•December 19, 2018•

Editor’s note: This is the season to be filled with joy. On the pages of the Moultrie County News Progress this week are the reflections of that joy in letters the Sullivan, Okaw Valley, Lovington, Arthur and Windsor schools have allowed us to publish from their youngest students.
And we are thankful for the pleasure those young minds bring to the Christmas season.
On the outside lawn at the News Progress stands the box for Santa Letters that collects random requests for Santa from the community.
One particular letter to Santa tells of a plight that has left a lady living in her car because she cannot find a place to live here. Here is the letter:

Dear Santa,
It has been many years since I have written to You.
I request your help. I traveled far to make a home here and ran into so many bumps and from this I have deep bruises, they are in my heart.
I have a history of heavy medical issues that I got through along with several broken bones and tears, which I continue to work with daily.
I believed in a new start, and I found 11 places that I knew would be o.k. for me, due to my limitations, but got none of them. The landlords of Sullivan gave each to someone else. Did they need to know my private medical? I am in a daily struggle. Read More

•December 19, 2018•

The Sullivan Post Office retail window will be open from 9 a.m. to noon on Monday, Dec. 24.

•December 19, 2018•

By Jack Myers
Social Security Public Affairs Specialist

Social Security is here to help secure today and tomorrow by providing benefits and financial protection for millions of people. This assistance allows people with severe disabilities and health conditions to take care of the necessities of living, such as food, shelter, and medications. It is imperative that we continue to protect the integrity of the disability program for everyone by ensuring we make the correct decision on each claim. However, if you do not agree with our decision, you can ask us to take another look by filing an appeal.
Generally, there are four appeal levels: 1) Reconsideration, 2) Hearing, 3) Appeals Council Review, and 4) Federal Court Review. At the Reconsideration level, someone who did not make the first decision on your claim will conduct a review and accept any additional evidence. Please note, in some states, appeals may proceed directly to the next step – the hearing.
If you disagree with the reconsideration decision, you can file another appeal and your case will go to the hearing level.

Unsolicited donations often become the “Second Disaster”

•December 12, 2018•

The tornadoes that struck Christian County on December 1 have tugged at the heartstrings of many local communities and interest groups. While there is no doubt that the affected communities will have a long road to recovery, state and local officials have an urgent warning for those who are currently collecting donations for tornado survivors.
“Words cannot express our gratitude for the generosity of our friends and neighbors in this time of need,” said Taylorville mayor, Bruce Barry. “But at this time, please refrain from sending unsolicited items such as toys, clothes or other materials.  The time will come when these items are needed, but at this time our critical need is for monetary donations.” Read More

Senior Peace Meal

For additional information or for reservations, please call 1-800-543-1770

Monday, December 17 - Roasted turkey, mashed potatoes w/gravy, green bean casserole, dressing, peaches
Tuesday, December 18 - Chili beans, mixed lettuce salad w/dressing packet, crackers, waldorf salad
Wednesday, December 19 - Beef stroganoff over noodles, corn, broccoli, whole grain wheat, banana
Thursday, December 20 - Ham, frosted sweet potatoes, midair blend veggies, dinner roll, cranberry gelatin salad
Friday, December 21 - Liver and onions, scalloped potatoes, buttered peas, graham crackers, whole grain wheat, dreamsicle gelatin