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Jupiter Quartet Performs Schubert’s Death and the Maiden at U of I

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•January 8, 2020•
On Tuesday, February 4, 2020 at 7:30pm, the Jupiter String Quartet, quartet-in-residence at the University of Illinois, presents its winter recital in Foellinger Great Hall (500 S. Goodwin Ave). This season, the Jupiter Quartet celebrates of Beethoven’s 250th birthday year by pairing one of his quartets with some of the great composers who surrounded him over the last 250 years. For this program, the Jupiter Quartet joins Beethoven with works by Mendelssohn and Shostakovich.
Shostakovich’s String Quartet No. 11 in F minor, Op. 122 is a profound and somber work, written in memory of a close colleague, the second violinist of the Beethoven Quartet. Its stark textures and solemn mood are relieved by the joy that pervades the rest of the program, which includes Beethoven’s intricate “Harp” Quartet No. 10 in E-flat major, Op. 74, and Mendelssohn’s brilliant String Quartet in D Major, Op. 44 No. 1.
The Jupiter String Quartet is a particularly intimate group, consisting of violinists Nelson Lee and Meg Freivogel, violist Liz Freivogel (Meg’s older sister), and cellist Daniel McDonough (Meg’s husband, Liz’s brother-in-law). Now enjoying their 17th year together, this tight-knit ensemble is firmly established as an important voice in the world of chamber music. The New Yorker claims, “The Jupiter String Quartet, an ensemble of eloquent intensity, has matured into one of the mainstays of the American chamber-music scene.” Read More

“Desserts with Dove”

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•January 8, 2020•
“Desserts with Dove” will be hosted on Tuesday, January 14, noon to 2:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 216 W. Jefferson, Sullivan, Illinois.
Come learn more about the programs and services offered and how you can become involved.
• Mary Hughes, Moultrie County Coordinator for the Domestic Violence Program, is retiring - come and wish her well.
• Becky Freese has been training with Mary and is beginning as the newest Moultrie County Coordinator, January 15, 2020.
• Dove Financial Assistance Program began in Moultrie County in December with Coordinator Rev. Shane Hartman.
Dove Domestic Violence Program, Moultrie County Office is located at 1102 West Jackson, Suite #4, in Sullivan, business phone, 217.728.9334. Dove Financial Assistance Program is located inside of First United Methodist Church, 216 West Jefferson Street, in Sullivan, business phone, 217.433.7435.

Attorney General Seeks Accelerated Ratepayer Refund from Electric Utilities

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•January 8, 2020•
By Peter Hancock
Capitol News Illinois

Two of the state’s largest electric utilities owe their customers a combined $543 million in refunds, according to state regulators, but there is sharp disagreement over how much time the companies should have to pay it back.
At issue for Ameren Illinois and Commonwealth Edison, also known as ComEd, is money they collected to pay future tax bills before federal tax cuts which took effect in 2018 lowered those anticipated rates.
When the corporate tax rate was slashed from 35 percent to 21 percent, both companies found themselves holding onto large surpluses, known as “excess deferred income taxes,” or EDIT.
For ComEd, which serves 4 million customers in Chicago and northern Illinois, the excess amounted to $385 million. For Ameren, which serves about 1.2 million customers in central Illinois and the Metro East area, it amounted to $158 million.
In a pair of rulings last year, the Illinois Commerce Commission, which regulates public utilities, said ComEd could pay off its EDIT over 38 years and Ameren could pay off its bill over 35 years. But on Monday, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced he is asking the ICC to reconsider that decision and shorten the payout period to just five years. Read More

Menu 1-8-2020

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Senior Peace Meal
For additional information or for reservations, please call 1-800-543-1770

Monday, January 13 - Beef tips in gravy, mashed potatoes, Italian green beans w/tomato, onion & bacon, Texas toast, mandarin oranges
Tuesday, January 14 - Ham and beans, pickled beets, cornbread, peaches
Wednesday, January 15 - Turkey pot roast w/baby carrots & celery, corn casserole, dinner roll, pineapple tidbits
Thursday, January 16 - Meatloaf, Delmonico potatoes, broccoli & cauliflower, dinner roll, cranberry apple salad
Friday, January 17 - Stuffed peppers, peas and carrots, bean medley, whole grain wheat (1), gelatin w/fruit

