•August 30, 2017•

Faith Lutheran Church in Sullivan will sponsor a benefit cookout 10 a.m.-2 p.m. September 9 and 16.

All proceeds will directly benefit Pastor Paul McGhghy to make their home handicap accessible and help cover medical expenses. Funds to assist for the benefits will come from Thrivent Financial.

Make check donations payable to Faith Lutheran Church. Also indicate McGhghy Benefit on the memo line. Donations may also be mailed to Faith Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 109, Sullivan, IL 61951.

For questions or more information contact the church office at 217-728-7711.

•August 23, 2017•

There have been some rumors circulating concerning bats at the Sullivan Civic Center.

According to Civic Center Director Sue Weaver, occasionally over the last year bats have made it into the pool area.

It was determined that the bats live outside of the building and are slipping inside. They are NOT living inside the roof.

Weaver assured the public that personnel at the Civic Center are constantly fixing holes and cracks where it may be a potential sight for the bats to enter.

•August 23, 2017•

In the Moultrie County Relay for Life story on the front page of the August 16, 2017 News Progress we incorrectly reported that Jamie Crosier had passed away.

In fact she is alive and received the outstanding volunteer award for giving dedication to the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life.

Rumours of your death have be greatly exaggerated and we apologize Jamie, congratulations.

Also it’s the UMC Holly Hoofers not the UMC Holy Hooters in the same story.

•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.