•December 20, 2017•

The Findlay American Legion Auxiliary missed their American Red Cross blood drive goal of 20 pints on Tuesday, Dec. 5. There were only 15 pints collected, but 18 people came out in support of the drive. Bob Hubbartt received a pin for donating 9 gallons.

This year the Findlay American Legion Auxiliary has been responsible for collecting 119 pints of blood. We would like to thank all those donors who took the time to give the Gift of Life. May you all have a very Merry Christmas and best wishes for the New Year!

•December 20, 2017•

The Moultrie County Board agreed to settle a pending lawsuit during the Dec. 14 meeting .

Former circuit clerk employee Paula J. Neathery filed the suit in U.S. District Court in June 2017 naming Cynthia J. Braden, Moultrie County Circuit Clerk as defendant.

In documents released by State’s Attorney Jeremy Richey, Neathery, represented by Nina R. Gougis, filed the suit and requested a jury trial to determine whether her January 6, 2016 termination was legal.

Neathery was an office deputy with health issues that prompted 12 weeks Family Medical Leave. According to the Moultrie County Employee Handbook Neathery needed a fitness for duty certification before returning to work. She requested an additional 12 work weeks unpaid leave which was denied.

The county board reached a confidential settlement agreement and as a member of the Illinois Counties Risk Management Trust the insurance covers the circuit clerk.

The plaintiff (Neathery) agreed to dismiss the suit in exchange for $4000. The defendants (Moultrie County and circuit clerk) entertained settlement negotiations only to avoid cost, expense, uncertainty and time associated with further litigation, according to the agreement.

Following an executive session at the Dec. 14 meeting county board members unanimously agreed to the settlement.

•December 20, 2017•

SAIL, Soyland Access to Independent Living, will host a free workshop about Scams, Fraud and ID Theft 1:30-3 p.m. Tuesday, January 16 in Lovington Public Library located at 110 W. State Street.

The speaker is Shari Rowe, postal inspector with United States Postal Inspection Service.

The workshop is free; reservations are not required. For more information call Betty Watkins, Rural Outreach Coordinator, at 774-4322.

•December 13, 2017•

First Baptist Church of Sullivan is inviting everyone to the Christmas Eve service Monday, Dec. 24.

A musical prelude begins at 6 p.m. with service from 6:30 -7:30 p.m.

During December the church choir will present “O Little Town of Bethlehem” cantata featuring solos by choir members. The church hymnal contains 78 songs and hymns about the birth of Jesus, and the musicians are including most in church services during December.

Regular church services are 10-11 a.m. Sundays, and everyone is invited to share the music and beautiful decorations of the Christmas season.

The church is handicap accessible by entering the west door to access the elevator, wheel chairs and walkers.

It is located two blocks east of the Sullivan Square at 215 E. Harrison St. The church  website is www.fbc61951.org and contains a virtual tour of the church interior and December service information.

•December 13, 2017•

A fundraiser to benefit the Mason Point Activity Department will be held at 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14 in the Knights Building at Mason Point in Sullivan.

A chicken and noodle dinner with mashed potatoes, corn, dessert and a drink will be available for $7.