•September 4, 2019•
By Jim Nowlan
Capital News Service

I am giving a talk to long-term state prison inmates, soon to be released, about how to navigate government and politics. This, on the premise they will need licenses to drive and ply some trades, and maybe even want to get involved in politics.
Background: Illinois is divided into 10,000 voting districts called precincts, each with roughly 500 voters. Political parties have long used precincts to organize and contest elections. Precinct committeemen are elected at primaries to advocate for their respective parties (called “captains” in Cook County, where they are appointed by party higher-ups).
When I was in politics half a century ago, political party organizations were important in navigating politics. Citizens would go to their committeemen to find out who to contact to resolve their problems with, say, the DMV or other state agencies. That no longer happens, with rare exceptions.
Patronage jobs in government, which committeemen and captains once coveted, are mostly gone. So, why seek the post? In addition, television ads and money have basically replaced party as campaign tools. As a result, candidates for offices such as state legislator now must build their own personal organizations of volunteers and committees to raise money for campaigns. Read More

•August 28, 2019•
By Ted Walk,
Supt. Sullivan CUSD #300

I wanted to take the opportunity this week to give an update on the number of students enrolled in Sullivan Schools.
Our enrollment has been trending upward over the past few years, and this year was no exception.
Last year, Sullivan Schools served 1,161 students in pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade.  Read More

•August 28, 2019•
The Scott State Bank board of directors recognized the following individuals for their continued outstanding service to the organization.
While their current duties will not change, the promotion reflects the boards confidence in their commitment to the organization.
Kelly Hamilton has been promoted to branch manager at Scott State Bank (Decatur). Hamilton joined Scott State Bank in 2009 and served as assistant branch manager prior to her promotion. Read More

•August 21, 2019•
Bi-partisan initiative to request the President of the United States designate final salute to greatest generation of service members
Well-known newspaper owner, journalist, and community leader John Galer is the new Illinois state chair for the State Funeral for World War II Veterans, the nonprofit announced today.
He leads the Prairie States’ bi-partisan efforts to request the President of the United States to designate this final salute to greatest generation of service members.
“It’s really a privilege to be part of this project,” said Galer. “My grandfather served in World War I and my father in World War II. Military service runs through several generations of my family. This is my way to honor them and all of those who served.”
Galer currently owns and publishes 10 community newspapers in central Illinois. A native of Hillsboro, he started in the newspaper business in 1972. Galer received the Illinois Press Association Distinguished Service Award in 2017. He also gives his time to numerous civic, foundation and charity organizations. Galer also is a member of Image Hillsboro, a nonprofit seeking to revitalize the town through a myriad of economic and community initiatives. Read More

•August 21, 2019•
Moultrie County, as Trustee, has completed their tax deed proceedings on real estate properties that were delinquent for 2015 and prior real estate taxes. The County, as Trustee, will now offer for sale the real estate obtained to the public. They will offer approximately four items through a sealed bid auction sale. All sealed bids must be in the Moultrie County treasurer’s office located in the Moultrie County Courthouse, 10 S. Main Street — Suite 10, Sullivan no later than the close of business on September 20, 2019. Read More