•April 29, 2020•
Ricky G. Derby, 26, of Sullivan appeared in Moultrie County Circuit Court by videoconference on armed robbery charges.
During the April 20 preliminary hearing Derby and public defender Steve Jones were at the Moultrie County jail with Judge Hugh Finson and States Attorney Tracy Weaver participating via GoToMeeting videoconferencing system.
Derby entered a plea of not guilty and probable cause was found.
A jury trial is set to commence August 3, 2020.
Bethany Chief of Police Chris Nichols issued a press release about the investigation and subsequent arrest.
On the evening of October 18, 2018 at approximately 7:39pm, the Bethany Police Department and the Moultrie Co. Sheriff’s Department responded to the Casey’s General Store in Bethany for a report of an Armed Robbery. Upon arrival, officers and deputies searched the immediate area but were unable to locate the suspect.
The Bethany Police Department began an immediate investigation into the incident. During the course of this lengthy investigation, police were able to identify a suspect, Ricky G. Derby (26) of Sullivan, IL.
A warrant was issued on April 02, 2020 for Derby, charging him with the Armed Robbery. Derby was taken into custody in Jacksonville, Illinois and transported back to the Moultrie Co. jail.
Assisting Bethany PD on this case was Moultrie Co. Sheriffs Department, Sullivan Police Department and Illinois State Police.
All Suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

•April 22, 2020•

The Alpha Phi Chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa, an international honorary organization of women educators, offers a $500 scholastic scholarship annually.
Applicants must be a junior or senior in college or graduate student in the field of education.
Please contact Ellen Feeler at 217/259-4722 if you are interested in receiving an application. Deadline is May 20, 2020.

•April 15, 2020•

Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White announced today his office filed emergency rules extending expiration dates for driver’s licenses, identification (ID) cards, vehicle registrations and other transactions and document filings for at least 90 days after Driver Services facilities reopen. The previous extension was for 30 days.
“Extending expiration dates by at least 90 days after Driver Services facilities reopen is the right thing to do,” said White. “It will ensure driver’s licenses, ID cards and vehicle registrations remain valid during this pandemic and will help alleviate the rush of customers visiting facilities once they reopen.”
Following Governor Pritzker’s Stay-at-Home order, White closed Driver Services facilities to the public through April 30. While facilities are closed to the public, White is encouraging residents to go to www.cyberdriveillinois.com to take advantage of many online services – such as renewing vehicle registration stickers – from the comfort of their own home. People who conduct online transactions will further help to reduce the number of face-to-face transactions that will occur at Driver Services facilities once they reopen.
Some of these online services include:
· renewing a vehicle registration;
· applying for a vehicle title and registration;
· obtaining a duplicate driver’s license or ID card;
· obtaining a driving record abstract;
· renewing a standard driver’s license with the Safe Driver Renewal program.
“My commitment is to do everything we can to help protect the health and safety of our residents, while still providing services to the people of Illinois,” said White. “This will, and must, continue to be the guiding principle of our decision making.”

•April 15, 2020•
In 11 days the Sullivan Area Ministerial Association exceeded the $20,000 goal to help those in the community suffering financially due to the COVID-19 crisis.
At the Sullivan City Council meeting April 13, city administrator Dan Flannell announced the SAMA drive had reached the goal that afternoon.
“This effort was made for those most in need throughout the county,” Flannell said of the SAMA drive. “No gift is too large or small.” he continued, noting funds were still being collected.
Pastor Grant Wade of Sullivan First Christian Church explained during the emergency Stay at Home orders there are people with immediate financial needs with few resources to help.
SAMA traditionally meets those emergency needs on a regular basis, but these are not regular times and the needs are greater that ever.
“We just passed $20,000 yesterday.” Wade said.
“The generosity of local individuals and businesses is incredible. Donations are still being received. We are working on getting our website updated for those who need assistance.
“We are requesting anyone who needs assistance to reach out as we want to be able to help!” Pastor Dave Dolan emphasized.
Pastor Dave Dolan at New Life Church is coordinating the effort and may be reached at 217-728-4200 or visit http://mocohelp.com/

•April 8, 2020•

The Sullivan City Building will be closed to the public until further notice.
While some City Building employees will continue to work from inside the office they will be unable to speak directly with you except via telephone. Please call 217-728-4383 if you have a need to speak with a City Building employee.
Utility payments can be made via the city’s online payment program, through an ach deduction from your bank or by check or money order deposited in the city building mail drop or the silver drive up payment box at the nw corner of the courthouse diagonally across from the city building.