Photos by Crystal Reed
Pizza Pajamas and Santa
Pizza Pajamas and Santa was held at the village hall in Gays on Saturday, December 17. Children were able to visit with Santa, enjoy pizza, cookies and hot chocolate and make crafts. Good will offerings were accepted at the event and all proceeds go towards the Two Story Outhouse Festival 2023.
•December 21, 2022•
With the holidays in full swing, Illinois Conservation Police officer are partnering with the Illinois Department of Transportation to remind motorists about the dangers of impaired driving.
From Dec. 16 through Jan. 2, law enforcement across Illinois will step up enforcement efforts with a high-visibility “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Drive High, Get a DUI” traffic safety campaign. Read More
•December 21, 2022•
The Family Bereavement Leave Act will go into effect on January 1, 2023, expanding unpaid leave rights for employees across the State. As the New Year approaches, employers should be aware of the new requirements under the Act.
The Family Bereavement Leave Act (FBLA) is an amendment to the Child Bereavement Leave Act (CBLA) that expands leave time requirements to cover pregnancy loss, failed adoptions or surrogacy agreements, unsuccessful reproductive procedures, and other diagnoses or events negatively impacting pregnancy or fertility. The FBLA also requires employers to provide leave time after the loss of family members previously not covered by the CBLA, including spouses, domestic partners, siblings, grandparents, and stepparents. Read More
Joyce Shiner
Joyce Shasteen Shiner of Chipita Park, Colorado passed at her home on December 10, 2022 with her 3 children, Sheryl, Diane, and James at her bedside. Joyce was born in1927 and grew up in Sullivan. Her parents were Carl and Goldie Shasteen. She was preceded in death by her husband, Alfred Shiner. She is survived by 4 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.
Don Norris
Don Norris, a beloved husband, father, papa, brother, uncle, and friend passed away peacefully in the presence of loved ones on Friday December 9, 2022. Read More
•December 21, 2022•
By Jim Baumann
NP Guest Writer
Tom Peterson read our story about a former Buffalo Grove middle school teacher charged with sexual assault who removed his ankle bracelet and is in the wind.
At the end of the story, we say his next court hearing will be held whether he is there or not. We wrote, “The next hearing in Gibori’s case is Jan. 4 irrespective of whether he is found.”
“Deep into this story I found the word ‘irrespective.’ Don’t see that one too much these days. Wouldn’t ‘regardless’ be better?”
I must admit I’d never given much thought about “regardless” versus “irrespective.”
I found a lot of quibbling debate about subtle differences depending on which part of speech you’re using them for, but in common parlance people use them interchangeably.
Linguist Bryan A. Garner says so, and I am a fan of his logic. Read More
25 Years Ago This Week
Ruby Fleshner of Bethany won the $100 first prize in the Bethany holiday lighting contest. Names of winners were chosen at randow from among those registered by NewsProgress Managing Editor Dan Hagen at the Bethany Village Hall. Winning the two second prizes were Roger Ozee and Brett Smock. Winning the eight $25 third prizes were Keith Richardson, Tom Marshall, H.O. Dick Transfer, Mary Tueth, Robert Jackson, Jim Underwood, Don Johnson and Leroy Powell. Read More
Photo by Crystal Reed
Santa and Mrs. Claus
Daniel Cisney, Indie Rose Harminson and River Helmuth spent time with Santa during the Santa Picture Bingo and Breakfast at the Sullivan American Legion.
Photo by Crystal Reed
Newly Organized Moultrie County Board
The newly organized Moultrie County Board met for the December monthly meeting on Thursday, December 15 at 7 pm. Board members are (front row): Josh Roe. Billy Voyles, Marsha Kirby. Back row (left to right): Scott Buxton, Aaron Wilhelm, Kenny Graven, Tyler Graven, Travis Phelps and John Vander Burgh.
•December 21, 2022•
by Crystal Reed
The Moultrie County Board held their monthly meeting Thursday, December 15, with all board members present.
Moultrie County Sheriff Gary Carroll reported on HB 5855 “Protect Illinois Communities Act.” The state is in discussion on a bill that would make assault weapons, semi-automatics and magazines that hold more than 10 illegal. Owners would be required to register those weapons or magazines with the Illinois State Police within 80 and 300 days after the final passage of the bill. A $25 fee will also be assessed. It also raises the age of legal gun ownership from 18 to 21.
Iroquois County has passed a resolution supporting the second amendment and citizens’ rights to own and bear arms. Carroll told the board he supports what Iroquois County has done. “I think every citizen should be able to own firearms of their choosing for hunting, sport or collecting,” he said. “I don’t support the registering of firearms for varied reasons.” Board chair Billy Voyles related that he will continue to press on to come up with a resolution for Moultrie County. Read More
Photo by Crystal Reed
A quilting display in the museum space at the Moultrie County Genealogical Society Library and Museum. Volunteers are currently working on setting up exhibits among other tasks.
•December 21, 2022•
by Crystal Reed
The Moultrie County Historical and Genealogical Society recently received the news that they are a recipient of a Foreground Rural Initiative Grant in the amount of $10,000. The society is one of 27 partners who are receiving funding and resources through the new Illinois Humanities Foreground Rural Initiative. Partners are located across 19 counties in Illinois.
Gallery 510 Art and Framing, an Illinois art gallery in Macon County, is also an organization that is receiving one of the grants. According to a press release, grantee partners will participate in skill and resource sharing programs. Illinois Humanities will also partner with grantees on the co-creation of place-based “hubs” that will host community events in 2023 in the regions where they are located.
According to Fairouz AbuGhazaleh, director of statewide programs at Illinois Humanities, the initiative is for small and rural towns and are given to organizations and individuals to give them a platform to share their stories and successes. The program is a three-year initiative. AbuGhazaleh said they were surprised to receive double the amount of grant applications. Read More