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Holiday Shopping Budgeting Tips During the Pandemic

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Tips so you don’t break your budget

•November 11, 2020•
The holidays are going to look different this year. This pandemic has left many feeling guilty their loved ones won’t celebrate and enjoy the holidays like years past. Some are buying less to save money others are buying more than normal just to give family and friends some comfort.
“During a pandemic, now more than ever it’s important to budget, but especially during the holidays when more people are buying, “ says Elizabeth Houser, COUNTRY Financial Rep. “Creating a small holiday spending plan within your overall budget will help keep your finances at bay.”
Follow these holiday shopping budgeting tips during a pandemic: Read More

Eighth COVID-19 related Death

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•November 11, 2020•
It is with saddened hearts that the Moultrie County Health Department (MCHD) confirms an eighth COVID-19 related death of a Moultrie County female resident in her 90s.
“As we send our deepest sympathies to her friends and family, we also ask for their privacy during this difficult time,” Angela Hogan, Administrator for the Moultrie County Health Department, said. “The MCHD will release no additional information.”
To date, 586 Moultrie County residents have tested positive for COVID-19, which includes seven previous COVID-19 related deaths.
The MCHD strongly advises individuals and businesses to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our communities by using these precautions: Watch physical distance and keep six feet from others. Wear a mask when in public places. Wash hands routinely. Above all, stay home if ill. Protect yourself with the annual flu vaccine.
Due to the increase in cases across the state, mitigations have been put into place to help slow the spread of COVID-19. To learn more about this mitigation, please visit https://dceoresources-ssassets.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/public/Restore-Illinois/COVID-19-Resurgence-Migitations.pdf. Information on area testing sites can be found online at https://dph.illinois.gov/testing.
For more information on the Moultrie County Health Department’s news, events and services, please visit www.moultriehealth.org and follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/moultriecountyhealth

Changes Coming to Campgrounds in 2021

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•November 11, 2020•
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Lake Shelbyville would like to announce campground opening dates and policy changes for the 2021 recreation season.
Lake Shelbyville had a successful year in 2020 with campsite utilization rates up almost 20%. The
2021 season is projected to be another busy year for outdoor recreation and camping.

2021 CAMPING SEASON DATES & UPDATES

Forrest W. “Bo” Wood, Lithia Springs, & Wilborn Creek Group Camp: April 15 - October 24, 2021
Lone Point, Lone Point Group Camp, Opossum Creek: May 20 - September 7, 2021
Coon Creek: To Be Determined - October 11, 2021 Read More

Moultrie County Has High Turnout for General Election

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Photo by Crystal Reed.
Andrew Fultz of Bethany casts his vote on Election day at the Bethany Firehouse.

•November 11, 2020•
by Crystal Reed
NP Writer

The elections were held last Tuesday and the county saw one of the highest turnouts ever.
In the 2020 Moultrie County election Moultrie County Clerk Georgia England reported that there were over 3,000 people that went to the polls. There were 1,809 people that voted during early voting and 1,163 that voted by mail.
When it came to voting on the State of Illinois Constitutional amendment there were 1,477 votes for yes and 5,089 votes for no. There was also a referendum question for Illinois separation that received 4,610 yes votes and 1,969 no votes.
There were six candidates that ran for four County Board seats. Totals for the county board race were Elizabeth Houser 4,769; J. John Fayhee 3,854; Larry R. Baker 3,799; Neil Bryan 3,623; Rita Florey 2,549 and Gary P. Smith 2,417. Read More

Sullivan Cross Country Teams Hold Annual Awards Banquet

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•November 11, 2020•
By Jason Brown
NP Sports

The Sullivan boys’ and girls’ cross country teams hosted the annual awards banquet to honor each team and athletes Wednesday, Nov. 4.
Athletic Director Ryan Aikmen opened the banquet with some introductory words about finishing an unconventional fall sports season.
“We are here this season being able to recognize everyone in this room for their accomplishments during this season because it’s a testament to the flexibility shown by everyone involved,” said Aikmen. “It’s a testament to the coaches for the extra work they put in…I want to thanks coach Randy and coach Taylor for all the hard work they did in making sure our student athletes.”
The coaches of the boys’ and girls’ teams then announced the winner of each award. Read More

SCED Holding Annual Holiday Elf Hunt

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•November 11, 2020•
The Sullivan Chamber and Economic Development is having its annual Holiday Elf Hunt. There will be an elf hiding in 16 local businesses and shoppers are tasked with visiting at least six of those business and finding the elf so that they can fill out a card.
According to Sullivan Chamber and Economic Development Director Laurrie Minor, the promotion is a way to get people to visit local businesses. “There are families that do this promotion with their kids every year,” she said. Read More

Obituaries 11-11-2020: Larry Williams

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Larry Williams

Larry D. Williams, 66, of Waynesboro, Pa., formerly of Illinois, died at 9:45 p.m. EST, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020.
A private family graveside service with military honors and a celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Larry was born Dec. 21, 1953, in Joliet, Ill., a son of Floyd Williams and Imogene Wallace-Williams (Gill). He was a veteran and had served as post commander of American Legion Post 429. Read More