•January 3, 2018•

The Sullivan Chamber & Economic Development has announced the winners of the 2017 annual awards, which will be presented at the SCED annual luncheon Wednesday, January 24. Each of the winners are standouts in the community of exceptional business and community members.

Reverend Paul McGhghy will be recognized as the 2017 Citizen of the Year.  Pastor Paul’s dedication and devotion to the betterment of our community is clear through his everyday actions. One of the primary ways that this has been seen is through his leadership in helping encourage and host Habitat for Humanity Care-A-Vanners. The program that Pastor Paul has put together is unlike any other in the country and his love for the community is evident through his effort in this program.

Central Roofing will be honored as the Small Business of the Year.  Business owner Will Bates and his family have built a thriving business in Sullivan. Their expansion in the community and willingness to work with and support the local interests show the commitment they are making to the area.

Metro Communications will be presented the Business of the Year Award.  Metro Communications functions quietly from downtown Sullivan providing fiber optic service throughout Illinois. Anyone who uses a phone in central Illinois uses their service. Zak Horn and his team at Metro are always happy to get involved with the community. They are truly invested in making a lasting impact in the community.  Not only do they help with every community event, but they have also started a renovation project in 2017 to help with the restoration of historic downtown Sullivan.

Moultrie County Counseling Center will be recognized as the 2017 Community Service Organization. The Counseling Center dedication to the community and its citizens is evident in their everyday work. What you don’t see is the community service in which they are involved. Dave Cole, director, and his team at MCC are prime examples how to build community.

The recipients will be recognized and honored at the 2017 Sullivan Chamber & Economic Development Annual Luncheon and Awards Ceremony in the First Methodist Church Fellowship Hall.  Tickets are available for $20/person and may be purchased by calling the SCED office at 217-728-4223 or visiting the Chamber website www.sullivanchamber.com.

•January 3, 2018•

The Moultrie County Farm Bureau has announced that applications are available for the Charles B. Shuman Memorial Scholarship. The $500 scholarship will be awarded to a resident of Moultrie County who is a graduating high school senior or currently enrolled in a university or community college.

The successful applicant should be of good moral character and exhibit potential for successful completion of a course of study in agriculture or related fields. In addition to academic performance, extra curricular and community involvement will also be considered in the selection process.

Applications for the scholarship may be obtained from the Moultrie County Farm Bureau office at 1102 W. Jackson St. in Sullivan or by calling the office at 217-728-4214. The application deadline is March 23, 2018.

The Charles B. Shuman Memorial Scholarship was established in 2000 by the Moultrie County Farm Bureau to honor the achievements and life of a Moultrie County farmer and Farm Bureau leader.

Shuman served as president of the Moultrie County Farm Bureau from 1936-1945, and president of the Illinois Farm Bureau from 1945-1954. In 1954 he was elected as president of the two million member American Farm Bureau Federation and served in that capacity until his retirement in 1970. He passed away in October 1999 at the age of 92.

•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.