SBD’s support Senior Center

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•March 4, 2026•

Pictured are Mid-Illinois Senior Services Representatives Kathie Garvie, Nancy Ozee, and Serria Decker, second row on the left with the SBD.

The Sullivan Blue Dolphins partnered with the Mid-Illinois Senior Services to collect items for the center. 

This is SBD’s first year helping this organization, titling it, ‘Swimmers Supporting Seniors’. This collection was structured very similarly to the annual ‘Swimmers Supporting Soldiers’ that the Dolphins do every summer. 

Mid Illinois Senior Services sent the SBD a list of items that were much-needed. The team collected numerous items such as puzzles, paper towels, bathroom tissue, cups, sweeteners, Lysol wipes, plastic cutlery, and flower arrangement items. 

The SBD believes in giving back to the community that has so ardently supported them. 

Shrove Tuesday pancake fest draws in community

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Photo by DM Williamee
The hard-working crew behind the festivities, from pancakes and sausage to cupcakes and music: L-R: Ann Wheeler, Yvonne Workman, Lisa Hagan, Lois Shuman, Ron Weaver, Susan Connor, Ray Burris, and Teresa Lane.

by DM Williamee

On Tuesday, February 17th, locals flocked to the Sullivan First United Methodist Church to enjoy the church’s annual Shrove Tuesday pancake supper feast. With live music, festive decorations, and fabulously fluffy pancakes of multiple varieties, accompanied by sausage, the warm and joyous atmosphere was a wonderful display of community at its finest. Even before the doors officially opened, community members made their way in to enjoy the feast. 

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Sullivan City Council discusses water options, sets cleanup days

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•February 18, 2026•

by Sharon Barricklow

An unprecedented drop in the aquifer that supplies Sullivan’s public water supply has city council members discussing options after already declaring a “water emergency” at their February 9th council meeting. City engineer Lee Beckman told the council the aquifer had dropped 15 feet from previous levels. “We’ve never seen that before,” he said.

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Valentine’s Day breakfast at Heritage

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Photo by DM Williamee

On the morning of Thursday, February 12th, Heritage Woods of Sullivan held a Valentine’s Day breakfast for local seniors. The festively decorated atmosphere was one of lively chatter, laughter, and companionship amongst both friends and sweethearts. The menu featured fresh fruit, Denver omelets, bacon, and good old-fashioned biscuits and gravy.

Pictured are: Left, front to back: Johna Sims, Walter Jenkins, and Keith Richardson. Right, front to back: Beverly DeVore, Joyce Jenkins, and Ellen Feller. Keith and Beverly have been close friends for a long while, Ellen and Johna have been close friends for ‘ages’, and Walter and Joyce have been married for seventy years.

Steps to conserve water

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•February 18, 2026•

by DM Williamee

Currently, the City of Sullivan is under an emergency water restriction declaration. As of right now, an exact time-frame in which this will lift has not been given, but the current declaration is in effect through March 1st. Currently, the restrictions are washing cars, filling swimming pools, and watering lawns, with offenders paying up to a $750 dollar penalty. While there is much being said on social media in response to the emergency declaration, individual water conservation steps taken at home can help, and they need not be drastic nor painful. 

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MISS Valentine’s Bingo

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Photo by DM Williamee

On Friday, February 13th, local seniors gathered at the Mid-Illinois Senior Services, Inc./ Moultrie County Senior Center for a few rounds of Valentine’s Day bingo, sponsored by Help at Home. Playing traditional bingo, I/O, and blackout, many won prizes, and all had fun catching up with each other and joking around, with friendly competition for the prizes, which ranged from edible delights and helpful housewares to scented candles and stuffies. Many were dressed for the occasion, wearing red and Valentine’s Day-themed clothing, and some even brought their sweethearts to play as well.

Sullivan candidates forum 

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Photo by RR Best
L-R: Ben Guyot, City of Sullivan citizen volunteer, retired teacher; Laurrie Minor, SCED Executive Director; and Dr. Ted Walk, Moderator and Sullivan School Superintendent.

On February 4th, a candidates’ forum was held at The Little Theater on the Square in Sullivan. Residents were invited to attend to hear local officials and candidates and to receive important information about issues on the ballot of the upcoming elections.

Creative activity on a day off from school

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Photo by DM Williamee
On February 9th, the Elizabeth Titus Memorial Library held a “Make Your Own Valentine’ workshop for local youth. This free workshop required children only bring their imagination and creativity, and was enjoyed by all who attended. Pictured are Vienna Freese (9), and Madelyn Stinson (8), two of those who enjoyed making their valentines while consulting with one another throughout their creative process.

Healthy fats: choosing what’s beneficial to your health

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•February 11, 2026•

Angie Hogan

Moultrie County Health Administrator

Foods containing fat were often blamed for weight gain and heart disease. As a result, many people tried to eat “low-fat” foods whenever possible. Today, health experts understand something important: Some fats are not only healthy, but they’re also essential and have a positive impact on overall health. 

Why do healthy fats matter? Fat plays several important roles in the body. It provides energy, protects organs, and helps your body absorb certain vitamins. For example, vitamins A, D, E, and K require fat for proper absorption. Without enough healthy fat, your body may not get the full benefit from nutritious foods. Healthy fats also help you feel full after eating. This can reduce overeating and help with weight management.

What types of healthy fats should you include in your diet? The healthiest fats are called unsaturated fats. These fats are usually liquid at room temperature and come from plants and fish. Monounsaturated fats, when used in place of saturated fats, can help our bodies lower “bad” LDL cholesterol and support heart health. High blood levels of LDL can lead to plaque buildup in artery walls, significantly increasing the risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. 

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Sullivan 4‑H member Bushue earns scholarship

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•February 11, 2026•

Moultrie‑Douglas 4‑H has announced that Kate Bushue, of Sullivan, is the recipient of the 2026 Illinois 4‑H Gardening, Agriculture & Food Access Scholarship, sponsored by the Illinois 4‑H Foundation. This prestigious award includes a $1,250 scholarship, which Kate will receive at the Illinois 4‑H Celebration of Excellence Awards Banquet on April 10 at the I‑Hotel in Champaign.

Kate is a sophomore at Sullivan High School, a 10‑year 4‑H member, and an active participant in the Moultrie County Shining Stars 4‑H Club in Sullivan. Her 4‑H leader is Erica Lehman. She is the daughter of Jill and Josh Bushue, both of Sullivan.

Her dedication, leadership, and long‑standing commitment to 4‑H have made her a standout among youth across the state.