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Illinois Unemployment Falls to 6%: Employers Add 40,900 Jobs in October

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•November 24, 2021•
By Peter Hancock
Capitol News Illinois
phancock @ capitolnewsillinois.com

The Illinois unemployment rate fell two-tenths of a percentage point in October to 6 percent as employers added 40,900 jobs during the month, the Illinois Department of Employment Security and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics said Thursday.
According to the preliminary data, the industry sectors with the biggest job gains during the month were professional and business services, which added 17,700 jobs; leisure and hospitality, which added 8,400 jobs; and trade, transportation and utilities, which gained 7,700 jobs. Read More

Obituaries 11-24-2021: Phil Anderson

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Phil Anderson

Phil Anderson of Charleston entered the gates of heaven on November 17, 2021. A memorial service celebrating his life will be held Monday November 29 at 6 p.m. at The Fields church in Charleston with visitation beginning at 4 p.m. until time of service. Phil was known for wearing Hawaiian shirts all the time. His family would love if you would wear a Hawaiian shirt to celebrate with them at the memorial service. Memorials may be made to The Fields Church in Charleston, 2360 Shawnee Drive, Charleston, IL 61920 and left at the visitation/service or mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Drive, Charleston, IL  61920. Read More

Facts for Families: Ideas for Stress Reduction in Busy Families

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•November 24, 2021•
By Cheri Burcham
Family Life Educator

Fall can be a busy time of year, especially with school activities and the holidays approaching. Extension Educator Judy Schmidt wrote this great article to share ideas on how to reduce stress during these busy times. Judy says: I know as I enjoy the leaves changing colors and falling to the ground, I am also reminded of the busyness of this time of year. As with any busy time, it is common for people of all ages to experience stress. With all the factors that can lead to stress, it can sometimes be hard to pinpoint the exact cause of the stressor in our life or the lives of our family members. However, one thing is clear, it is important for all family members to have strategies to help cope with these stressors. Fortunately, a lot has been researched and written about positive ways to deal with stress. Here are a few that I think will be helpful for family members of all ages: Read More

CEFS Offers Paid Work Experience Opportunities to High School Students

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•November 24, 2021•
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) provides a Youth Training and Education Program that provides services such as paid work experience, tuition assistance for occupational training in an approved program, job search assistance, resume development, leadership skills, job readiness training and supportive services such as transportation, childcare, tools, uniforms and more.
The program’s objective is that each participant will achieve high school diploma attainment, increase basic reading and math skills, create a marketable resume and secure employment or attend post-secondary education/training while enrolled in the program. Read More

Moultrie Moment of the Week

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This photo of the Tabor home in Sullivan appeared in an October 1982 issue of the local newspapers. Please submit photos to the News Progress for future consideration. Originals will be saved for return or forwarded to Moultrie County Historical Society. If you have any other information, please contact the Moultrie County Historical Society at 217-728- 4085.

Isn’t It Ironic? I Don’t Think.

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•November 24, 2021•
By Jim Baumann
NP Guest Writer

It was a little over 26 years ago that Alanis Morissette’s groundbreaking “Jagged Little Pill” album was released. I imagine it’s been 25 years and 364 days that grammar nerds have been picking on her for the lyrics of “Ironic,” the album’s third or fourth single.
I vote that the mockery should end here. Show me a rock star who hasn’t abused the language to some degree, and I’ll eat my hat. Read More

Remember When? 11-24-2021

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25 Years Ago This Week

The Sullivan City Council rejected the idea of underwriting radio broadcasts of Sullivan High School basketball games. The council had previously tabled a request from Lake Land College for $150 to sponsor the broadcast of SHS basketball games on the college’s radio station.
Moultrie County United Way President Mickey Hrvol presented members of the Shemamo Girl Scout Council with a check. The Girl Scouts are one of 16 groups or agencies that receive funding from the Moultrie County United Way. The Lincoln Trail Boy Scouts also received a check. Read More

Turkeys Donated To Moultrie County Food Pantry

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Photo by Crystal Reed
Turkeys Donated To Moultrie County Food Pantry
The tenth annual Sullivan IGA Roundup collected $1,200 from October 31 to November 6 when customers rounded up their grocery bills to donate to the Moultrie County Food Pantry. Those donations purchased 55 turkeys and 70 turkey breasts that were donated to the food pantry. Sullivan IGA meat department delivery crew delivering the donation are (from left to right): Mason Harner, Julie Delpino, Cameron Eccles and Seth Cobb, Tim VanDeursen.

Author Kevin Corley Speaks at MCH&G Society Dinner

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Photo by Ellen Ferrara
Kevin Corley, a retired teacher and school administrator from Shelbyville, spoke at the Moultrie County Historical and Genealogical Society annual dinner on Thursday, November 18.

•November 24, 2021•
By Ellen Ferrara
NP Writer

Members and friends of the Moultrie County Historical and Genealogical Society gathered November 18 for the annual dinner meeting at the Sullivan American Legion Hall. The guest speaker was author and historian Kevin Corley.
Corley taught history and coached several sports for many years in local high schools. Since retiring, he has pursued his real love of writing about the history he had shared with his students. His particular focus has been on some of the darker historical events in central and southern Illinois.
His first novel, “Sixteen Tons”, tells the incredible, violent story of central Illinois coal mining from 1898-1933. Corley used a power-point presentation with photographs for each of his five novels. Read More

City Council Approves TIF District Redevelopment Agreement

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•November 24, 2021•
by Crystal Reed
NP Writer

The Sullivan City Council met Monday and approved a TIF District Redevelopment Agreement by and between the city of Sullivan and Main Street Capital Partners, LLC. Mayor Richard Glazebrook said this would be developed in phases. The 80% being asked falls within somewhat of the same range that the city has priorly done. Glazebrook reported that a large subdivision has not been done for some time. There will be 40 houses developed. When the vote was taken, Commissioner Mike Fowler abstained. Read More