Author Archives:

Local Businesses Can Seek Emergency Funding

News Progress Posted on by

•April 8, 2020•

The Sullivan Chamber and Economic Development is working along with the city of Sullivan to help with emergency funding for local businesses.
“The Disaster Recovery Loan applications take about ten minutes to complete with an anticipated ten day turnaround,” SCED Director Laurrie Minor explained, noting there are businesses in Sullivan who have begun the application process.
“This is the time of year when our local businesses are ramping up for the season and they can’t do it under the circumstances,” she emphasized.
A second funding cycle begins with applications due April 15. Public notice will be issued April 22 and City Council review will occur May 4.
First round applications were to be submitted by April 6. Read More

Ministerial Association Responds to Those in Financial Need

News Progress Posted on by

•April 8, 2020•
By Mike Brothers

The longer people need to stay at home the greater their needs, and the Sullivan Area Ministerial Association (SAMA) is offering help.
Responding to the needs created by COVID-19 area ministers are banning together to raise $20,000 to help people in the community in need of financial assistance.
“During this time, there are many people who are in need of immediate help because of COVID-19,” First Christian Church minister Grant Wade began.
“Some have been impacted by unemployment, by the closing of schools and a need for child care to keep their job, or just a need to help keep food on the table,” he continued. Read More

Sullivan City Building Closed

News Progress Posted on by

•April 8, 2020•

The Sullivan City Building will be closed to the public until further notice.
While some City Building employees will continue to work from inside the office they will be unable to speak directly with you except via telephone. Please call 217-728-4383 if you have a need to speak with a City Building employee.
Utility payments can be made via the city’s online payment program, through an ach deduction from your bank or by check or money order deposited in the city building mail drop or the silver drive up payment box at the nw corner of the courthouse diagonally across from the city building.

Limited Access to Courthouse

News Progress Posted on by

•April 8, 2020•

Effective April 6, 2020 the Moultrie County Courthouse is operating from 8:30 to 12 noon Monday through Friday.
The courthouse is closed to the public except for essential services deemed necessary by each department.
Go to website for department phone numbers: moultriecountyil.com

Bratton Piano Concert Off

News Progress Posted on by

•April 8, 2020•

Dave Bratton’s free piano concert at First Methodist Church in Sullivan was originally scheduled for Sunday April 19.
Due to Stay in Place observations the concert has been postponed unit a later date.

Bethany Cancels April Meeting

News Progress Posted on by

•April 8, 2020•

The Village of Bethany is not having the Thursday, April 9 board meeting. The next regular meeting is set for 7:00 p.m. Thursday, May 14.
Bethany is trying to do their part to prevent public spread of the COVID-19 virus, the announcement concerning the meeting cancellation explained.
Questions call 217/665-3351. If you have additional questions and would like to contact Mayor Jon Book you can email him at: vofbmayor@gmail.com

Two Test Positive for COVID-19 in Moultrie Co.

News Progress Posted on by

•April 8, 2020•

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and Moultrie County Department of Public Health are announcing that two Moultrie County residents have tested positive for COVID-19.
The first patient is a female in her 30s, and the second patient is male and is also in his 30s. Both patients are at home in isolation and CDC protocols have been implemented.
Public health officials are working to identify and actively monitor individuals who were in contact with the patients in an effort to reduce the risk of additional transmission.
Symptoms reported among patients testing positive for COVID-19 include mild to severe respiratory illness with fever, cough, flu-like symptoms and difficulty breathing.
The health department reports that 24 Moultrie County residents have been tested for COVID-19. To date, 21 tests are negative for coronavirus, and one is still pending.
The Moultrie County Health Department encourages everyone to consider themselves at risk for exposure to the novel coronavirus.
Everyone should stay at home as much as possible; remain vigilant about keeping germs from spreading by covering coughs and sneezes and washing hands with warm soap and water; and isolating themselves from others when they are ill.
For more information, contact:
Illinois Department of Public Health:
Call the COVID-19 Hotline at 1-800-889-3931, Email DPH.SICK@ILLINOIS.GOV, or Visit
http://www.dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/diseases-a-z-list/coronavirus
To learn more about Moultrie County Health Department’s events and services, please visit www.moultriehealth.org and follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/moultriecountyhealth.

Easter Hope

News Progress Posted on by

Photo by R.R. Best
Easter Hope
The Easter season represents hope during these bizarre times. The fun filled Easter decorations on this Lovington lawn reminds of what was, but cannot be this year because of social distancing. Instead of gangs of kids hunting brightly colored eggs at city and village parks they get to load into the family vehicle and drive. Easter Egg hunts canceled in Moultrie County have been replaced by the Sulllivan Fire Protection District’s Easter Drive Thru at Wyman Park. On Sunday April 12 beginning at 3:00 p.m. children up to 11 years old are invited to drive up to the north parking lot where volunteers will hand out Easter bags filled with select eggs, with some containing certificates for bicycles.

Moultrie County Health Department Reports Patient’s Positive Test for COVID-19

News Progress Posted on by

•April 2, 2020•
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and Moultrie County Department of Public Health are announcing that one Moultrie County resident has tested positive for COVID-19. The patient is in her 30s. The patient is at home in isolation and CDC protocols have been implemented.
Public health officials are working to identify and actively monitor individuals who were in contact with the patient in an effort to reduce the risk of additional transmission.
Symptoms reported among patients testing positive for COVID-19 include mild to severe respiratory illness with fever, cough, flu-like symptoms and difficulty breathing.
The health department reports that 19 Moultrie County residents have been tested for COVID-19. To date, 13 tests are negative for coronavirus, and five are still pending.
The Moultrie County Health Department encourages everyone to consider themselves at risk for exposure to the novel coronavirus.
Everyone should stay at home as much as possible; remain vigilant about keeping germs from spreading by covering coughs and sneezes and washing hands with warm soap and water; and isolating themselves from others when they are ill.
For more information, contact:
Illinois Department of Public Health:
Call the COVID-19 Hotline at 1-800-889-3931, Email DPH.SICK@ILLINOIS.GOV, or Visit
http://www.dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/diseases-a-z-list/coronavirus
To learn more about Moultrie County Health Department’s events and services, please visit www.moultriehealth.org and follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/moultriecountyhealth .

Blood Drive by Findlay Auxiliary

News Progress Posted on by

•April 1, 2020•

The Findlay American Legion Auxiliary will be hosting and American Red Cross blood drive Monday, April 6 from 2:00 - 6:00 p.m. in the Findlay American Legion Post.
Special precautions will be taken to keep all donors safe.  We are asking that only the presenting donor come to the drive to help abide by the social distancing rule.
Blood donations are desperately needed at this time.  Please take  the time to come out Monday afternoon and give the gift of life.