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Moultrie Moment of the Week

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Pictured above is Candyland cafe in 1947 after remodeling due to a fire. Owners are Harold and Lois Hayes shown with their staff Wanda Hubbard, Freda Johnson, Irene Balcu, Betty Miller, Ethel Kingery and Leta Pound. The Hayes’ sold the restaurant to Fred Bundy and wife around 1954. The name changed to “The Spot” in 1971 when F.W. Wood bought the restaurant. 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.

Moultrie County State’s Attorney Office Welcomes New Victim/Witness Coordinator

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Photo by Crystal Reed
Melanie Long is the new part-time Victim/Witness Coordinator for the Moultrie County State’s Attorney’s office. She retired in December from the Macon County State’s Attorney’s Office after 21 ½ years of service as the Victim Services Coordinator.

•January 27, 20201•
By Crystal Reed
NP Writer

Melanie Long has been hired as a part-time victim/witness coordinator in the office of the Moultrie County State’s Attorney.
She retired in December from the Macon County State’s Attorney’s office after 21-½ years as their Victim Services Coordinator. She began working with Moultrie County earlier this month.
Long said the purpose of a victim/witness coordinator is to serve victims of any type of crime as a guide to the criminal justice system. “I help them understand what their rights are and if damages can be repaid through restitution,” Long said. She added that part of her role is explaining what’s next and what could happen during a case. Read More

ALAH District Considers Possibility of Solar Energy in the Future

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Brad McGill presents $1,000 in memory of his son, Brandon

•January 27, 20201•
By Ariana Cherry
NP Writer

Coach Brad McGill, who recently lost his son Brandon McGill, attended the school board meeting to present a check for $1,000 in memory of Brandon. “There are no words that adequately express the love and appreciation from this district and community,” he stated. Brad and his wife also wanted to publicly acknowledge their thankfulness and appreciation of everyone’s prayers, thoughts, support and donations. The $1,000 donation will be used as the #BeStrong and #BeKind Brandon Memorial Award. The $1,000 will be split into $250 awards to anyone who has received special services from the district.
Kyle Loyd of Future Green gave a presentation concerning the possibility of using solar energy in the school district in the future. If the district moves forward with the project, Future Green will lease the space (the roof), and they would give the school power which would be at a “X” discounted rate (15-20% estimate). The district will not have to provide a deposit or money upfront. The lease is for 25 years, and after 20 years, the school will be given a choice whether to renew. After 15 years, the district may decide whether they want to purchase depending on what the cost is at that time. The condition of the roof where the system would be placed is very important before beginning the project. At this time, there is still more work that needs to be done to the roof. Read More

Moultrie County Begins Phase 1B Vaccinations

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•January 27, 20201•
The Moultrie County Health Department (MCHD) is pleased to announce confirmation of additional COVID-19 vaccines. The health department began scheduling phase 1B vaccine appointments for Moultrie County residents aged 65 years and older, as well as Moultrie County critical infrastructure personnel on Monday, January 25, 2021.
“We greatly appreciate the patience of our residents as we work to remain compliant with the IDPH guidance and make this vaccine available for those who qualify in our county,” Moultrie County Health Department Administrator Angela Hogan, RN, MSPH stated, “We are hopeful that our COVID-19 vaccines remain in steady supply. The MCHD will continue to open and schedule clinics as long as vaccines are available.” Read More

Ross Metzger Awarded Degree

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•January 27, 20201•

Ross Metzger of Gays has received a bachelor of science in commerce and business administration from the University of Alabama. UA awarded some 2,257 degrees during its fall commencement on Dec 12.

Annual Senior Valentine Luncheon to be Drive-Thru

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•January 27, 20201•
Courtyard Estates of Sullivan, a supportive living community in the Sullivan area, is known for their annual Senior Valentine Luncheon and Poetry Contest. In years past, in collaboration with Mid-Illinois Senior Services, they’ve had nearly 100 seniors from the community participate. Each year seniors in the community look forward to a free homemade meal, conversation with friends, fun giveaways and a chance to read some creative material. Read More

Menu 1-27-2021

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Senior Peace Meal

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

February 1 - BBQ Pork Sandwich, Mini Potato Bakers, Mixed Vegetables, Bun, Fruit Juice
February 2 - Chicken Broccoli Rice, Bake, Corn, Whole Grain Wheat, Warm Fruit Combo
February 3 - Savory Sausage Stew w/Beans, Lyonnais Carrots, Biscuits, Scalloped Pineapple

February 4 - Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes w/Gravy, Seasoned Peas, Whole Grain Wheat, Overnight Fruit Salad

February 5 - Tuna Noodle Casserole, Green & Wax Beans w/Pimentos, Apricots, Dinner Roll, Raisins

There Will Be No Swearing in This Installment

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•January 20, 20201•
By Jim Baumann
NP Guesdt Writer

I had a friend during the 1980s, whose identity I will not divulge, who was fond of the film “Henry V,” starring Kenneth Branagh as Henry, Prince of Wales.
I loved it, too.
Branagh, who cut his teeth on Shakespeare on stage, took on a big, sweeping production for his first Hollywood directorial effort.
My friend was so enthralled by the battle scenes and a young Branagh that she asked me whether we could rent the prequels.
(cough) Read More

Windsor Jr/Sr High Honor Roll

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•January 20, 20201•

High Honors
7th grade: Leah Kasey, Cameron Carey, Branson Tingley, Patton Voris, Alexis Gee, Seth Rincker, Landon Postlewait
8th grade: Jorja Plummer, Avery Starwalt, Luke Dispennett, Seth Rakestraw
9th grade: Silas Hortenstine, Lillian Cole, Clayton Carey, Brody Hendrickson, Claire Sims, Talon Bridges, Ainslie Eident, Aubree Brown, Billy Evetts Read More