Letter to the Editor 1-8-2020

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Sullivan Has a Long Tradition as a Softball Town

•January 8, 2020•

Dear Editor,

This is in regard to the article concerning the proposal of a new sports complex. Born and raised in Sullivan, Sullivan was never considered a baseball town, but a softball town. Yes Ginny Sutton had many girls’ and women’s teams but they were softball teams and many men’s teams were fast pitch softball.
Mainly in the 70’s and 80’s one could attend could attend a game almost every night at Wyman Park. Read More

New Animal Warden Honors Retiring Pet Patrol Team

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Photo by Mike Brothers
Moultrie County Animal Control Warden Sam Donaker (left) and Animal Control Ambassador Ruby retired at the first of the year. New Animal Control Warden Moultrie County Deputy Caleb Smith (right) presented Donaker with a certificate of appreciation for his dedicated service as Animal Control Warden. Facility director Betsy Miller (center) presented Ruby with her favorite “Pupperoni” treat for serving as Sam’s companion and animal control ambassador.

•January 8, 2020•
By Mighty Manfred
for The News Progress

There is a new warden in Moultrie County.
Animal Control Warden Sam Donaker and his trusty sidekick, Ruby retired from full time duties in Moultrie County January 1, 2020.
Deputy Caleb Smith is the new Animal Control Warden and Emergency Services and Disaster Agency director with offices at the Animal Control Shelter.
Sam and Ruby’s retirement was recognized last week with shelter pet facilitator Betsy Miller and Smith presenting the pair with a certificate of appreciation and Pupperoni Treats.
Sam passed on the treats, but Ruby did not.
Deputy Smith noted Donaker’s love of animals and Ruby’s instinct for matching good owners with pets had helped make Moultrie County Animal Control successful.
“Sam and Ruby have done a great job of taking care of the shelter,” Smith said, explaining he looks forward to their occasional visits.
While Donaker was warden Bekki Stevens started a Facebook page which was utilized along with local pet adoption groups to keep the population of dogs and cats at a minimum in Moultrie County.
With a capacity for up to ten dogs, there were only two awaiting adoption when Donaker and Ruby arrived.
Sam indicated he was happy to turn over the reigns to Deputy Smith, but explained that Ruby would require periodic visits to make sure things are going the way they should be. Read More

County Clerk and Recorder Upgrades Improve Security and Service

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•January 8, 2020•
The Moultrie County Clerk and Recorder’s office recently updated recording technology and services.
County Clerk Georgia England explained this is provided to constituents by upgrading recording software to Fidlar Technologies’ AVID land records management software, which promotes improved efficiency and security.
“AVID brings efficiency and integrity to county recording by improving the day-to-day responsibilities,” England said. “Streamlining office workflow and reducing the amount of paperwork required.”
The Recorder’s office has been accepting eRecording (electronic recording filings) since September 2018, making it possible for submitters to record documents without having to drive or mail the documents to the Recorder’s office.
Documents may be submitted electronically to Moultrie County from anywhere in the country and recorded all in a day’s time instead of several days, and in some instances even a week. Read More

Big Win for Sullivan Girls’ Basketball Team in Arthur

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•January 8, 2020•
By Jason Brown
NP Sports Editor

The Sullivan girls’ basketball team improved its overall record to 11-4 after defeating Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond Monday night.
After an even 10-10 first quarter, the Redskins outscored the Knights 23-12 in the middle two quarters to take a 43-22 lead.
“We started out a little slow in the first quarter, but picked up our defense in the second quarter as we only allowed one field goal,” said Sullivan coach Sheri McCain.
Sullivan added on to that lead in the fourth quarter for the 57-32 win. Read More

Recreational Marijuana and Impaired Driving

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•January 8, 2020•
Recreational marijuana is now legal in Illinois. However, driving high is not. Illinois has strict laws against driving impaired. If you choose to use recreational marijuana, do so safely and responsibly and avoid driving impaired. If you are pulled over for driving high, you will get a DUI.
If you choose to use marijuana or consume alcohol, take public transportation, a cab or a ridesharing service or designate a sober driver.