Homeschool Program at Library Teaches About Beekeeping

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Aubrie Payne (left) models a bee suit while assisting Lisa Spracklen who presented on beekeeping to the homeschool program that meets at the Elizabeth Titus Memorial Library during the school year. Spracklen was also assisted by Cheryl Cribbett.

•February 21, 2024•

by Crystal Reed

The Elizabeth Titus Memorial Library had their first guest presenter on Thursday, February 8. According to Children’s Librarian Laura Davison, it was the first time having someone come in and present to the group that was created in the last five years. She continued on to say that the program averages about 20 kids though it varies on the day.  Read More

Local Girl Scout Troops Selling Cookies

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photo by Crystal Reed
Local Girl Scout Troops Selling Cookies
It’s that time of year again, it’s Girl Scout cookie sales time. Briar Woods and Haley Woods were spotted this past weekend selling cookies at the Sullivan American Legion. Briar is a member of Troop 3087. Troop 3087 is lead by Kim Jones.

VFW Post 6410 Patriot’s Pen

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VFW Post 6410 Patriot’s Pen
The VFW Post 6410 recently sponsored the Patriot’s Pen and Voice of Democracy essay contests. All three local winners of the Patriot’s Pen contest were from Okaw Valley. They were first place-Benjamin Engler, second place-Jonnie Hart and third place-Magdalene Patient. Engler went on to win second place at the District 11 judging. They are pictured with Jennifer Hobbs.

Assistant States Attorney Addresses Lawsuit from Zillow During Board Meeting

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•February 21, 2024•

by Crystal Reed

The Moultrie County Assistant States Attorney Elizabeth Dobson spoke during the regular meeting of the County Board on February 15 about a lawsuit that has been brought up against the Moultrie County Office of Assessments. Dobson said that the case is a public case and open file that anyone can look at. The case number in Piatt County is 2021-MR-37. She said it is a lawsuit under the Freedom of Information Act that started in August of 2021. “The Zillow company retained a law firm from Springfield, that specializes in FOIA lawsuits,” she said “Make no mistake that Moultrie County is being targeted here.” 

Dobson said that if anyone has questions about this lawsuit or the Assessment Office, Lori Barringer cannot answer questions at this time because the lawsuit is still pending. She said that she has seen many things on social media in regards to the case and questions regarding it. Dobson said the attorney’s filed the lawsuit against Moultrie County and the Assessment Office.  Read More

East Central Illinois Area on Aging Holds Moultrie-Douglas County Conversation 

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•February 14, 2024•

by Crystal Reed

The East Central Illinois Area On Aging (ECIAAA) held the Moultrie-Douglas county conversation at the Elizabeth Titus Memorial Library Thursday, February 8. The mission of the ECIAAA is to lead and advocate for inclusive resources and services that empower their optimal aging of Central Illinois’ diverse older adults, individuals with disabilities and their care partners. The three objectives of these programs are to present the FY  2023 Performance Outcomes Report to the Public on the Older Americans Act, obtain input from County Conversation Participants on how they can improve services provided and serve as an advocacy platform to inform lawmakers of the importance of these programs.  Read More

Multiple Departments Respond to Structure Fire in Bethany

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photo by R.R. Best
Bethany firefighters/first responders, John Smith and Dakota Briggs give medical attention to one of the two dogs that was found and rescued from the structure fire on Friday, February 9.

•February 14, 2024•

The Bethany Fire Department was dispatched for a structure fire at 11:53 am on Friday, February 9. They arrived within a few minutes to find fire coming out of one window. Crews did an initial attack from the yard while the scene was being sized up determining a room and contents on fire.  Read More

Sullivan Area Ministerial Association Holds Open House

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photo by Crystal Reed
Sullivan Area Ministerial Association Holds Open House
The Sullivan Area Ministerial Association (SAMA) held an open house event at Sweet Vail on Wednesday, February 7. The event gave members of the community the opportunity to talk to local pastors and learn about the activities and initiatives that their churches are involved in.

Take Charge of Your Diabetes Classes Being Offered

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•February 7, 2024•

Diabetes is on the rise but can be a very manageable illness. If you or someone you care for has diabetes or is pre-diabetic, why not learn how to more effectively “take charge” and live an active and fulfilling life? Take Charge of Your Diabetes is designed to teach those with diabetes tools and techniques to help them become better health managers. Read More

Local Emergency Responders Obtain Certification

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•February 7, 2024•

Twenty local first responders recently completed an Emergency Medical Responder course held in Sullivan. Fourteen members from the Sullivan Fire Protection District and six members from the Bethany Fire Protection District participated in the six week course that took over 56 hours to complete. The class met two evenings a week and every other Saturday to meet all the objectives of the program. 

Students developed skills in the assessment and treatment of childbirth, respiratory, environmental, behavioral, traumatic and many other medical emergencies that they could encounter working in the prehospital setting. Read More