•October 16, 2019•
During the village of Lovington board of trustees meeting Sept. 9 Julie Kinert and Tracy Bettinger requested improved handicap parking in the business district.
Following discussion the board agreed to look into the situation to determine a solution, which will be relayed to the business owners.
The village will be able to process water bill payments online. Clerk Alma Fair and billing clerk Susan Gordon met with Court Money, the online processor of payments.
Trustees Gary Clem, Brenda Wood, Pam Anklam, Dennis Garmon, Al Rennert and April Daily directed Gordon to add the link to the village website enabling customers to process payments with credit cards. Read More
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The Illinois Masonic Home Grew to National Prominence
Jonathan Creek Bridge was Born
•October 16, 2019•
By Rick Matthews
NP Guest columnist
In 1904 the first building was built on the 264 acres of ground, left in the will of Robert A. Miller, to the Masons in the State of Illinois. An additional donation of 200 acres adjoining to the south was donated to the Grand Lodge by the Swain family, a past relative of the Shuman’s.
The building was built as a home for elderly and children of Masons in the State of Illinois. The children were only there for a few years and they were then housed at a new home built in LaGrange, Illinois.
The property had its own well and the land provided a source for food. The water from the well was pumped into a large tank in the attic to produce flowing water. The tank was too large to remove during the remodel, and it still remains. The Illinois Masonic Home building was later named the Men’s building, of which followed naming it the James E. Hart building, in his remembrance as administrator for many years. Read More
Remember When? 10-16-2019
25 Years Ago This Week
Sullivan assistant chief of police John E. Love received an award for his outstanding community service. The award was presented to Love for his “positive support and intervention work in aiding youths and families of the Sullivan community and Moultrie County.”
Mildred Vice was recognized as Moultrie County’s Outstanding Senior Volunteer for 1994 by the East Central Illinois Area Agency on Aging.
Tim Uphoff of Findlay was recently selected as a charter member of SPI, Senior Photographers International. Tim and Pam Uphoff have owned and operated Uphoff Studios in Findlay for the past eight years.
Pastor Dave and Debra Dolan have announced the engagement go their daughter, Jennifer Louise to Eric Crouse. An April 8 wedding will be held at New Life Tabernacle in Sullivan. Read More
How to Run for Office: The Game hasn’t Changed that Much Over Time
•October 16, 2019•
By Jim Nowlan
NP Guest Columnist
You might have been asked recently to sign a petition to put a candidate on the ballot in 2020.
It’s that season and, though a truism, if good people don’t run for office, democracy doesn’t work. You ought to try running. Here’s how.
First, my bona fides: In the 1960s and 70s, I ran for office four times, three times for the state Legislature and once for state office. I came away with a .500 batting average, losing my bid for lte guv by a hair. Not bad, when you consider A. Lincoln also had the same average in his several bids for office.
Later I managed the campaigns for the U.S. Senate (Charles Percy, 1978, successful) and a presidential aspirant (John B. Anderson, 1980, unsuccessful, but interesting). So, I know just enough about running to be dangerous.
A brilliant strategist, Mr. Lincoln said the job of running was simple: Canvass your territory; that is, travel and get to know your district; identify your voters, and get them to the polls.
The game hasn’t changed a whit, though the technology has, obviously. Read More
Habitat Home Key Ceremony

Photo by Mike Brothers
Habitat Home Key Ceremony
Moultrie County Habitat for Humanity board members, Habitat Care A Vanners, family and friends gathered at 604 Faith Lane in Sullivan to present Jennifer Penberthy with the key to her new home. Ground breaking was August 25 with Care A Vanners and volunteers completing the home by Friday, Oct. 11. A large crowd of family and friends gathered in the living room where dedication services were conducted. Above Habitat support Cheryl Thomas (center right) presents Penberthy and her two daughters, Kendall and Gabby with the customary Habitat Bible.
SFPD is Serving P&S Breakfast
•October 16, 2019•
The Sullivan Fire Protection District annual Pancake and Sausage Breakfast is from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 19.
Drop by the House of Blues at the corner of Hamilton and Harrison streets in Sullivan where adults and kids alike can enjoy all you can eat pancakes and sausage, cooked up fresh by SFPD volunteers.
