Monical’s Community Days. Using “Digital Dough” allows customers to purchase gift cards and still contribute to the MCRTA; order online from April 7th – 14th at monicals.com. A good idea for older kids’ Easter baskets!
Election judges play an important role on Election Day protecting the integrity of our elections. Taking time out of their morning duties at the Sullivan polling location to pose for a photo are seated, (l-r) Cindy Haegen, Leroy Fifer, Joe Cohan and standing, (l-r) Karen Goss, Cheryl Thomas and Dan Fultz.
Low turnouts, few contested in Moultrie County
•April 9, 2025•
This year’s April 1 Consolidated Election results reflect a low turnout in Moultrie County races, with few contested and fewer surprises. Official Moultrie County statistics show just 1,596 ballots cast of the 8,807 total voters, just an 18.1% turnout. In the few contested races however, turnout was a little higher.
In the Village of Bethany trustee race, Gene Mueller, Karen Jeffers and Greg McLain were elected to fill the three available seats. The Village of Dalton City saw Shelby Hutchens defeat Michael Couch 83-48 for the mayors seat. The Village of Lovington turnout at the polls was increased by a race for Village President between April Daily and Brittany Bates. Bates took the seat with a 164-79 vote. William (Bill) Richardson was re-elected as Township Highway Commissioner in Dora with 80.8% of the vote over challenger Alex Ballweg. Dora Township also elected four trustees, Larry Crawley, Steven Smith, Bill Chandler and Jeffery Watts emerged in the seven person race.
Photo by R.R. Best The Moultrie County Sheriff’s Department responded to a downed tree in the North Worth area during Sunday’s local storms in Sullivan. According to the City of Sullivan, there were scattered and intermittent power disruptions impacting approximately 28 customers, all of which were quickly resolved.
