Category Archives: News Briefs

Letter to the Editor 9-2-2020

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Dear Editor,

I am amazed at the numerous falsehoods told by the media and politicians about the U S Postal Service and the upcoming election. As a retired postal employee, I have no doubt postal employees across the country will be able to handle the surge of election mail.
Some in the media may not know what they are saying is wrong; others are simply not telling you the truth. Most politicians know the facts, but choose to act like your taxes are paying the salary of all postal employees. This simply is not true! Read More

Moultrie County Confirms First Death and Second Outbreak

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Multiple COVID-19 Cases Confirmed

•September 2, 2020•
It is with heavy hearts that the Moultrie County Health Department (MCHD) recognizes the first confirmed COVID-19 death of a Moultrie County male resident in his 70s.
“We would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends as they mourn the loss of their loved one,” said Angela Hogan, RN, MSPH, Moultrie County Health Department Administrator. “During this time of grief in respect to the family’s privacy, we are not releasing any additional information.” Read More

Elizabeth Titus Memorial Library News

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•September 2, 2020•
Is your child ready for Kindergarten?

This early childhood group is for getting ready to enter Kindergarten. We will give you the materials you need in order to prepare them.
Meetings are two times a month on Friday at 10:00 a.m. starting September 18.
Every student will receive a back pack and folder.
It’s a great opportunity to socialize with peers and learn how a classroom setting will work.
This class is completely free. When we meet it will be ran like a preschool class with a circle time, craft, and lesson.
Come in or call the library at 728-7221 to register. Class size is limited.

Home school program Read More

Jesse White Announces One-Year Extension

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•September 2, 2020• 
Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White announced that the expiration date for valid driver’s licenses held by Illinois drivers who are 75 years of age or older has been extended for a period of one year past the licenses’ current 2020 expiration date. As a result, drivers age 75 and older with a 2020 driver’s license expiration date do not need to visit a facility to renew their driver’s license until shortly before their birthday in 2021.
“I am mindful of the heightened risks associated with seniors contracting COVID-19, and that is why I have authorized this important change during this challenging and unique time,” said White. Read More

Sen. Rose Named Champion of Free Enterprise

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•August 26, 2020•
Illinois State Senator Chapin Rose (R-Mahomet) has been named a Champion of Free Enterprise, an award given by the Illinois Chamber of Commerce to legislators who have made special contributions to the defense of free enterprise, and the furtherance of economic opportunities for Illinoisans.
“We can’t expect our state to be successful if we don’t support our businesses and improve our jobs climate,” said Rose. “Thank you to the Chamber for this honor, and I look forward to continue working to help our businesses succeed.” Read More

Letter to the Editor 8-26-2020

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Dear Editor,

I just bought a Saturday August 15 Herald and Review newspaper and read where Moultrie County is now placed on Virus Warning List.
I am very concerned with the lack of public precautions that I observed just last week when my family bought a pizza to enjoy eating at Sullivan Wyman Park. I was so shocked and very concerned when I observed 8 young people and 1 park squirrel drink from a drinking fountain that is still turned on at the park! Read More

A Walk with Mr. Walk: Superindent-y Stuff

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•August 26, 2020•
By Ted Walk,
Sullivan CUSD #300

The first week of school is always filled with excitement and nervousness. There are so many questions from students, parents, and staff. How will my kindergarten student do on the first day? Will my middle school student be able to open the locker? Can my high school student navigate the halls? Which friends will be in my classes? Do I know which bus I am supposed to get on? What’s for lunch? These are the questions every year, but the number of new questions for the 2020-2021 school year increased ten-fold. There are always some items that need work after the first week. Pick-up and drop-off procedures may need to be modified. Read More

Remember When? 8-26-2020

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25 Years Ago This Week

A Bethany man remained in critical condition after his farm tractor was struck by a locomotive. James, A. Sharp, 63, of rural Bethany was being treated in the intensive care unit of St. Mary’s Hospital. According to a report from Chris Sims of the Moultrie County Sheriff’s Department, Sharp’s tractor was traveling north on county road 2.25 E south of US Route 121 towards an Illinois Central Gulf railroad crossing while ICG train #8032 was approaching the crossing at 35 mph. The train engineer blowing his whistle, saw the tractor approaching the crossing and realizing the tractor wasn’t going to stop, activated the train’s emergency stop. The train struck the rear of the tractor, separating it from the farm implement it was pulling. Sharp was thrown from the cab of his Allis Chalmers 7060 tractor.
Eleven month old Shelby Page DeOrnellas, daughter of Tony and Laura DeOrnellas, took first place in the Pretty Baby Contest held in conjunction with the Pony Express Days in Mt. Zion. She was entered in the 7 to 12 month old category with 23 other contestants. A total of 152 babies were entered in the contest sponsored by the Mt. Zion Junior Women’s Club. As a first place winner she took home a trophy, ribbon and a gift certificate from Miller Photography in Mt. Zion. Read More

Sparrows Hold Collection Drive Saturday

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•August 19, 2020•
Lovington American Legion Auxiliary and Sparrows Unlimited members will be doing a collection drive for the kids of Lovington Grade School on Saturday, August 22 from 9:30 to 11:30 am in the middle of town, Lovington. They will be collecting school supplies, masks, hand sanitizer, Clorox type wipes, paper towels, baby wipes, spray bottles for cleaning, beach towels for outdoor learning, picnic tables, paper plates, plastic cups and plastic silverware. Cash donations are appreciated as well.