•March 18, 2020•
Closing school will only slow transmission of the virus if we also keep our distance from each other. This means no play dates. Each family should keep to their own house and yard.
Remember, even if your friend is well when they come over, they could already be infected with the virus and infect you. Read More
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Remember When? 3-18-2020
25 Years Ago This Week
Marion Best writes in BB’s - “Fog, thunderstorms, heavy rains, sleet, and snow, all within 12 hours! Where but in Illlinois could we be blessed with such a variety of weather in such a short period of time.”
Three year old twins who are children of Loralyn Sue McArthur of Bethany and Jamie McArthur of Sullivan, have each qualified for the state Sunburst Beauty Pageant. Melissa and Matthew were selected during competion at Cross Country Mall in Mattoon. They are grandchildren of Mr. and Mrs. Earsel McArthur of Bethany Mr. and Mrs. Darrell McArthur of Mt. Zion. Read More
V.F.W. Recreation Donation
Photo by Mike Brothers
V.F.W. Recreation Donation
Sullivan V.F.W. Post 6410 donated $1000 to the city of Sullivan Park and Recreation Dept. Summer Recreation program. The V.F.W. continues its community support with this five annual donation to the kids summer recreation program. The $1000 check presentation was made at the Sullivan V.F.W. post: (from left)Commander Russell Craig, Park and Recreation program directors Melissa and Jake Haegen and Post Chaplain Bill Hagen.
School Offers Free Meals
•March 18, 2020•
Regarding Food Service, anyone ages 18 and under will have access to free breakfast and lunch thanks to the Sullivan School District.
To help gauge the number of meals to be prepared, please send an email to meals@sullivan.k12.il.us with the following information: Number of children under 18, date(s) you would like meals, and preferred pickup location. We encourage ALL children in our community to take advantage of this program during the closure.
Meals can be picked up on the west side of SES as a “Walk-Up” or “Drive-Through” service, with both meals provided at once between the hours of 9am-11am.
Free meals are also available for pick-up at the following locations and times:
9:00-9:20 - Westport Apartments AND Regular Bus Stop Location at Roley Estates
9:25-9:45 – Sullivan Laundromat AND Kennedy St of Eastview Subdivision
9:50-10:10 – Sullivan IGA and Sullivan South Trailer Park
10:15-10:35 – Sullivan Library AND Sunset/Louis Intersection
10:40-11:00 – Main Street Apartments
Staff members will be in a White Sullivan Bus to deliver meals. On a final note, on Fridays during the closure, our buses will deliver meals and check on rural families, running their regular routes with approximately a two-hour delay. So if your child is normally picked up at 7:15am, expect the bus around 9:15am. Each child 18 and under can receive up to five days of breakfast and lunch meals at this time. Those wanting meals on Friday should also send an email to meals@sullivan.k12.il.us and should have someone at the regular bus stop location as the bus approaches.
Sullivan City Council Meets to Establish Emergency Procedures
•March 18, 2020•
By Mike Brothers
Sullivan City Council’s special session at 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 18 dealt with the emergency created by the COVID-19 virus.
Mayor Richard Glazebrook emphasized the purpose of the meeting is to implement procedures allowing the city to be eligible for federal and state emergency service funding due to conditions created by coronavirus related closings.
The announced school closings by Governor J.B. Pritzker Friday prompted the city to close the civic center and library on Friday.
City administrator Dan Flannell emphasized the city and school district are working together to be sure parents and students understand that the closings are meant to keep students from congregating. Read More
County Board Deals with Rapidly Changing COVID 19 Situation
•March 18, 2020•
By David McCabe,
Moultrie County Board Chairman
As chairman of the Moultrie County Board, I am statutorily responsible for the management of disasters that occur in Moultrie County, working with the ESDA Coordinator, first responders and other officials.
Together we determine the best course of action to take. We have a meeting scheduled this week with officials from each municipality in the county to learn how best to help them.
