•April 25, 2018•

Captured Moments, the much-anticipated new photo history of Moultrie County, Illinois may be picked up or purchased at the Moultrie County Heritage Center, 117 E. Harrison in Sullivan during a special distribution day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, April 26; or during the center’s regular hours every Monday and Saturday from noon to 3 p.m.

The book is the first published county history since the 1940s. It features hundreds of photos in color and black and white from the society’s archives and private collections, unpublished stories from the pioneer and Civil War era, and maps of early trails and historic sites in the county.

The book is Moultrie County Historical and Genealogical Society’s commemoration of the 175th anniversary of Moultrie County’s founding in 1843 and the bicentennial of the state of Illinois.

Local historians Pat Wilhelm Cribbet and Janet Shuman Roney are its co-authors.

•April 25, 2018•

In the April 18 page 1 News Progress story: A Chance to Lend a Helping Hand, Kristen Conlin’s phone number was incorrect. Volunteer sign up sheets are available at various locations in Sullivan or by calling Conlin at 217-962-1524 (correct number) or Rickelman at 217-273-5634 for more information. By the way Kristen became Amy in the photo identification. We apologize for the errors.

•April 18, 2018•

Come explore your senses as the Strasburg Community Action Network (SCAN) hosts a new style of culinary experience where you “Dine in the Dark.”

The fun and unique event will take place in the Strasburg Community Center, 105 E. Commercial St. in Strasburg at 5 p.m. Sunday, April 22.

Dining in the Dark is a one of a kind culinary encounter of heightened senses. Without sight, we must reply on our other senses: taste, touch, and smell. Nothing unusual will be served. You may find everyday foods hard to identify without seeing them first.

A four course meal will be served in easy to eat fashion in order to avoid spills. After the meal, participants will express what they think they had for dinner, and then it will be revealed what was actually served. Everyone is asked to bring their own blindfolds. Milk, eggs, and fruit will be present in the foods served.

A limited number of tickets will be sold. For advance tickets, contact Angie Edwards at 217-644-3209 or Justin Krile at 217-246-1332. Tickets may also be purchased at the Shelby County State Bank in Strasburg, 1st National Bank in Stewardson, Edwards Crafts, Krile Auction or from SCAN members.

•April 18, 2018•

The Sullivan Rotary Club will hold a golf outing at 11 a.m. Friday May 18 at the National Golf Course at Eagle Creek.

This fundraiser will help with Rotary’s primary projects of funding the One Book One Sullivan program and Habitat for Humanity tree planting.

One Book One Sullivan has been very successful in promoting literary and the joy of reading with local middle school students.

Individual and team registrations may be sent to Susan Rauch, Moultrie County Beacon, 401 West Water St., Sullivan; Bradley Pullen, First Mid Bank & Trust, 200 South Hamilton, Sullivan, or Joe Keller, Keller Trucking, 921 West Magill St, Sullivan.

The entry fee of $60 includes green fees, cart, and lunch. A foursome plus hole sponsorship is $300. A hole sponsorship alone is $100. Make checks payable to Sullivan Rotary Club.

•April 11, 2018•

Coles-Moultrie County Emergency Communication Center (CECOM) assistant Director Amanda Williamson explained a new tower in Mattoon should improve communication issues with local emergency responders.

Public Health and Safety Chair Arlene Aschermann hosted a meeting earlier in the month at the county jail for Moultrie County first responders to discuss E 9-1-1 issues. Only Sullivan and Lovington attended.

Communication with central E9-1-1 central dispatch in Charleston had been affected with Williamson noting Global Tech Systems, Inc.(GTSI) of Effingham had installed a new microwave tower and repeater in Mattoon.

Gary Smith, Lovington fire chief, noted their department was receiving calls, but Bethany had been having problems communicating within their department.

Kevin McReynolds, who along with Chris Wright serves on the CECOM board, suggested each of the first responder districts be visited during a regular meeting by someone from CECOM to help determine issues and provide support.

Williamson noted that all the departments have been good about providing information through emails from their chiefs and that has been the most effective way to deal with issues so far.

By attending meetings within the individual fire districts Chairman Aschermann noted everyone would have a chance to ask questions, air issues and learn what can be done.

Williamson told members of the committee she would be willing to meet with departments, possibly adapting her half hour public education presentation for pre-schoolers for the emergency responder audience.