Above is a photo of the first Village of Bethany board members in 1877. 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.
Proud to have Tabor Park
With the recent restrictions on our activities due to the coronavirus, all of us have had to change our lifestyles in order to prevent the spread of the virus.
My wife and I have been walking Tabor Park daily for our exercise. Still not sure why we cannot walk on a golf course, but we can’t. A few years back when I was a teenager, I had the privilege of mowing Ruth Tabor’s yard. Read More
•April 22, 2020•
Unsafe sleep is a leading cause of death for children one year old and younger, and while families are spending more time at home together, Illinois DCFS reminds parents of three simple steps they can take to ensure their infants are put to sleep safely.
“It is vitally important for parents and caregivers to learn and use the ABCs of Safe Sleep,” said Illinois DCFS Acting Director Marc D. Smith. “A baby should sleep Alone, on his or her Back in a safe Crib – it’s that simple.”
Between January 1 and June 30, 2019, 53 infants in Illinois under the age of 1 died as a result of being put to sleep unsafely, including being placed to sleep in locations other than a crib, bassinet or pack and play; in positions other than on their back or co-sleeping with another individual at the time of death. Read More
Lee York
Andrew Lee York
Andrew Lee York, Jr. (85) died of natural causes early April 17th at Mason Point in Sullivan, IL. He was born in Tuscola, IL on January 9, 1935 to Louise and Andrew L. York. He requested cremation and no flowers.
Edwards Funeral Home in Arcola is proud to assist in final arrangements. The family will hold a Memorial Service for Lee when appropriate. To view the full obituary please visit www.edwardsfh.net
Louise Wiley
Louise Wiley, 93, of Sullivan passed away at 5:28 p.m. Saturday, April 18, 2020, at Heartland Senior Living Center in Neoga.
Private family services will be held at McMullin-Young Funeral Home in Sullivan. Burial will be in Greenhill Cemetery in Sullivan. Read More
Helen East
Helen (Horn/Chaney) East, 83, died Tuesday, April 14, 2020, at home surrounded by family in Merritt Island, Florida. She was formerly of Mattoon and Sullivan.
Graveside services were held at 10 a.m. Monday, April 20, at Resthaven Memorial Gardens in Mattoon. Shrader Funeral Home in Arcola is assisting the family with arrangements. Read More
25 Years Ago This Week
The Bethany Mustangs bats exploded for 32 runs in their first two games, while the pitching staff held opponents to three runs and three hits.
A 22-3 victory over Springfield Calvary and 10-0 shut out at Bement.
Against Springfield in the top of the first Phil Ozier (4 for 5 with 5 RBIs) knocked in Shane Martin for the first run. Aaron Osman used a bunt to score two runs. Bliss Schwartz smashed a single to center scoring a run. Jon Ashley knocked in Osman with a ground out.
Bethany voters bought at least three years life for their schools with a decisive vote facing steeper taxes. Voters approved a $1.25 tax rate increase 436-327 to prevent consolidation. Read More
•April 22, 2020•
The Alpha Phi Chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa, an international honorary organization of women educators, offers a $500 scholastic scholarship annually.
Applicants must be a junior or senior in college or graduate student in the field of education.
Please contact Ellen Feeler at 217/259-4722 if you are interested in receiving an application. Deadline is May 20, 2020.
Prisoner Review Board Signs Off
•April 22, 2020•
By Jerry Nowicki
Capitol News Illinois
Illinois Senate Republicans are calling for greater communication from the governor’s office when he commutes prison sentences, but Gov. JB Pritzker has not indicated he will make any voluntary changes to the process, which is spelled out in state law and also goes through the state Prisoner Review Board.
The Chicago Tribune reported Pritzker commuted 17 sentences between March 11 and April 9. Another two commutations were conducted on April 13, according to the Prisoner Review Board.
“We have learned through the media that you have reduced the sentences of some violent criminals, including seven or more convicted murderers,” eight Senate Republicans wrote in a letter to the governor on April 16. “We are concerned that you have done so without informing the victims, their families, witnesses who testified against them, local law enforcement leaders, the judges who decided their sentences, or members of the General Assembly. Are all of these commutations because of the COVID-19 crisis? We believe that the public deserves to know.” Read More
•April 22, 2020•
By Mike Brothers
As the Covid-19 closings affect more and more businesses the city of Sullivan is looking into ways to help.
Since the announcement of potential small business grants, Sullivan Economic Development Chamber director Laurrie Minor has worked with six local businesses.
“Although several of our local businesses have had to close, many do not have enough full-time employees to qualify,” Minor explained.
Of the six potential businesses, three will be able to move forward in the Downstate Small Business Stabilization program funded by federal Community Development Block Grant funds.
On Monday, April 27 a public hearing will be held before the city council at the Elizabeth Titus Library for The Little Theatre on the Square and Sullivan Dance Studio LLC. Both are seeking $25,000 for working capital to address the urgent needs due to COVID-19 emergency. Read More