Measles: What you need to know

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What is measles, and why are we concerned about the illness and its spread?

•March 19, 2025•

by Angela Hogan

Why are we talking about measles? Recently, the CDC and several states have reported measles cases, with many news stories focusing on the outbreak in Texas. Let’s consider what you need to know about measles and how to protect yourself and your loved ones. 

What is measles, and how is it dangerous? Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by the measles virus. It typically causes a cough, red eyes, high fever, and rash. However, measles can also lead to more severe health problems, including pneumonia, encephalitis, brain damage, and pregnancy complications. Below are some additional facts currently associated with measles.

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Celebrate Recovery: it’s more than you think

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Local program provides free services for the community

•March 19, 2025•

by D.M. Williamee

You’ve likely seen the billboards and flyers about Celebrate Recovery, but may not be aware of the vast array of services offered, free of charge, to the Sullivan and surrounding communities.

Director Rebecca Wilhelm said that since the Sullivan chapter’s opening pre-pandemic, and revamp/re-opening in the summer of 2021, Celebrate Recovery offers more services than before to the Sullivan and surrounding communities. “Celebrate Recovery is a place for healing, to be cared for, to learn, grow and become strong again.” She also shared, “Regardless of your faith status or denominational beliefs, it’s a place for community and people to find freedom from their issues and struggles that are controlling their lives. It’s a place to find help and hope.”

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Lovington Working Women’s Collective holds open house

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L-R: Andrea Wardrip, Stephanie Leinard, Tracy Garmon, Natalie Beck, Sage Hale, Brittany Bates, Jamie Franklin

Local group works to help launch local community members’ business aspirations

•March 19, 2025•

by D.M. Williamee

On March 4th, the Lovington Working Women’s Collective (LWWC) held its quarterly Open House in Lovington, with guest speaker Nathalie Beck, CEO of the Heart of Illinois Foundation, who spoke about how her foundation provides resources to improve the quality of life for residents of the communities served. Natalie, “believes in philanthropy’s unique ability to deliver “innovation capital” while leveraging partnerships.” The soup and freshly baked sourdough bread were provided by Hanna Heady with “Hanna’s Sourdough & Signs” and enjoyed by all in attendance.

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Sullivan Fire Department: free smoke detectors for homeowners

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•March 12, 2025•

by D.M. Williamee

The City of Sullivan Fire Department will provide free smoke detectors and install them for local homeowners in their fire district. They will also provide free smoke detectors to renters if the landlord contacts the fire department on behalf of the tenant. Landlords are required to have both smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in rental units. Sullivan Fire Chief Chris Wright stated, “natural gas detectors are also a great idea if you have natural gas appliances in the home, as people can become “nose blind” to the smell over time.”

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City approves union contract, TIF agreements

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•March 12, 2025•

by Sharon Barricklow

The Sullivan City Council approved a new labor contract, some tax increment financing agreements, and a plan to hold monthly entertainment on the city square during a busy meeting Monday night.

The council approved an agreement with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW)  for a new contract for city Water Department workers. The agreement still needs to be ratified by union members.

“We think it’s a good agreement,” said council member Chuck Woodworth.

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One Book, One Sullivan: public book discussion with students

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Pictured are the One Book, One Sullivan student participants and teacher/advisor Rikki Ray.

•March 12, 2025•

by D.M. Williamee

Founded in 2007, and funded by Rotary under Rotary Club’s reading initiative, “One Book, One Sullivan” connects middle school and high school students with the community at large through reading. Each yearly event allows students to interact with adults in the community where they discuss the book chosen by the students. Students learn better communication, leadership, and critical thinking skills in this program, monthly student meetings and this yearly public event. 

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Illinois Extension shares the basics of estate planning

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•March 5, 2025•

There is comfort in knowing that your last wishes are taken care of. Have you ever felt overwhelmed when you heard the words, “estate planning”? 

An “Estate Planning 101: Know the Basics” webinar will be held Wednesday, March 19th at 9:00 a.m. at the Moultrie-Douglas Extension office at 304 E. Progress in Arthur. This workshop is a previously recorded webinar that will be provided free of charge, but advance registration is required. To register, call Illinois Extension at 217-543-3755, or email your name, postal address, and phone number to cburcham@illinois.edu. If you need reasonable accommodations to participate in this program, please call by March 12th.   During this program, we hope participants become less fearful of estate planning, learn some basic concepts and terms related to estate planning, and gather some resources to aid in getting your affairs in order. 

Trivia night at the museum

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•March 5, 2025•

The Moultrie County Historical Center, 1303 S. Hamilton St., Sullivan, will host Trivia Night at the Museum on Saturday, March 29. A meal will be served at 5 p.m. with trivia beginning at 6.

To reserve your teams spot, register before March 22. Registration fee is $20 per person and teams can be made up of up to six people. Checks made payable to Moultrie County History Center may be mailed to P.O. Box 588, Sullivan, IL 61951 or dropped off at the History Center between 10-3 Tuesday-Friday or 10-2 on Saturday.

Contact Donna Arendell (217) 521-9718 or mycroft46@gmail.com with any questions.

IDNR seeking campground hosts for 2025 camping season

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•March 5, 2025•

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is seeking campground hosts for the 2025 camping season for state parks, recreation areas, and historic sites throughout Illinois.

Campground hosting is the perfect position for anyone who enjoys camping and helping other people. Hosts are often the first face to greet state park visitors. They check on arrivals and departures, write camping permits, acquaint campers with park facilities and regulations, answer questions about local and statewide attractions, help visitors plan outings, and more.

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Local fire results in half-million-dollar loss

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Photo by R.R. Best On March 1st at 5:35 p.m., the Sullivan Fire Department was dispatched to a machine shed fire located near County Road 1200 East, between County Roads 1600N and 1500N. Upon arrival, the 600 square foot machine shed containing hay, straw, and farming equipment was found to be fully-engulfed. The fire departments of Bethany, Lovington, Arthur, and Windsor were called to assist. Defensive operations were deployed to contain any potential spread to the fire due the large amount of hay and straw, winds, and dry surrounding growth. No casualties were reported. The property is owned by Dennis Helmuth, with Aaron Bontrager the tenant. The Sullivan Police Department as well as the Moultrie County Sheriff’s Department closed the roadways until the scene was cleared and released by SFD at 9:07 p.m. Captain Tyler Wright of the Sullivan Fire Department reminds the public to, “Refrain from burning brush and weeds during high winds and call 911.”