•August 23, 2017•

The recent sale of the 35,000 sq. ft. Shopko building in Sullivan to The Vineyard Church could eventually have consequences for the county’s taxes.

According to the Moultrie County treasurer’s office, the Shopko tax bill for Tax Year 2016 payable in 2017 was $59,808.18.

Supervisor of Assessments Lori Barringer explained the  Moultrie County Assessment Office assessed the former Shopko property in Tax Year 2016 with an assessed value of $604,270. That is 33-1/3% of the Fair Market Value.

After receiving several inquiries concerning the future of this facility, the office has completed a field review of the property in July of 2017, during which a reduction in the assessed value of the property was found to be warranted based on the building being vacant for the past four years and the overall deterioration of the building and parking lot.

According to the Illinois Property Tax Code, any religious, charitable organization, orphanage or school must complete an application, containing thorough documentation, with the assessment office on property that they purchase to be reviewed by Board of Review.

Once approved at the local level, the Illinois Department of Revenue has final determination if the actual use of the property qualifies for exempt status, (35 ILCS 200/15-40).

After the Vineyard Church determines the future use of the property, the Moultrie County Assessment office will assist their organization in completing this necessary application and submitting the proper paperwork needed to determine what the future assessment will be and whether the use further qualifies for exempt status.

•August 16, 2017•

The Lovington High School Alumni Association will honor six people at its banquet September 23.

The Hall of Fame Committee selected Aaron Fleming to receive the Hall of Fame Award, Ed Webb and the late Earl Funston for the Who’s Who Award, Bill Dickson and Chas McFarland for the Athletic Hall of Fame Award, and Ray Duncan for the Honorary Alumnus Award.

The theme for homecoming is “The Times, They Are A-Changin’.”

In a break from tradition, the banquet will start at 4 p.m. at the Sullivan American Legion. The awards presentations and business meeting will be first, followed by the meal and a dance/get together.

The homecoming festivities start Friday, Sept. 22 with the class of 1967’s luncheon celebration at the Lovington Church of God’s Family Center.

Lovington alumni are invited to participate in the ALAH homecoming parade in Arthur Friday afternoon and to attend the FFA pork chop dinner and the football game that evening.

For reservations to the banquet contact Leroy Fair. For more information contact Carol Smith or visit the Lovington High School, Lovington, IL Facebook page.

•August 16, 2017•

Grief Share, a weekly grief support group, begins Tuesday sessions from August 22-November 7.

Grief Share is a support group that provides help and encouragement after the death of a spouse, child, family member or friend.

Tuesday sessions from 6-8 p.m. are held at the First Christian Church, 1357 CR1200E in Sullivan.

There is a one time material fee, and scholarships are available for those who need. For more information contact Cheri Rich-217-728-7808; Betty Wilson-217-728-2291 or Deb Best 217-728-4289.

•August 9, 2017•

C.E.F.S. showcased their annual accomplishments in helping people and changing lives during the 52nd board of directors meeting held in Effingham August 3.

Jean Finley, board chairperson of the C.E.F.S. board of directors, stated, “The agency celebrated the achievement of customers, the tremendous work of the volunteers and board members, the hard work and dedication of the employees, and the community spirit of the community partners.” Further, chairperson Finley stated, “The agency recognized the 2017 family of distinction, the Miriam Ciro family of Effingham, which made a tremendous level of personal growth and achievement towards achieving economic security.” Chairperson Finley added, “Miriam Ciro’s successful participation in our agency programs exemplified our efforts in helping people and changing lives.”

C.E.F.S. Chief Executive Officer Kevin Bushur stated, “During the 2017 annual board meeting 20 individuals and families were recognized who had overcome personal obstacles in achieving self-sufficiency. In addition, the agency recognized 10 organizations, community partners, and businesses that provided an outstanding level of community service to our agency during the past year.” Bushur further stated, “The agency honored nine outstanding volunteers for providing excellent volunteerism, civic engagement and community service to the agency. Two individuals were also honored with a Paul D. White Lifetime Achievement Award for a lifetime of dedication to helping those in need.”

C.E.F.S. awarded $8,000 in educational scholarships to three individuals pursuing post-secondary education degrees. The educational scholarship funding was provided by the Community Services Block Grant Program from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

Busher presented the 2017 annual report that highlighted the agency accomplishments achieved during the past fiscal year. CEO Bushur indicated, “Our Community Action Agency has met the mission of the agency by effectively serving the needs of people in the service delivery area.”

“The agency fulfilled the promise of opportunity by educating individuals and families, by empowering people to help themselves and each other and by improving their lives,” Bushur said. “We believe that people should have the opportunity to achieve economic security, and our agency programs and services made a real difference in the lives of residents in our service area.”

He added that 16,612 people in 7,650 unduplicated families received agency services, with the assistance of 137 local community partners and with the help of 3,910 volunteers providing 105,934 volunteer hours, the agency was able to provide local coordinated efforts to benefit people in need.

C.E.F.S. Economic Opportunity Corporation is a comprehensive human service provider in  the service delivery area providing direct services, referrals and linkages to address the issues facing limited-income residents and providing local community solutions to meet those needs.

For more information about C.E.F.S. Economic Opportunity Corporation, visit the agency website at www.cefseoc.org or call the C.E.F.S. central office in Effingham at 217/342-2193 or contact your local county C.E.F.S. Outreach field office.

•August 9, 2017•

Okaw Farmers Cooperative is holding the 12th annual member and shareholders meeting Thursday, August 17 at Yoder’s Kitchen in Arthur.

Dinner will be served between 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. preceding the 7 p.m. business meeting. Tony Brown, president of the board of directors of Okaw Farmers Cooperative, Inc. will outline goals for the company’s future.

General manager Dave Kieffer will discuss operations of the company.