•February 3, 2016•

A status hearing determining whether Michael S. Yost is fit to be tried for the March 4, 2015 murder of Sheri Randall is set for 1:30 p.m. Monday, February 8 .

In December Chief Circuit Judge Dan Flannell agreed to allow Yost, 41, be evaluated by Champaign psychiatrist Dr. Lawrence Jeckel.

That report was completed, presented to Moultrie County Circuit Court January 20 and impounded from outside review.

Judge Flannell will make a determination on Yost’s fitness, based on the results of that report, during the February 8 hearing.

Yost appeared in court with public defender Brad Rau representing him on December 7. Rau argued that he felt medical issues surrounding Yost’s diabetes could have rendered him unfit for trial.

A previous motion to change the location of the trial based on an inability to find fair jurors in Moultrie County was denied by Judge Flannell.

Yost has remained in Moultrie County Jail on $1,000,000 bond following his arrest in March.

•January 27, 2016•

The Okaw Valley High School Prom committee is holding a Pizza Dinner fund raiser for the 2016 Okaw Valley Prom.

The public is invited to the Okaw Valley High School cafeteria from 5-8 p.m Thursday Feb. 4.

Pizza lovers will be offered the option of a meal which includes pizza, salad, and a dessert with drink. Pizza will also be sold by the slice for those in a hurry.

•January 27, 2016•

WAND TV’s 3 Degree Guarantee is getting better for the Moultrie County Food Pantry.

Kristy Dawson, Moultrie Food Pantry Director, reported that by Friday, January 22 the 3 Degree Guarantee had grown to $650. Presentation will be made during the WAND -TV 6 p.m. newscast on Wednesday, February 3 by the station and co-sponsor IBEW Local 146.

A Moultrie County challenge has also been issued to match the WAND 3 Degree Guarantee in an effort to double up on the effort to help those who need food in Moultrie County.

During the month of January when chief meteorologist JC Fultz gets the weather forecast correct within three degrees, the television station and IBEW Local 146 contribute $50 to the charity of the month.

Since the 3 Degree Guarantee began in June 2014 WAND TV and the IBEW Local 146 have given $16,000 to area charities. The best month in 2015 meant an $1100 charity donation.

•January 20, 2016•

Election time is nearing and political signs will soon be going up. Moultrie County Clerk Georgia England would like to remind candidates and/or their representatives that there are regulations set by the Illinois Department of Transportation and Municipalities regarding placement/removal of political signs. Following are a few guidelines for those with regulations:

• Illinois Department of Transportation: Typically will not bother signs placed on their right-of-way within a few weeks of an election as long as they are placed behind sidewalks, curbs or on the back side of ditches, generally near the right-of-way line where they are not causing any operational or safety concerns. The department asks that the responsible party remove the signs immediately after the election.

• City of Sullivan: Political signs are not to be placed until 45 days prior to an election and must be removed within three (3) days after the election. Signs for political rallies, fund-raisers, etc. may be placed two days prior to the event and must be removed the following day. Check with the city of Sullivan and other municipalities regarding zoning codes for any illuminated signs.

• Village of Arthur: Signs cannot be placed on village property (boulevard) – must be on private property.

England would like to remind candidates and/or their representatives that election law prohibits any sign, literature or campaigning within 100 feet of polling locations.

•January 20, 2016•

Sarah Bush Lincoln Lincolnland Home Care and Lincolnland Hospice will conduct a free blood pressure clinic 8:30-9 a.m. Thursday, February 18 at the Senior Center in Sullivan.  For more information, call Lincolnland Home Care at 1-800-879-3212.

Bingo from 9–10 a.m. will follow the blood pressure clinic.

If the schools are closed due to adverse weather, the senior center is also closed.