•April 20, 2022•
The Moultrie County Retired Teachers Association met recently at the Smith House in Tuscola. President Jane McKown welcomed members and guests before leading the Pledge of Allegiance. The Arthur Lovington Atwood Hammond retired teachers were the host committee.
Jane McKown introduced Dr. Kyle Thompson, Regional Superintendent of Schools as the speaker. Dr. Thompson has been employed by the ROE for nine years, the last three of which he has served as the Superintendent. He spoke about some of the services the ROE provides and the current shortage of teachers, substitutes, bus drivers and other support personnel. He also spoke about the new vocational center, Mattoon Life, which will open in the fall.
The business portion of the meeting began when President McKown introduced the current officers. The minutes of the last meeting, submitted by Carol Glazebrook, were approved with no corrections. Jim Luedke presented the Treasurer’s report and it was filed for audit. Read More
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Extension Tests Dial-gauge Pressure Canners
•April 20, 2022•
Pressure canning is a safe way to preserve low-acid vegetables, such as potatoes and green beans, meats, and other foods at home. University of Illinois Extension recommends testing dial-gauge pressure canners each year for accuracy. Over time, the needle on the gauges can move out of place. When canning foods at home, having an accurate gauge means safer canning and lower risk of foodborne illnesses. Read More
Wait on — or for — a Friend?
•April 20, 2022•
By Jim Baumann
NP Guest Writer
Now that it’s officially spring, it’s time for some spring cleaning of my bloated email box.
I’m going to sift through some that aren’t infested with black mold and, by way of apology, publish some reader questions I’ve never gotten around to.
Bulls is in the playoffs?
Dave DeVries had been wrestling with sports team names and whether they should get a singular or plural pronoun.
He teaches a PR/crisis communication class in Northwestern University’s sports management program, which is perhaps why he employed “wrestling” in his question.
“I often correct students’ assignments to indicate a team is ‘it,’ not ‘they,’” he wrote. “My belief is that a team is a single unit, and thus a singular pronoun must be used.” Read More
Remember When? 4-20-2022
25 Years Ago This Week
Sullivan Elementary School joined with the office of State Treasurer Judy Barr Topinka and First Mid-Illinois Bank and Trust of Moultrie County to offer the Treasurer’s Bank at School (BAS) program. The program, which was administered by Topinka, linked financial institutions and schools to the BAS program, which was designed to teach children the fundamentals of money management and to build financial skills.
The Sullivan-Bethany Scholastic Bowl team finished its season with two wins and two losses in the Masonic Sectional Tournament in Springfield. The local team defeated Riverton in the first round after a troubled start. The final score was 75-25. Playing for the Redskins were Meredith Cooper, Amanda Edmonds, Jalee Fifer, Ryan Franklin, Jon Loveall, Cris Patrick and Rusty Taylor. The final team record was 30 wins and 20 losses. Read More
Jesse White Announces 18th Annual Illinois Emerging Writers Competition
•April 20, 2022•
Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White announced today that entry forms are available for the 18th annual Illinois Emerging Writers Competition Gwendolyn Brooks Poetry Award.
“We created the Illinois Emerging Writers Competition to promote creative writing and provide an outlet for talented writers,” White said. “Great poems have the ability to enrich and enhance our lives, and I am looking forward to celebrating talented poets with this year’s competition.” Read More
Sparrows Unlimited Bike Winners 2022
Photo furnished
Sparrows Unlimited Bike Winners
Sparrows Unlimited gave away bikes during the Village of Lovington’s Easter Egg Hunt on Sunday, April 10 at the park. Pictured are some of the winners.
Easter Hams Donated to Food Pantry
Photo by Crystal Reed
Easter Hams Donated to Food Pantry
As Easter dinner came around and the Moultrie County Food Pantry received a donation of hams from Sullivan IGA to give to families for Easter Sunday. The donation was made possible by one anonymous person whose spirit exemplifies the season. The IGA meat department made a special delivery on Wednesday, April 13 to make sure the hams arrived in time for Sunday dinner. Pictured are (in no order): Seth Cobb, Cameron Eccles, Timothy VanDeursen, Mason Harner and Judy Sumner.
Shelby Realty to Hold After Hours for Sullivan office
•April 20, 2022•
by Crystal Reed
NP Writer
A new business to our area will be holding an after hours on Thursday, April 28 from 4 to 6 pm at 5 West Jefferson in Sullivan. There will be complimentary cocktails, light hors d’oeuvres and giveaways.
Shelby Realty started out in 1973 based out of Shelbyville. Owner Matt Forcum purchased the business in December 2020. He is a graduate of Lake Land College and Eastern Illinois University.
The realty company has 8 agents, “Any of our agents can handle any type of property,” Forcum said. Prior to purchasing Shelby Realty he was a realtor with Century 21 franchise in Effingham for 13 years. Read More
County Board Approves Amendments to Drafted Amendment for Wind Energy Conversion Systems
•April 20, 2022•
by Crystal Reed
NP Writer
The Moultrie County Board approved amendments to an amendment regarding the zoning ordinance concerning wind energy in the county. Marsha Kirby proposed an amendment regarding wind turbines to take the setback from 1.5 miles to 2 miles of the corporate limits and the setback between turbines from 1,500 feet to 3,000 feet.
After this was approved, Kirby added that she wanted the turbines from 1.5 to 2 miles and 1,500 feet to 3,000 from schools. Todd Maxedon proposed another amendment for zero tolerance for noise. This passed as well. A final vote on the ordinance will be taken at the Thursday, May 12, board meeting after the April 25 public hearing to be held at Sullivan High School.
Approved was a motion to fund all eight repeaters out of the county’s reserve fund for approximately $302,500 and for ARPA funds to be used to purchase the radios needed to get all departments on board in the county for approximately $233,810. There are repeaters that will reach out to fire departments in all towns as well as law enforcement. This will benefit all agencies in the county. Read More
Annual BBQ Competition
•April 20, 2022•
The 2nd Annual Ten Bones on the Marrowbone barbecue competition will be held on Saturday, April 30 in downtown Bethany. Categories include three meat and steak. There will be a junior contest, with enough interest. There will be live entertainment and vending available. 50% of proceeds will go to winner and 50% to Bethany Fire Department. For more information contact 5bugelBBQ@gmail.com or call Curt at 217-521-4920.