January 4 Was One of the Best
Dear Editor,
January 4, 2017 was one of the best newspapers I have read.
I always enjoy Trudy Lieberman and Jim Nowlan’s columns, but this week the story on the Bethany library was very good.
I was glad to read that Bethany High School class yearbooks are digitally available. Read More
•January 11, 2017•
Sullivan Community Unit District 300 school board is hoping that collecting a 1% sales tax could ease the property tax funding burden in Moultrie County.
David Pistorius of First Midstate, Inc. explained the request would be placed on the April 4, 2017 ballot. Sales tax revenue generated could be used toward facility use and or construction. Not eligible are operational costs, salaries, moveable equipment, or computers.
Pistorius noted the Regional Supt. of Schools office must certify the ballot question by January 26, 2017 to the Moultrie County Clerk’s office. The revenue up to 1% could be collected by the Illinois Dept. of Revenue and distributed through the regional supt. office monthly.
The 1% maximum level could produce as much as one million dollars revenue for the school district.
Supt. Brad Tuttle emphasized the board could cut property taxes for items such as health, life safety bonds, allowing the sales tax to take some pressure away from property owners.
Pistorius noted that half the counties in the state are utilizing the sales tax revenue source to relieve property tax burdens.
The board voted unanimously to have the regional superintendent’s office place the county school facility occupation tax question on the April 4, 2017 ballot.
Photo by Ellen Ferrera
You may not know Peggy Booker, but you know those sweet creations.
•January 11, 2017•
By Ellen Ferrera
for there News Progress
We’ve all been to the local IGA to shop. We enter, turn right and amble toward the deli section and then, in the corner of our eye, there it is. That hulking white case with the slanted shelves filled with THEM.
Some are round and glazed or with sprinkles, some are square or twisted and sugar coated. You salivate at the sight of those that ooze of vanilla pudding that mingles with haunting dark chocolate in every bite, and Lord have mercy!
Some are even drenched in maple glaze and bacon. Yes, it’s the doughnut case. On a full stomach I’m probably safe from their siren call but on an empty one I am doomed.
And who is responsible for these delectable, delicious pastry treats? She is a tiny lady with the merriest blue eyes and someone you should know if you don’t already.
Peggy Booker is in her eighties and arrives at IGA at 1 a.m. every morning Monday through Saturday. Yes, while you are snuggled down dreaming of doughnuts, she is wrangling some 20 dozen donuts into the wonderful creations that make your dreams come true. Read More
•January 11, 2017•
By Jim Nowlan
NP Guest Columnist
A recent Chicago Tribune series reveals more than a thousand possible cases of abuse and neglect at certain group homes in Illinois since 2011, some resulting in deaths of those served.
What’s new? I have been reading of exposés about poor care of our infirm populations by the state of Illinois rather regularly over the half-century that I have been observing Illinois public life.
It will probably always be thus—because of the constant tension between cost and care, the complexities of serving folks such as the developmentally disabled and the inability of policymakers to shape up our fragmented, dysfunctional state management of social services.
I recounted earlier to readers a startling experience when I was first elected to the Illinois House as a naïve 26-year-old way back in 1968. Read More
•January 11, 2017•
By Jason Brown
NP Sports Editor
Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond girls’ basketball team picked up a non-conference win at home against Tuscola Monday night.
Liz Shipman scored a game-high 19 points to help the Knights overcome Tuscola 55-50.
Hannah Wallen followed with 11 points, including two 3-pointers, and Megan Fifer hit double-digits with 10 points. Fifer also made 3-of-4 from the free throw line. Read More
Senior Peace Meal
For additional information or for reservations, please call 1-800-543-1770
Monday, Jan. 16 - Sausage patty or links, egg, bacon & cheddar scramble, fruit juice, whole grain blueberry muffin, warm fruit strudel bites.
Tuesday, Jan. 17 - Country beef stew w/potatoes, carrots & onions, Mexi corn, roll, cherry pie.
Wednesday, Jan. 18 - Shepherd’s pie w/vegetables, broccoli, warm biscuits Mandarin oranges.
Thursday, Jan. 19 - Fried chicken, mashed potatoes w/gravy, seasoned peas, Texas toast, fresh fruit.
Friday, Jan. 20 - Tuna noodle casserole, Harvard beets, warm black-eyed pea salad, whole grain wheat, pineapple pistachio dessert.
Sullivan Pre-School Breakfast
Monday, Jan. 16 - Nutri-grain bars, grape juice, milk.
Tuesday, Jan. 17 - French toast, grape juice, milk.
Wednesday, Jan. 18 - Warm apples, Ritz crackers, milk.
Thursday, Jan. 19 - Toast, grape juice, milk.
Friday, Jan. 20 - Blueberry bagels, grape juice, milk.
Sullivan Pre-School Lunch
Monday, Jan. 16 - Tacos, lettuce salad, pears, milk.
Tuesday, Jan. 17 - Tomato soup, grilled cheese sandwiches, crackers, carrot sticks, banana, milk.
Wednesday, Jan. 18 - Corn dogs, french fries, pineapple, milk.
Thursday, Jan. 19 - Chicken strips, mixed vegetables, peaches, bread & butter, milk.
Friday, Jan. 20 - Chicken salad sandwiches, vegetable sticks, mixed fruit, milk.
•January 11, 2017•
Jonathan Creek Precinct is being moved to a more spacious location – the Jonathan Creek Christian Church Fellowship Hall.
Moultrie County Clerk Georgia England states that the Jonathan Creek Township Shed has been used for Elections for many years, and wishes to thank the Jonathan Creek Township for their past courtesies.
England also wishes to thank Pastor Tim Henderson and the Congregation for allowing the use of the Church Fellowship Hall as a polling place for future elections. The move to the new location will be effective with the upcoming Consolidated Election on April 4, 2017.
Voters in Jonathan Creek Precinct will receive new Voter Registration cards reflecting the location change the week of January 23, 2017.
The Jonathan Creek Christian Church Fellowship Hall is located on the Cadwell Road approximately 3 miles south of the former location.
Janet Harchous
Janet C. Harchous, 82, of Sullivan passed away at 8:48 a.m. Monday, January 9, 2017 in Mason Point in Sullivan.
Celebration of Life services will be 11 a.m. Saturday in Mason Point Chapel in Sullivan with John Plummer officiating. Visitation will be 10-11 a.m. Saturday in Mason Point Chapel. Burial will be in Greenhill Cemetery in Sullivan. Reed Funeral Home in Sullivan is handling arrangements. Read More
•January 11, 2017•
By Madison Uhlrich
OVHS Shadow Student
When I was a little girl, I loved to flip through National Geographic magazines and look at the photographs. I wanted to take photographs like those, too, photographs that would affect people.
I was very particular with my photography and with my academics. Practicing setting up fake photo-shoots in my backyard increased my interest.
But I knew it would take the best grades in the best classes to get me closer to my eventual career objective, traveling the world taking photographs that tell a bigger story. Read More
•January 11, 2017•
The Little Okaw Conference has announced the girls’ Little Okaw Valley (Northwest) Tournament schedule for this week.
The Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond and Okaw Valley girls’ teams earned a first-round bye in the tournament hosted by Cerro Gordo.
The Knights (13-3) captured the No. 1 ranking and Okaw Valley (11-7) followed with a No. 2 ranking. Read More