•May 17, 2017•

Moultrie County Clerk Georgia England has announced that Lowe 1 Precinct’s polling location will change effective with the March 20, 2018 General Primary Election.

The Precinct is now located at the Arthur Public Library, but will relocate to the Arthur Fire Department located at 323 W. Columbia St., Arthur. Voters will be receiving a new Voter Registration Card in the mail showing the new polling location the week of May 29th .

With all the additional equipment needed to comply with State and Federal laws regarding ADA compliancy, Lowe Precinct was in need of more space. Being able to spread out more will also accommodate the number of individuals voting more efficiently.

England stated, “We are very fortunate in Moultrie County to have organizations, churches, libraries, firehouses, village halls, etc. that are so willing to do whatever is necessary to help in the democratic process of elections. It’s been a pleasure working with the Arthur Library for many, many years, and I look forward to working with the Arthur Fire Protection District.”

•May 10, 2017•

The Sullivan High School FFA is holding a Mother’s Day greenhouse sale this Saturday, May 13, from 9 a.m.-noon in the SHS ag department greenhouse.

Everything from hanging baskets to planted pots to six packs of the buyer’s favorite flora and fauna is available with the proceeds helping the local FFA chapter.

•May 10, 2017•

The Spring Pickers Market is coming to the Cross County Mall in Mattoon 10 a.m.-5 p.m. May 12 and 13.

“We have many amazing and unique pickers and makers as vendors that are coming to the Spring Pickers Market at the Cross County Mall in Mattoon.”, states Jackson Bishop, event organizer.

Everything from old furniture pieces, vintage and antiques, architectural salvage, and handmade home décor to boutique clothing, handmade jewelry, candles, spa-style bath treats,garden decor and accessories, and all sorts of gourmet foods will be included.

•May 10, 2017•

Free pet food for Moultrie County Animal Control may be a perk of the past the public health safety and welfare committee learned last week.

Rick Matthews, building and grounds supervisor over animal control, reported that providers of free pet food and treats at the Moultrie County Animal Shelter changed the rules for getting the annual estimated $3000 food donation.

Matthews said the free food service that started with Kal Kan, then transferred to Mars Petcare is a service of which the county is very appreciative. KalKan and Mars Petcare donated food free of charge to the Moultrie County Animal Shelter since it opened.

That donation amounted to from two to three pallets of food per year. The county was able to pick up the food directly from the Mars Petcare Mattoon facility. Read More

•May 3, 2017•

C.E.F.S. Economic Opportunity Corporation is celebrating 52 years of service in Clay, Effingham, Fayette, Shelby, Moultrie, Christian, and Montgomery counties. C.E.F.S. Economic Opportunity Corporation is celebrating Community Action Month in May.

That is dedicated to recognizing the success of the national Community Action Agency network that fights poverty across the United States. This month, C.E.F.S. Economic Opportunity Corporation engage in programs and events that showcase anti-poverty work in local communities.

“Community Action Month is a wonderful time to honor and celebrate the impact Community Action has in the lives of families and communities across the country,” stated Paul White, Chief Executive Officer. White further stated, “Agencies are successful every day in helping families achieve economic security. Given that the needs of each family and community are unique, Community Action is able to use a range of resources and programs to meet local needs in creative and impactful ways.”

White continued, “This past year, our agency has served nearly 16,000 people in the seven-county service area and empowered them to attain self-sufficiency. This year our Head Start 0-5 Program served 501 children and 488 families by providing a comprehensive educational development program to enhance children’s cognitive and social development. Our agency Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Program’s job training program served 206 adults with those adults after training entering employment at a rate of 90.24%. Our Meals on Wheels Program of C.E.F.S. served nearly 84,000 hot and nutritious congregate and home delivered meals to seniors over 60 years of age. Our Central Illinois Public Transportation Program provided a total of 127,466 trips to people in need of transportation in the service area. The Community Services Block Grant Program sponsored by C.E.F.S. provided post-secondary educational scholarship opportunities to income-eligible individuals and provides direct client assistance to help people transition from needing temporary assistance to having economic security and helping working families make ends meet. Our work changes lives and strengthens our entire community.”