•March 26, 2025• by Phyllis Coulter“FarmWeek” Tomatoes are growing in popularity as a crop in Illinois. “It’s becoming a tomato state,” said University of Illinois Professor Mohammed Babadoost. While Illinois is known as being the No. 1 state for soybean, pumpkin, and horseradish production, few people know that tomatoes are such a big crop in Illinois. Tomato production in Illinois is greater than apples or peaches, Babadoost said. … Read More
Aux Kas and Wampuses •March 26, 2025• by Janet Roney What is the oldest word in use today? It’s heard all over the world. It originated in an oasis in the Taklamaken desert in western China. While you think about that, here’s another old word… wampus. My father savored using old words. His vocabulary would have given a linguist hours of pleasure deciphering its origins. One of his words was wampus. Do you know what a wampus is? … Read More
Jacqueline Grace Jacqueline Thomas Grace, 94, of Sullivan, formerly of Decatur, passed away Friday, March 21, 2025, in the Arthur Home. … Read More
Cody Gentry Cody Leland Gentry, of Monticello, Ill., died March 19 at home. He was 61. Survivors include his wife, Karen; six sisters, Melinda O’brero, Jody Davis (Grant), Joanna Sensabaugh (Roger), Lora Suter (Don), Stacy Kelly and Shonna Smith (Edward); one brother, Andrew (Ashley); 11 nieces and five nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and one nephew. … Read More
2015 A boy was being treated for injuries he received after he apparently jumped from the third floor of the Moultrie County Courthouse onto the first-floor rotunda. The boy, shackled and clad in an orange jumpsuit, had just left a courtroom when he went over the railing. Not only does knowledge equal power, but it also can help you earn some extra money for your bank account. That is what Sullivan native and recent law school graduate Rachael Sims found out after competing on the famous “Jeopardy!”!” game show. “I won $21,500 in my first game, which was very exciting!” … Read More
•March 26, 2025• by DM Williamee The Okaw Valley CUSD #302 school board held its regularly scheduled meeting on March 20th at 7:00 p.m. at the Okaw Valley Middle School in Findlay. After a call to Order, the first order of business was the public hearing, “Conduct of Public Hearing concerning the intent of the Board of Education to sell not to exceed $2,500,000.00 School Fire Prevention and Safety Bonds” of which no public comments were offered. It was then tabled for closed discussions. … Read More
•March 26, 2025• by Sharon Barricklow “When is a good thing too much of a good thing?” was on the minds of the Sullivan City Council Monday night. Rapid growth, including new apartments and businesses, has caused the city to worry about the cash flow of different city departments. That concern led Accounts and Finance Commissioner Abby Sherwood to urge the city departments to consider budget cuts. “With all the projects going on, we have a cash flow problem,” she said. Commissioner Mike Kirk said departments like electrical services and water have little room to make cuts, especially in personnel. … Read More
New facility will expand studio and local childcare •March 26, 2025• by DM Williamee Empower Academy held a groundbreaking ceremony on Friday, March 21st. Owners Ryan and Melissa Krieger are planning to build 20,000+ square foot building that will expand Sullivan Dance Studio’s operations, as well as provide 126 licensed childcare spots in the future. The studio and facility will be licensed and accepting childcare assistance funding. The new name was inspired by Melissa’s passion of empowering our community’s youth. The facility will house multiple dance spaces, tumbling, childcare, and parties/events as well as the childcare spots. Ryan and Melissa … Read More
•March 26, 2025• On Thursday, April 3rd, from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m., the Mobile Food Pantry will be distributing food to those in need at Windsor Elementary, at 808 Wisconsin Ave. This delivery is for residents of Moultrie and Shelby counties only. Those in need of a food box must register by noon on March 28th by calling the Windsor Storm Library, Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at (217) 459-2498, during business hours only. Once your form is completed by phone, you will be given a number to … Read More
•March 26, 2025• Bethany will be holding a community Easter egg hunt on Saturday, April 19th at 3:00 p.m. at Crowder Park. There will be a bike giveaway and prizes as well. … Read More