Strong finishes in recent Fresh-Soph Invitational

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•May 7, 2025• SHS Girls Track had several strong performances at an unscored 16 team Fresh-Soph Invitational on Monday. Avery Renfro led the way with a 1st place finish in the 400 meter at 1:04, while she also finished 4th in the 100 at 13.87. Julia Moody finished 2nd in the mile at 5:58, while the 4 x 100 of Dyer, Smith, Crothers, Renfro finished 2nd in 54.5.  Miracle Wilson had a career PR in the 800 finishing in 2:45. Mya Dyer placed 6th in the 100 at 13.94 and 6th in the Long Jump at 4.37 meters. Kaylee Smith and … Read More

Chocolate is the finishing touch this Mother’s Day

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•May 7, 2025• Mother’s Day presents an opportunity for people to shower the special women in their lives with extra love and affection. There are many ways to show Mom you care apart from gifts and dining out. A homemade dessert featuring rich and creamy chocolate might be exactly what Mom needs to cap off a perfect day spent with her family. This recipe for “Mint Chocolate Mousse” from “Chocolate: Deliciously Indulgent Recipes for Chocolate Lovers” (Ryland, Peters & Small) by Maxine Clark is ideal for mothers who love the taste of mint and chocolate. It’s relatively simple to make, … Read More

ROE #11 presents “Recognition of Excellence” awards

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•May 7, 2025• The Regional Office of Education #11 (ROE #11) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 Recognition of Excellence Award, honoring outstanding education professionals who exemplify skill, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to inspiring students across the region. Selected from a pool of exceptional nominees, these awardees have earned the respect and admiration of students, parents, and colleagues alike through their leadership, community involvement, and extraordinary ability to ignite a passion for learning in students of all backgrounds and abilities. Nominations for the prestigious award were accepted through February 2025, with each candidate reviewed by a … Read More

IAA Foundation Awards $166,251 in scholarships to students pursuing agriculture degrees

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•May 7, 2025• Students can count on support of scholarships for college tuition during the 2025-2026 school year, courtesy of the IAA Foundation. The charitable arm of the Illinois Farm Bureau, the IAA Foundation, is awarding $166,251 to 95 students pursuing degrees in agriculture-related fields. Students are selected based on their activities and leadership, their community involvement, professional career goals, and their overall commitment to success. “Each year we are proud to support and encourage students who represent agriculture’s strong and vibrant future,” said Jennifer Smith, IAA Foundation development manager. … Read More

SHS FCCLA members earn six medals

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•May 7, 2025• Program: valuable leadership development opportunity Eleven members of the Sullivan High School FCCLA (Family, Career, Community Leaders of America) chapter, accompanied by two advisors, participated in the 2025 Illinois FCCLA State Leadership Conference held in Springfield, IL, from April 9th-11th. The conference was attended by representatives from 79 FCCLA chapters across the state, with a total of 727 members competing in STAR and Proficiency Events across 45 different categories. Attending from Sullivan were Isaac Reider, Rhesa Isaacs, Will Miller, Piper Conlin, Keagan Betts, Abagail Dean, Claire Welch, Olivia Cordes, and Sarina Voegel. Former SHS FCCLA alumni and … Read More

MCHS newest exhibit reaches back to the ice age

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•May 7, 2025• On May 5th, the exhibit titled “Illinois Archeology: The Deep Roots of the Prairie State” was installed by Dan Bartlett and volunteers at the Moultrie County Historical Society and is on loan from the Illinois State Archeological Survey. The purpose of the exhibit is to give context to how and where people lived in this region from the ice age moving forward. Both stone tools as well as replicas are on display.  … Read More

SHS’s Gage Simmons signs with Greenville University

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On April 30th, Gage Simmons signed his letter of intent to continue his powerlifting career and education at Greenville University this Fall. Said Simmons, “I am really looking forward to working with others on the same powerlifting path. I’m the only Illinois state deadlift record holder as of this past April.” Simmons is currently in the 205-pound weight class, but his goal is the 232-pound weight class. Simmons will be studying Business. Pictured L-R seated, Father Jon Simmons, Gage Simmons, and Mother Carrie Simmons. Standing is head powerlifting coach Scott Voyles of Greenville University. … Read More

Small town roots to global impact

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•May 7, 2025• How one Sullivan family revolutionized senior safety Submitted In the quiet town of Sullivan, Illinois, an idea was born that would eventually change the lives of hundreds of thousands of seniors worldwide. Ralph Kirk, a former English literature student, never imagined he would become a pioneer in medical alert technology. But his career and calling took a meaningful turn when he discovered how the developing field of computers could improve lives. After college, Kirk accepted a position as Manager of Electronic Data Processing (computers) at Chicago Wesley Memorial Hospital in Chicago. Computers were new then, and he … Read More

Depression-era habits for today’s challenges

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•May 7, 2025• The wisdom of elders is timeless by DM Williamee As many face economic uncertainties, looking to the past for inspiration can be helpful. The Great Depression, marked by extreme financial hardships, forced families to adapt and innovate in ways that still work today.  Gone is the ‘spend, spend, spend’ economy of the 1980s, where plastic was king and treating yourself was top priority. During the Great Depression, families learned to prioritize needs over wants. Following a budget was critical, and adopting this same practice today can help families and individuals meet their needs more easily.  … Read More

Facts for Families: Gardening with preschoolers using planters

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•May 7, 2025• by Cheri BurchamFamily Life Educator  Gardening season is almost here. It is a great family activity and beneficial to get children interested when they are young. Have you wondered if gardening outdoors with preschoolers would be too challenging? The Illinois Early Learning Project (IELP) has a tip sheet about teaching children to garden using planters/containers that I would like to share with you.  According to IELP, growing plants in containers of clean topsoil can be safer and easier for children than gardening in “plain dirt” on the ground. Here are some tips for gardening with children in … Read More