Eat in or carry out. Adults eat for a $7.00 donation; children 6-12 years are $4.00 and children five and under eat for free.
In addition to breakfast the fire district is offering five pound boxes of sausage for $20.
Oktoberfest Has Arrived
•October 16, 2019•
Oktoberfest hits the Sullivan square, filling Friday and Saturday with music, art, the smell of chili cooking and loads of fun for the whole family.
The parade opens the festivities at 6:00 p.m. Friday, Oct. 18. Kids corner offers inflatables and bumper cars through Saturday.
The Sullivan FFA pedal tractor pull is 2:00 p.m. on Sat., Oct. 19.
The Northenders play on the main stage beginning at 6:30 p.m. Friday with the Feudin Hillbillies featured in the beer tent at 8: p.m.
Saturday morning the annual Sullivan Fire Protection District Pancake and Sausage Breakfast is from 6 to 10 a.m. in the House of Blues.
Wine tasting is offered at 5 West Lounge from noon to 9:00 p.m.
The chili cook off begins at high noon with judging from 5-7:00 p.m. with winner announced at 7:30 p.m.
Artoberfest winners will also be announced at 7:30 p.m. Saturday.
The annual Oktoberfest is a Sullivan Chamber and Economic Development event.
Windsor’s Sept. Students

Photo furnished
Windsor’s Sept. Students
Windsor Jr./Sr. High School is proud to announce our September Students of the Month, Avery Starwalt and Jack Welsh. Avery is the daughter of Jason and Kristen Starwalt. She is currently a 7th grader and is involved in Cheerleading and Volleyball. She enjoys typing on the computer and she plans to one day become an orthodontist. Jack is the son of Doug and Jennie Welsh. He is currently a sophomore and is involved in FFA, Student Council, and Scholastic Bowl. Jack enjoys farming and goat wrangling in his spare time, and he plans to go into Agri-Business Management and attend Lake Land College then transfer to SIU-Carbondale after high school.
Recent Obituaries: Frank D. McBride
Frank D. McBride
Frank D. McBride, 88, of Edwardsville, passed away, 9:40 a.m. Saturday, October 5, 2019 at Aspen Creek, Sullivan.
Celebration of Life services were held from 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Sunday, October 13, 2019 at the Edwardsville Moose Lodge. McMullin-Young Funeral Home, Sullivan, and Weber & Rodney Funeral Home, Edwardsville, are in care of the arrangements.
Frank was born August 26, 1931, in Thebes, IL, the son of Clyde and Mattie (Pettit) McBride. He married Virginia Ann Margherio; she survives. He served in the United States Marine Corps. Frank worked at Granite City Steel. When he retired, he and Virginia started a business which became McBride’s Lawn Service. Through his lawn service, he maintained not only his strong work ethic, but also his nature of being a helpful, caring and friendly person.
Frank is survived by his wife, Virginia of Edwardsville; sons, Steven D. (Erica) McBride of Key West, FL, and Gregory S. McBride of Edwardsville; daughter, Martica L. (John) Lancaster of Dalton City; step-son, Gregory J. Kiaer of St. Louis; sisters, Clyda (Dwayne) Lamb-Query of Rochelle, Roberta Cox of Edwardsville and Patricia Tolbert of Knoxville, TN. He is also survived by 6 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers and 3 sisters.
The family would like to give a special thanks to the staff at Aspen Creek of Sullivan for their wonderful and compassionate care for Frank.
Menu 10-9-2019
Senior Peace Meal
For additional information or for reservations, please call 1-800-543-1770
Monday, October 14 - Sausage in gravy, mini potato bakers, fruit juice, biscuits, warm cinnamon buttered apples
Tuesday, October 15 - Fried chicken, mashed potatoes w/gravy, green bean casserole, Texas toast, peach slices
Wednesday, October 16 - Ham casserole, corn, herbed peas, whole grain wheat (1), tropical fruit
Thursday, October 17 - Vegetable beef soup, celery sticks, cottage cheese salad, peanut butter cup, crackers, apricots
Friday, October 18 - Taco salad w/meat, lettuce, beans, tomatoes, sour cream and taco sauce, pears, taco chips, pudding