Ambucs Halloween Parade 2023

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photos by Crystal Reed

Ambucs Halloween Parade

The Sullivan Ambucs held their annual Halloween parade on the evening of Tuesday, October 31 on the square in Sullivan. Halloween parade winners were Shrek and Fiona-Rob and Michelle Young, Rainbow and Friends-Adah Ray-Allen, Lindsay Ray and John Paul Livergo, Spongebob and Friends- Maci Roggers, Wren Wall and Hannah Taylor, Skeleton Unicorn Inflatable-Charllttee Martin, The Loki Family-Zane, Kinsley, Beretta and Sam Black, The Chicken (Hey Hey from Moana)-Lydia Hayse, Lighted Elf-Hope Conner, Greek Goddess and God-Miriam and Simon Parri, Pirate-Koda Polley and Ghost Face from Scream-Trey Grimm.

Safe Trick or Treat On the Square 2023

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photos by Crystal Reed Safe Trick or Treat On the Square The Sullivan Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development sponsored the safe trick or treat held on Tuesday, October 31 in Sullivan. The event gave children the opportunity to show off their costumes and collect candy at various downtown businesses. More photos on page 9.

Fourth Annual Anglers Tribute to Veterans Held on Lake Shelbyville

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photo by Crystal Reed
Veterans that participated in the 2023 Anglers Tribute to Veterans pose for a group photo at the Sullivan VFW on Saturday, November 4. It was the fourth year for the event.

•November 8, 2023•

by Crystal Reed

The fourth annual Anglers Tribute to Veterans was held on Lake Shelbyville on Friday, November 3 and Saturday, November 4. The event takes Veterans on an all day fishing trips on Lake Shelbyville with dinner and drinks at the Sullivan VFW later in the day. This year 21 Veterans were taken out to fish on Saturday.  Read More

Moultrie Habitat for Humanity Holds House Blessing

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•November 8, 2023•

by Crystal Reed

A house blessing was held Sunday, November 5, at the newest home built by Moultrie County Habitat for Humanity on Hope Lane in Sullivan. The new homeowners are Rebecca Comstock, Kylee, Clark and Owen. The ceremony began with a prayer from Pastor Doug Fultz of Solid Rock Chapel.

Fultz noted that God had blessed the home with a deserving and thankful family and that God blessed the home from the concept through completion with caring and faithful workers who gave their time and talents. “Today we recognize this home is more than a house,” he said. “It’s more than the materials that it’s made from. It’s more like a quilt that has been assembled with great love and prayer woven throughout.”

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Sullivan School District Breaks Ground for New High School

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photo by Crystal Reed
In attendance for the ground breaking of the new Sullivan High School were (in no order): Sullivan Mayor Mike Mossman, Moultrie County Board Chairman Bill Voyles and Vice Chairman Marsha Kirby, Executive Director of the Sullivan Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Laurrie Minor, Friends of Sullivan Athletics and Academics Representative Amanda Glazebrook, Judy England, Clayton Quick and Evan Sudkamp with Grunloh Construction, Architect Ben Dockter with Graham and Hyde Architects, Board of Education members Jeff White, Josh Green and Zak Horn, Sullivan High School Principal Dan Allen, Director of Buildings and Grounds Kevin Landrus and Sullivan School District Superintendent Ted Walk.

•November 8, 2023•

Sullivan School District broke ground for the new high school last Friday afternoon. Superintendent Ted Walk reflected on the past noting that the Sullivan Township High School opened over 100 years ago in 1916. It served students in the Sullivan community for over 105 years. Students served initially included high school students but the building hosted middle and even elementary students during its time. “The community should be incredibly proud of the efforts and decisions made by the staff and leadership of Sullivan Schools over this time to keep this three-story structure, built initially without electricity, operational for such an amazing stretch,” he said.  Read More

Moultrie County Beacon Holds Annual Employment Celebration Luncheon

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•November 1, 2023•

The VFW Hall in Sullivan was filled with conversation, laughter and a customized video highlighting the community workers (that come from the Beacon) on Wednesday, Oct. 25th as the Moultrie County Beacon celebrated their 2nd Annual Employment Celebration Luncheon. Susan Rauch and Stan Parks hosted the celebration for the 18 individuals included in the Beacon’s Employment Program. The Employment program is in its 2nd year, since its inception Fall of 2021.  Read More

Bethany Fire Department Adds on to Firehouse, Gains Three Apparatus Bays

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photo by Crystal Reed
Apparatus and the smoke house for fire education sit in the new bays at the Bethany Fire Department. The department recently expanded to the north on their property gaining three apparatus bays.

•November 1, 2023•

by Crystal Reed

The Bethany Fire Department needed more space for equipment, and recently that was made possible by a 35x55 addition to the firehouse which expanded the bay to the north and gave the department an additional three apparatus bays. This project was made possible by a family who left a large portion of their estate to the department which they put toward the project. Before the addition was built on, the bays were getting crowded with gear, and multiple vehicles were parked in each bay which made getting some vehicles out more difficult. Read More

Local Family Grows Atlantic Giant Pumpkins

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Tyson, Cash, Harper and Stephanie Naylor with one of their Atlantic giant pumpkins that they have grown since 2008. This type of pumpkin can tip the scales at over 1,000 lbs depending on the plant.

•November 1, 2023•

by Crystal Reed

Tis the season for pumpkins, pumpkin pie and all things pumpkin spice. However, one local family grows pumpkins not to eat but for fun. Tyson, Steph, Cash and Harper Naylor of Sullivan are a family that grows Atlantic giant pumpkins. These are no ordinary squash.

Tyson said each plant is about 30x30 feet and is around 900 square feet total. They grow two plants which grow one pumpkin per plant. At its peak, this type of pumpkin can grow 30-50+ pounds a day. Read More

Illinois Senator McClure Visits Sullivan

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photo by Crystal Reed
Illinois Senator McClure Visits Sullivan
Illinois Senator Steve McClure visited Sullivan on Friday, October 20 making stops at Sullivan High School, Moultrie County Historical and Genealogical Society and The Little Theatre On The Square. While at MCHGS he received a tour through the museum by society members and was able to see the History To Go units.

Dove Recognizes

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photo by Crystal Reed
Dove Recognizes Darby Poe
Dove’s Moultrie County Domestic Violence Program recognized Darby Poe of Moultrie Counseling during their October 19 candlelighting ceremony in Sullivan. She was recognized for her compassionate work with participants of the program.

photo by Crystal Reed
Dove Recognizes Doug Smothers
Dove’s Moultrie County Domestic Violence Program recognized Doug Smothers of Land of Lincoln Legal Aid for his compassionate work with participants of the program during the candlelighting ceremony.