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Moultrie Adds COVID-19 Cases

News Progress Posted on by

•July 29, 2020•

The Moultrie County Health Department (MCHD) has confirmed six more cases of the novel coronavirus-2019 (COVID-19) in Moultrie County over the weekend. The individuals range in age from teens to 80s and all are recovering at home in isolation. Public health officials have notified all close contacts.
To date, 1,803 Moultrie County residents have been tested for COVID-19. Of those tests, 50 have been confirmed positive for COVID-19, and 32 are no longer in isolation.
To minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission, the health department is asking everyone use the three basic Ws:
Watch physical distance and keep six feet from others.
Wear a mask when in public places.
Wash hands routinely.
All individuals should self-monitor for possible COVID-19 symptoms which may include:
Fever or chills, cough or shortness of breath, fatigue or muscle aches, headache, Loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
It is also possible to be infected with the virus and have no symptoms. For this reason, the CDC recommends physical distancing and masks to help reduce the risk of transmission.
If an individual is ill with symptoms associated with coronavirus and needs medical or emergency care, they should notify their physician or emergency medical service providers of their symptoms prior to arrival.
Information on area testing sites can be found at https://dph.illinois.gov/testing.
For more information on the MCHD’s news, please visit www.moultriehealth.org and follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/moultriecountyhealth.

Remember When? 7-29-2020

News Progress Posted on by

25 Years Ago This Week

Paul Shuman collected just under $85 in soy products to win the contest against State Rep. Julie Curry at Jerry’s IGA in Sullivan. The food was donated to the Food Pantry.
Moultrie-Douglas County Fair 4-Hers from Moultrie faired well. Lindsay Patrick of the Marrowbone Merry Makers 4-H club and Denise Albert of Dalton City were selected to represent the county fair at the state fair.
Jennifer Voltz of Sullivan and Allison Patrick of Bethany were chosen as alternate models.
Rebecca Havens of Sullivan is State Fair delegate for knitting.
Lynnae Robinson of Sullivan and Cassandra Jackson of Lovington were selected at the Moultrie-Douglas Fair Food Show to represent at the State Fair. Read More

Vegetable Garden Tips for After a Rain

News Progress Posted on by

•July 29, 2020•
Richard Hentschel
For the News Progress

When it finally rains after a dry spell, it is such a relief and gives gardeners a few days off before the watering patrol kicks in again. Our plants get the dust and dirt washed off, foliage perks up, and if the flowers were on the dry side, foliage colors return to normal.
More than just our flowers benefit. Every tree, shrub, evergreen, groundcover and the lawn are happier. The vegetable garden is going to be a big benefactor of that natural rain too. Once vegetables that produce a flower, then a fruit or pod, realize there is a good amount of soil moisture available, those fruits and pods become more uniform in size and develop quickly. Read More

Bethany Car Show

News Progress Posted on by

•July 29, 2020•

The 2020 Main Street Cruise In Car Show hosted by the Bethany Advocates and Support Organization will be held on Saturday, August 22 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm in downtown Bethany. Cost is $10 per entry and all makes and models are welcome. Dash plaques will be given to the first 100 entries. There will be a 50/50 jackpot and food vendors. Awards given will be mayor’s choice, chief’s choice and people’s choice and they will be awarded at 6:30 p.m. Contact Terry Muzzy at 217-412-0185 for more information.

Animal Lover Gives Lasting Gift to County Shelter

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Pet Exercise Area is Hit

•July 29, 2020•
By Mike Brothers

Kenneth “Flash” Miner was a one man animal rescue operation, so honoring his memory with a gift to Moultrie County Animal Control made sense.
On Thursday, July 20 Miner’s daughter and family gathered at the Animal Shelter along with Moultrie County PAWS volunteers and the sheriff’s department to dedicate the new dog exercise area in memory of Flash who passed away March 31, 2019.
“Dad loved animals and donated to animal charities all along,” daughter Kristyne Miner Ashbrook said of the retired GTE employee.
“He had to,” she continued. “He lived about a mile outside Lovington and every stray cat and dog was dumped on his road. He’d take them in to town, get them fixed and bring them back home.” Read More

This is Mike Madigan’s Last Hurrah

News Progress Posted on by

•July 29, 2020•
By Jim Nowlan
NP Guest Columnist

As one who scribbles largely about things Illinois, I feel almost obligated to observe on the bombshell (certainly for the small fraternity that follows Illinois politics) news that utility ComEd has agreed to pay a $200 million fine for bribery of Illinois officials. The announcement by the U.S. attorney’s office in Chicago identifies Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan as the ultimate object of the bribery.
Some background: Madigan has been speaker of the House for most of the past four decades. During that time, he has accrued almost dictatorial powers. He can block any legislation —any bill whatever — with the wave of his pinkie finger. By the way, during those four decades, Illinois has built up so much debt, obligations and unpaid bills that we have the worst credit rating of any state in the nation, and another tax increase is on the ballot this fall. Read More