Category Archives: free news stories

Early Voting Made Easy

News Progress Posted on by

•August 31, 2016•

Moultrie County voters will have a chance to take care of registration and vote early before the November General Election, according to County Clerk Georgia England.

Due to the record turnout of voters in the March Primary Election and to possibly avoid long lines again in November, England is encouraging voters to take advantage of the opportunity to both register and vote during the Early Voting period from September 29 through November 7 and during the Grace Period Registration and Voting period from October 12 through election day. A person does not need an excuse to vote early.

“If a registered voter is unable to vote on election day and cannot make it to the office to early vote, they may vote by mail,” England said.Call the clerk’s office at 728-4389 for an application to vote  or go online at moultriecountyil.com and download an application to vote.

Secretary of State Mobile

News Progress Posted on by

•August 24, 2016•

Secretary of State Jesse White, in cooperation with Sullivan Library, is offering drivers a chance to renew their driver’s license or vehicle registration renewal sticker, obtain a duplicate or corrected license, or obtain an Illinois identification card. White’s mobile unit will be available at the Sullivan Library, located at 2 West Water in Sullivan, on 10 a.m.-2 p.m. September 22.

An applicant renewing a current Illinois driver’s license or identification card need only present a current valid driver’s license or identification card. If the applicant is applying for either a duplicate or corrected driver’s license or identification card, the applicant must present two forms of identification. To find out what documents are considered acceptable identification, call 217-782-7044 or visit the Illinois Secretary of States website at:

http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/publications/pdf_publications/dsd_x173.pdf.

Gift Card Credit Scam Hits Area

News Progress Posted on by

•August 24, 2016•

Sullivan chief of police John Love is warning residents of the latest credit card scam in the area.

“Over the past few days residents have reported receiving unsolicited credit cards,” Chief Love said, noting they want you to activate the card so the scammers can steal a person’s identity.

Residents have  been receiving Amazon credit cards in the mail. The unsolicited card offers that opening the account through Chase Bank, the cardholder will receive a free Amazon $50 gift card.

“The catch is, if you activate the card, the scammer takes your information and the gift card,” Love continued.

Chief Love called Chase Bank about the “gift” cards and explained the scam. He advised anyone who gets these cards and is nervous about their credit to call the Chase fraud division at 800-955-9060.

Ice Cream Social Honor

News Progress Posted on by

•August 24, 2016•

The citizens of Sullivan are having a police and sheriff’s department appreciation social at the Sullivan V.F.W.  Saturday, August 27.

Special events are planned during the 1-3 p.m. reception which will offer free ice cream, cake and cookies to those attending.

“We are lucky to have such a great group of law enforcement officers in this area, and we would like to show our appreciation for what they do every day,” event coordinator Rob Young explained.

For more information or to find out how to participate call 217/728-2383.

Mobile Mammography

News Progress Posted on by

•August 17, 2016•

Sarah Bush Lincoln’s Mobile Mammography Services will be at the SBL Sullivan Clinic August 23.

The Mobile Mammography van helps provide mammograms to women who may not otherwise have access to, or be able to afford these life-saving preventive screens. Women who qualify will receive their mammogram free.

The mobile mammography van is available to all women regardless of their financial status. Women with insurance that covers their yearly mammogram are also welcome.

To make an appointment for a mammogram on the mobile van, call 1-800-639-5929.

Retired Educator is on School Board

News Progress Posted on by

•August 17, 2016•

Ann Wheeler’s decision to apply for a place on the Sullivan Community Unit District 300 school board was based on her desire to serve the community, but it took a nudge from an unexpected place to motivate her.

Wheeler, retired after 34 years teaching English in Arthur schools, was educated in Sullivan and has  children and grandchildren involved in Sullivan district schools.

About a month ago while attending church, lay speaker Mike Craig spoke of getting involved by doing something.

“I had thought about the open spot on the board, but that gave me the nudge to apply,” she explained.

“I know how important schools are to small communities, and I realize there are challenges, especially when it comes to depending on state funding,” Wheeler said, emphasizing she is open for the new adventure.

Wheeler takes the seat vacated by Scott Atchison. The school board’s appointment is until the April 2017 election.

She takes her seat at the September 12 Sullivan School board meeting.

Moodys’ Flight Story at MCH&GS

News Progress Posted on by

•August 17, 2016•

The Moultrie County Historical and Genealogical Society will hold their monthly general meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday, August 18 in the Heritage Center in Sullivan.

The evening program will be on the Moody brothers of Dalton City and how they set the world record for endurance flying by being in the air for 343 hours and six minutes in 1939.

The story of Humphrey and Hunter Moody will be told by Bob Waddell of Illiopolis who was a friend of the of the young aviators and witnessed part of the flight. A social hour will follow the program with refreshments being served.

Cancer Sucks Party at VFW

News Progress Posted on by

•August 10, 2016•

Cancer Sucks benefit for Steve “Ike” Hower is Saturday, September 10 at Sullivan V.F.W. Post 6410.

The Brothers Odd will perform 8 p.m. until midnight, providing favorite country styled music with a heavy dose of pedal slide guitar along with a string driven sound.

The evening starts with a fried chicken dinner with all the trimmings catered by the VFW from 5-7.

Activities include a silent auction, live auction, gun raffle and 50/50.

Hower is the father of Nolan Hower and Paula Moody and has been battling cancer for two years. Diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma, he has undergone four surgeries and recent dialysis.

The proceeds with go to assist financially until he wins this battle.

Raffle and auction donations are being accepted. For more information call 217/520-9656 or 972-8112. Donations may be made at Sullivan First National Bank.

Red Cross Blood Drive

News Progress Posted on by

•August 10, 2016•

The Sullivan Church of God and the American Red Cross are sponsoring a blood drive at the Sullivan Church of God 8 am.-2 p.m. September 10.  Blood donors are encouraged to call drive coordinator, Jeri Davis, at 217-273-9456 to schedule an appointment. Donors may also go to redcrossblood.org to schedule an appointment.

This is a critical time for blood donations. Blood supplies can be at critical low levels due to summer traveling and vacations.

Walk ins are welcome and appreciated; however, having an appointment decreases donor wait time and ensures adequate Red Cross staffing. Child care for donors will be provided at the event.

Okaw Coop Annual Meeting

News Progress Posted on by

•August 10, 2016•

The 11th annual meeting of members and shareholders of the Okaw Farmers Cooperative, Inc. will be held Thursday Aguust 25 at Yoder’s Kitchen Restaurant in Arthur.

Dinner is served from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. preceding the business meeting, which begins at 7 p.m.

Tony Brown, President of the Board of Directors, will outline goals for the company’s future.

General Manager Dave Kieffer will discuss company operations.