Photo by R.R. Best
Shed Fire
A small brush fire was suspected of catching the wooden shingles of a nearby storage shed on fire at the former Masonic Home last Friday. When the Sullivan Fire Department arrived on scene, the deck gun knocked down most of the roof, saving the structure from being a total loss. Bethany was called in for mutual aid. Pictured is Bethany Fire Chief Mike Jennings.
Photo furnished
2024 Fish Habitat Day
Many individual volunteers and several volunteer groups showed up Saturday, March 23 and made quick work of the donated Christmas trees, placing them in Lake Shelbyville to continue efforts of Fish Habitat Improvement. The trees were tied together in bundles and then dropped into the lake along with cubes and stumps that were built during recent Fish Habitat Build Events.
•March 27, 2024•
by E. Scott England
In last week’s News Progress, HB 5617 was discussed. This bill, introduced by House Representative Maurice West, II, says “that a school board shall prohibit a school from using a native name, logo, or mascot that names, refers to, represents, or is associated with Native Americans, including aspects of Native American cultures and specific Native American tribes.” It does go on to say that “a school may continue to use uniforms or other materials bearing a native name, logo, or mascot that were purchased on or before the effective date of the Act until September 1, 2027. Read More
•March 27, 2024•
The personal, social, and health implications for individuals and communities
By Angela Hogan
According to the 2023 Surgeon General’s Advisory, around 20% of adults in the United States reported feeling lonely or socially isolated.
Loneliness and isolation are separate but related concepts. Isolation is a lack of social connections, while loneliness is the emotional experience of feeling alone, even when surrounded by others.
Overall, older adults, people with disabilities, and geographically isolated people are particularly vulnerable to loneliness. Social and economic factors such as poverty, unemployment, and discrimination also increase the risk of loneliness and isolation. Read More
•March 27, 2024•
By Sharon Barricklow
The Sullivan City Council made several personnel changes and appointments and received what was called a “roadmap to future development” at their regular council meeting Thursday night.
The council took action to appoint deputy treasurer Nakayla Swisher as Interim Treasurer following the resignation of treasurer Jill Bushue. Mayor Mike Mossman said Swisher, City Clerk Carrie Creek and he would all be available to sign checks for the city. The council also gave Street Department employee Ryan Nuding permission to enter into contracts and joint participation agreements between Sullivan and the State of Illinois. Commissioner Douglas Shook said the authorization would help with purchasing items through the state in addition to executing plans between agencies. Read More
Photo furnished
Easter Donation
The Kirby Foods meat department delivered hams to the Moultrie County Food Pantry on Monday thanks to generous anonymous donation. The hams will provide for a nice Easter dinner. Pictured are meat department members Blake Eller and Cameron Eccles.
•March 27, 2024•
by E. Scott England
Kate Bushue was selected as the State FFA Proficiency Winner in Food Service Entrepreneurship. She was previously chosen as the Chapter, Section, and District awardee of this area.
Illinois FFA recognizes students in forty-eight different areas based on their work-based learning, also known as Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs). FFA members who demonstrate outstanding agricultural skills and competencies through record keeping, leadership, and scholastic achievement may be considered for this award. Read More
•March 27, 2024•
By Sharon Barricklow
After more than eight months without a mutual aid agreement in place with Shelby County, the Moultrie County Dive Board told the Shelby County Board last week they would not continue to offer assistance on rescue calls in Shelby County. Read More
•March 20, 2024•
Sullivan Dance Studio’s Competition Team has attended two competitions so far this year. Specialty routines and the one Teen level dance attended “Believe Dance Competition” at Gateway Convention Center in Collinsville, IL February 2-4. All thirty team members attended the Energy Dance Competition the weekend of February 16-18 at Kirkwood High School in Kirkwood, Missouri. Read More
Photo submitted
Genealogy Circle Meets
The first Genealogy Circle was held on March 12 at the history center in Sullivan. Gail Price, Genealogist, held the class with 16 attending and having different levels of experience with Family History research. This class was about how to start with research and document your findings. The next class will be April 9 from 6:30-8 p.m. For future classes, special speakers are scheduled for various topics of information that can be obtained.
Going forward this program will be held the second Tuesday of the month. If you would like to participate in the class and learn about your family history, have any questions or to register for the program, contact the History Center at 217-728-4085 or follow the Facebook page for details.