Category Archives: News Briefs

Letter to the Editor 9-6-2017

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The Moultrie County Beacon is a Shining Light

“So shines a good deed in a weary world.” Quietly said by Willy Wonka towards the end of the original or Gene Wilder version of the film Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, these eight words exemplify a special part of my summer - the part that I spent working with the people of the Moultrie County Beacon.

In this weary world of ours, it is sometimes hard to find the joy, find the kindness, find the love, and find the shining good deeds.

But, much like many Sullivan citizens have recently been finding beautiful rocks as a part of the incredible Sullivan Rocks movement, I found all of those things and many more while working for the Beacon as a part of a class I was taking at Eastern Illinois University. Read More

Disasters Don’t Plan Ahead, But You Can

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•September 6, 2017•

September is National Preparedness Month and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) is joining with emergency management agencies throughout the state and across the U.S. to encourage people to spend a few moments during the month on disaster preparedness.

The campaign’s theme Disasters Don’t Plan Ahead. You Can. urges people to set aside time to discuss emergency plans with family members and develop a plan to stay safe when disaster strikes. The goal of this annual preparedness push is to increase personal and community disaster preparedness throughout the U.S. Read More

Scott State Bank Hosts Birthday Picnic 

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•September 6, 2017•

Nearly every seat was filled in the Crowder Park pavilion as hundreds gathered to celebrate Scott State Bank’s 130 years of service to the community. Long lines formed for the plates of pulled pork sandwiches with beans, cole slaw and potato chips washed down with ice cream. Many sat in lawn chairs listening to the band as others tried to guess the amount of money in a glass jar.

Sam and Barbara Scott dressed in company t-shirts were on hand with many employees to greet their many well-wishers. Scott State Bank is believed to be the only Centennial business in Moultrie County, having been owned and operated by one family for all these years. Generations of families have looked to Scott State Bank for their banking needs.

IEPA Provides Temporary Variance from Emission Standards

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•September 6, 2017•

The Illinois EPA has granted a provisional variance to members of the Illinois Petroleum Council (IPC) from requirements of Illinois emission standards and limitations as they relate to motor fuels. This includes variance of the gasoline volatility standards, gasoline delivery vessel sticker requirements and the Reid Vapor Pressure of gasoline in Illinois during the regulatory control period of May 1 through September 15. The variance will allow IPC members to operate within parameters of the Federal Fuel Waiver that was issued by U.S. EPA on August 31. Read More

Remember When? 9-6-2017

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25 Years Ago This Week

Bethany schools start classes following an agreement on a two year contract, including a 5.7% increase for teachers the first year plus additional teacher’s aides.

The teachers were docked for the six day strike. Members of the Bethany Education Association celebrated the return to class with a noon luncheon.

Bob Best pays tribute to a valiant effort by Steve and Ruth Rankin in BB’s. The Rankins started The Peoples Voice, a weekly newspaper, in Windsor at the dawn of the desktop publishing boon. They bought a Macintosh computer and printer and were on their way.  Read More

Shimkus Accepting Military Academy Nominations

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•September 6, 2017•

Congressman John Shimkus (R, Illinois-15) is now accepting applications from young men and women interested in attending one of the United States military academies. High school seniors, college students and anyone interested should apply now for 2018 admission.

“As the school year begins many high school seniors are thinking about their future. As a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, I am eager to provide information and assistance with nominations to the military academies,” said Shimkus.

To be eligible for a nomination, a candidate must be an American citizen, at least 17 years old and no more than 23 years old on July 1, 2018, not married, under no legal obligation to support a child, and a legal resident of the 15th District of Illinois. Read More

Okaw Valley Spotlights

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•September 6, 2017•

Photo furnished

Okaw Valley Middle School-Walker Wagner, son of Gary Wagner & Belinda Baker.

Future Goals- I want to pursue a career in law, preferably be a lawyer.

What makes OV special to you- I feel like we have a school where our teachers really care about us.  Read More

Lovington Public Library September Happenings

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•September 6, 2017•

Summer Reading Teen Volunteer Party

The Lovington Library will host a pizza and movie party for the teen Bookaneer volunteer crew 1-3 p.m. Friday, September 1. Anyone ages 12-19 who helped with summer reading or any other program are invited. RSVP by calling 217-873-4468.

Adult Coloring Club is 3:45-4:45 p.m. each Friday

Reading Redbirds for students in grades fourth-eighth who come together to hang out, have fun and get creative at the library is 3:45-4:45 p.m. Tuesday, September 5 and 19. High School Book Club will meet at the same times to decide what activities they would like to do this year.

Learn acrylic painting and produce your own work of art in a fun atmosphere at the Lovington Library with professional artist David Zoberis 6-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, September 12. The painting is titled “Kool Koi” and will be painted on a 9x9 canvas. All the art materials needed will be included. A registration fee of $22 is required to sign up and attend. Only 15-20 spots are available so participants need to register by Thursday, September 7. Read More

Shafer Bids Farewell to CF&H Insurance Customers

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Photo by Ellen Ferrera
CF&H Insurance says goodbye to Cindy Shafer as she presides over retirement party treats.

•September 6, 2017•

Rather than greeting customers on the last day of August, Cindy Shafer was greeting well-wishers at her retirement party at CF&H Insurance.

Shafer, a Sullivan High School graduate, worked for 14 years at Fields-Wright before transitioning to the insurance business. “I had to go back to school and take courses so I had to learn how to be a student again, and that was difficult”, she said.

The best part of her job for the past eight years has been working with great colleagues and having wonderful customers. “I’ll miss them the most”, she added.

Shafer is looking forward to traveling out west and to Florida. She also looks forward to spending more time with her family – son, grandson, brothers and sisters and 90-year-old father.

Local Students Receive Scholarships for Tops in 4-H Animal Science

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•September 6, 2017•

For more than 20 years, the Illinois 4-H Foundation has rewarded exceptional 4-H members in the livestock project area for their work inside and outside the show ring. The Superior Young Producer Award provides $1,000 scholarships to youth who excel in production, health, and industry information related to their species of interest.

Fifteen $1,000 scholarships were awarded recently to 4-H members competing in their respective contests during the Illinois State Fair junior livestock and horse shows.  Read More