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S.A. Office Quarantine

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•June 3, 2020•

The Moultrie County State’s Attorneys office staff went under quarantine which postponed criminal and traffic cases scheduled in circuit court early the first week of the courthouse reopening.
A family member of the states attorney tested positive for COVID 19 which resulted in the action.
State’s Attorney Tracy Weaver explained the procedure for the week of June 1.
“Some members of the State’s Attorney’s Office are self-isolating due to potential exposure to COVID-19
“Out of an abundance of caution, criminal and traffic cases scheduled for the early part of next week have been rescheduled.
“We anticipate that those potentially impacted will return to work later next week,” State’s Attorney Weaver explained.

Peaceful Protest at Illinois Statehouse Draws Large Crowd

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Hundreds of demonstrators protest peacefully outside the Illinois Statehouse on Monday to speak out against violence by law enforcement against African Americans. (Credit: Peter Hancock of Capitol News Illinois)

•June 3, 2020•
By Peter Hancock
Capitol News Illinois
phancock @ capitolnewsillinois.com

A peaceful protest organized largely by teenagers drew several hundred people to the Illinois Statehouse on Monday to demonstrate against the recent death of George Floyd in Minnesota and countless other African Americans who have died at the hands of law enforcement throughout the U.S. in recent years.
Monday’s protest came the day after an estimated 3,000 vehicles took part in a parade through the state capital’s downtown area while more violent protests gripped Chicago and other major cities throughout the U.S. Read More

Illinois Dept. of Agriculture and Racing Board Announce Patron Free Live Racing

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•June 3, 2020•
Horse racing is returning to Illinois tracks in June. The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) worked with various stakeholders to bring patron free standardbred and thoroughbred racing back on tracks around the state while adhering to the social distancing guidelines. The move is an effort to provide economic relief to the horse racing industry, as other states have done.
“These conditions necessitate changes to keep horse racing going in Illinois” said Domenic DiCera, Illinois Racing Board, Executive Director. “The return of live horse racing in Illinois is welcomed by many hardworking men and woman that work and are committed to this industry.” Read More

Townwide Rummage

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•June 3, 2020•

The Sullivan Townwide Rummage Sales are Friday, June 5 and Saturday, June 6 with sale locations listed in this week’s edition of the News Progress.
Habitat for Humanity ReStore will be open until 2:00 p.m. Saturday to accept non clothing items. ReStore is closed Monday and reopens Tuesday.

Obituaries 6-3-2020: Joyce Harpster

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Joyce Harpster

Joyce Harpster, 84, of Sullivan, passed away at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 28, 2020, in her residence.
Private family services will be held in Reed Funeral Home in Sullivan with Chaplain Jan Dial officiating. Burial will be in Dodge Grove Cemetery in Mattoon. Read More

Country Financial Supports Local Fire Department with Equipment Funding Through Donation

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Photo furnished
SFPD receives at $1500 donation for thermometers and blood pressure cuffs. Pictured are: Tyler Wright, Grant Faulkner, Chris Wright, Fire Chief Mike Piper, Country Financial representative Elizabeth Houser and assistant Jorjia Clements.

•June 3, 2020•
Country Financial Representative Elizabeth Houser announced Sullivan Fire Protection District as the 2020 recipient of her Country Financial Operation Helping Heroes donation.
Houser presented the donation for $1,500.00 to Sullivan Fire Protection on Tuesday, May 19th, to assist with the purchase of digital thermometers and blood pressure cuffs.
“As I live and work in our community, I have seen firsthand the selfless acts of our first responders at the Sullivan Fire Department”, said Houser. “This donation is our way of giving back to our first responders and honoring their dedication to our community. I appreciate all they do to keep us safe and cared for.” Read More

Campgrounds Open at Lake

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•June 3, 2020•

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Lake Shelbyville would like to announce Coon Creek, Forrest W. “Bo” Wood, Lithia Springs, and Opossum Creek campgrounds are now open. Lone Point Campground and Wilborn Creek Group Camp are closed until further notice. There is no change to reservable and non-reservable sites at Bo Wood, Coon Creek and Lithia Springs from previous seasons. All payments at fee booths are by credit or debit card only. Opossum Creek Campground is now 100% reservable and campers must have a reservation through R1S prior to setting up on a campsite. Campers are reminded to follow CDC guidelines while recreating at Lake Shelbyville.
For campsite availability or to make a reservation, please visit www.recreation.gov. Reservations by phone at 1-877-444-6777 are scheduled to resume on July 1, 2020. For additional information, please call the Lake Shelbyville Project Office at (217)774-3951.

Superintendent-Y Stuff: A Walk with Mr. Walk – Meal Program Continues

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•June 3, 2020•
By Ted Walk, Supt.
Sullivan CUSD #300

Throughout the school closure, Sullivan staff made it a priority to ensure that our students had access to meals at no cost to the student.
This was achieved by scheduling daily opportunities to pick up food at school, utilizing locations in town for meal distribution, and even running bus routes to deliver to our rural residents.
We were thrilled that we were able to provide over 30,000 meals from mid-March through the month of May. Read More