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Cost Sharing Agreement For Route 32 Intersection Voted Down

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•November 18, 2020•
By Crystal Reed
NP Writer

A motion to approve an agreement with the Illinois Department of Transportation regarding cost sharing responsibilities for the improvement of the Illinois Route 32 intersection with Moultrie County Highway 4, Section 1,2 N unanimously failed Thursday evening. The Moultrie County Board, in a letter drafted and signed by county engineer Jeff Birch and board chair Dave McCabe, opted to record their opposition to the current IDOT plans for the intersection.
The county is responsible for one leg of the intersection while the remainder of the intersection is the responsibility of the Illinois Department of Transportation. Birch said the plans for the road include a raised concrete median where the left turn lane is located. “IDOT proposed something that the county just can’t agree with,” he said. Read More

Forecasters project long-term deficits, growing bill backlog

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Pritzker to seek federal aid, possible business tax increases

•November 18, 2020•
By Peter Hancock
Capitol News Illinois
phancock @ capitolnewsillinois.com

A new report from the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget shows that without significant new revenue, spending cuts or a combination of both, the state will face a budget deficit of $3.9 billion in the current fiscal year and continuing deficits of $4 billion or more in each of the next five fiscal years.
It also projects that the state’s backlog of unpaid bills could grow to as much as $33 billion by fiscal year 2026, up from the current backlog total of about $7.8 billion, if lawmakers do not make structural changes.
“Sizeable deficits in the general funds budget are projected for fiscal years 2022 through 2026, ranging from $4.8 billion in fiscal year 2022 and falling to $4.2 billion by fiscal year 2026,” the report stated.
The report does not actually predict that those deficits will occur. Instead, it is intended to show what would happen under the state’s current revenue structure and spending obligations. Read More

Did the whole country go red or am I seeing things?

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•November 11, 2020•
by Jim Baumann
Guest Writer

For those of you who dream of the entire country going red, check out the photo I’ve attached to this column.
I grabbed a red onion from the cupboard Thursday morning for breakfast and, as is usually the case, was unable to transport it to the cutting board without losing a piece of onion skin detritus on the floor.
“What’s this?” my eagle-eyed wife asked a couple of hours later. It was not so much a question as an admonition. I swear, red onions instinctively shed their skin just to annoy housemates.
“Why, that’s the continental United States!” I remarked, looking at it upside down. (I might have added “continental” to my response just now.) Read More

U of I Reducing The Risk

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•November 11, 2020•
In accordance with Illinois COVID-19 Mitigation Measures and at the request of the U of I administration, staff in the Unit #19 U of I Extension Offices serving Coles, Cumberland, Douglas, Moultrie, and Shelby Counties, will be doing our part in reducing risk in our communities. Read More

Where is Brandon Stone going? 

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ALAH Principals Present School Improvement Plans
Superintendent Cheek shares COVID19 update

•November 11, 2020•
by Ariana Cherry
NP Writer

Superintendent Shannon Cheek opened the ALAH school board meeting Oct. 21 with the treasurer’s report, noting that all funds are on track. Cheek mentioned that the district received four very generous donations in the past month. The one of which he is most proud came from Jack Martin, a senior, who donated his time and materials to power wash the front of the school building.  A total of $3,400 was collected in donations from Edward Jones for the FFA and Ag programs and Aikman’s Wildlife Adventures. Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Care Center also reimbursed $700 to the athletic program.
The district obtained a grant which allows them to purchase and provide all students in the district with water bottles. The grant covers half of the expense. The ALAH district also applied for a grant through ADM in the amount of $14,000 which will assist in paying for a tractor and seed cleaner for the district’s popcorn field as well as purchase a camera for documentation. After some popcorn has been harvested, the district will donate some to ADM as a thank you. Read More

Holiday Bazaar

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•November 11, 2020•

Windsor United Methodist Church will be hosting a holiday bazaar on Nov 14 from 8 am to 2 pm. Lunch will be served from 11 am to 2 pm. Food being served will be chili, oyster soup, veggie soup, ham sandwiches and desserts. There will be crafts, baked goods and a country store all day.

Menu 11-11-2020

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Senior Peace Meal

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

Monday, November 16 - Pork Burger Sandwich, Baked Beans, Spinach, Bun, Cranberry Oatmeal Cookie
Tuesday, November 17 - Meatloaf, Creamed Peas and Potatoes, Tomatoes and Zucchini, Whole Grain Wheat (1), Peaches
Wednesday, November 18 - Creamed Chicken with Green Onions & Pimento, Warm Black-Eyed Pea Salad, Biscuit, Sliced Pineapple
Thursday, November 19 - Beef Stroganoff over Noodles, Corn, Creamy Coleslaw, Whole Grain Wheat, Warm Fruit Compote
Friday, November 20 - Roasted Turkey, Mashed Potatoes w/Gravy, Seasoned Green Beans, Dressing, Pumpkin Pie

Sullivan Native Offering His E-Books for Free

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Jan Munch

•November 11, 2020•
By Crystal Reed
NP Writer

Jan Munch, who was born and raised in Sullivan, is offering his e-books for free. Munch, who writes under the pen name Jon Truman has written five books, which are available as e-books and paperbacks online.
Munch graduated from Sullivan High School in 1959. He attended the University of Illinois. He married Linda Patient from Bethany. After graduation, he worked as a recreation therapist at Alton State Hospital for two years. Read More