The coronavirus has the potential of being the largest disaster in Moultrie County while I have been board chairman. However, now is not the time to panic, it is the time to be smart. If you are experiencing symptoms of coronavirus or any other health issues, STAY HOME, call your healthcare professional to seek arrangements for treatment and possible testing. If you feel healthy but are one of the vulnerable groups of individuals to coronavirus, STAY HOME. If you have concerns about contacting someone with Coronavirus, STAY HOME. If you are experiencing severe health issues, call 9-1-1. Read More
Wash Your Hands
Photo by R.R. Best
Wash Your Hands
One of the best things to help prevent the spread of the COVID 19 virus is to wash your hands, Moultrie County Health Dept. Director Angie Hogan advised county board members last week. School closings, bars, restaurants and any gatherings over 50 people have been canceled in an effort to slow the spreading.
Virtual Meetings Allowed
•March 18, 2020•
Gov. JB Pritzker gave local governments and other public bodies permission to hold “virtual” meetings as long as the current disaster declaration remains in place. It was part of an executive order he issued that also bans public gatherings of 50 or more people.
An attorney for the Illinois Press Association, however, says the governor did not waive other portions of the state’s Open Meetings Act and he’s encouraging news organizations, and anyone else interested in those meetings, to continue requesting notice of the meetings and the ability to listen in and take part via telephone.
Driver Services Facilities Close
•March 18, 2020•
Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White is announcing that all offices, including Driver Services facilities statewide, will be closed to the public due to the COVID-19 virus and the health and safety recommendations by experts endorsing social distancing efforts. The closures will take effect March 17 through March 31.
Expiration dates for driver’s licenses, identification (ID) cards, vehicle registrations and other transactions and document filings will be extended by 30 days through an emergency rule.
White also joins a growing list of states and industries calling on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to push back the Oct. 1, 2020, federal REAL ID deadline due to the impact COVID-19 is having on the general public and driver’s license and ID card-issuing agencies nationwide.
“After careful consideration, it is clear that this decision to close offices and Driver Services facilities is the right one to make for the health and safety of Illinoisans,” said White. “This important action will help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus.”
White is reminding residents that many transactions with the Secretary of State’s office may be conducted online at www.cyberdriveillinois.com. Customers are encouraged to take advantage of these online services, some of which include:
• obtaining a duplicate driver’s license or ID card;
• renewing a vehicle registration;
• obtaining a driver record abstract;
• renewing a standard driver’s license with the Safe Driver Renewal program;
• filing Business Services documents, such as incorporations and annual reports;
• customers with issues involving administrative hearings may contact 312-793-3722 or 217-782-7065.
White stressed that the office will continue to monitor the COVID-19 crisis. Expert advice, news and events involving the virus will influence the reopening date of offices and the Driver Services facilities.
“We will do everything we can to help protect the health and safety of our residents,” said White. “This will, and must, be the guiding principle of our decision making.”
Dove Complies with COVID 19 Restrictions
•March 18, 2020•
The CDC and State of Illinois recommendations have left most of us dealing with unprecedented issues we have not had to face before due to COVID-19. Dove is trying to do our best as we comply with the State and Federal requirements on these issues.
We are taking this matter very seriously and want to do all that we can to help the situation. As of March 17 through March 31, Dove will be operating only by phone.
From our Homeward Bound Program – If you or someone you know is experiencing a homeless issue, please call 217.619.5742. Walk-ins are suspended until further notice but in-person intakes will be scheduled as deemed necessary.
From the Domestic Violence Program - The hot-line numbers are:
217.423.2238 - Macon County
217.935.6072 - DeWitt County
217.774.4888 - Shelby County
217.728.9334 - Moultrie County
217.762.2122 - Piatt County
To our RSVP Volunteers --- Many agencies or organizations are evaluating what is best for them with regards to the COVID-19 virus. If you are uncomfortable serving at this time, please give your station or us a call to let them know you are not available. If you expect to continue serving be sure to check in with them to determine if they are carrying on as usual or if there are changes you need to be aware of. We encourage all volunteers to follow their health care providers’ instructions on what is best for them.
Dove Financial Assistance program is closed due to Northeast Community Funds inside services closure.
Due to school closures, the BABES program will not be able to make presentations. The Children’s Clothing Room is closed. Dove staff members will not be attending any neighborhood groups should they be meeting or any community meetings at this time.
Dove is not accepting items for donations. We are not hosting any meetings or events and no visitors are allowed in the facilities. We will keep you updated to changes. Thanks for your cooperation in trying to keep everyone safe while meeting the needs of our clients and staff.