•March 23, 2016•

Moultrie County continues to beat the state unemployment rates for east central Illinois.

Labor bureau statistics show Moultrie County with a 5.8% unemployment rate increased from 4.6% a year ago.

Douglas County next door runs second at 6.4% in a tie with McLean County.

Sangamon County is up to 6.6% for third.

Coles County jumped to 7.5% in 2016 from 6.4% a year ago. DeWitt County was 7.6%, Clark County 7.8% along with Iroquois.

Edgar County jumped to 8.1% from 6.9% a year ago with Macon County having the highest area unemployment rate at 8.7% up from 7.8% last year.

Area employers advertised for 4,800 positions in January and approximately 83 percent sought full-time employment, according to Help Wanted OnLine data compiled by the Conference Board, which is a global, independent business membership and research association. Numerous job opportunities were available in Transportation, Health Care, Sales, and Office Support Occupations at the beginning of 2016.  Read More

Compiled by Bekki Ferguson-Stevens

25 Years Ago This Week

Two Millikin sophomores from Bethany are officers at the MU chapter of Alpha Tau Omega social fraternity. Corey Burrows was recently elected membership chair and Jeremie Smith was chosen to be social chair. Burrows, the son of Chris Burrows of Bethany, is a sophomore education major, while Smith, the son of Bill and Kathy Smith of Bethany, is a pre-physical therapy major. Both are 1989 graduates of Bethany High School.

Connie Cook of Sullivan was named Female Driver of the Year at the Third Annual Coles County Dragway Awards Banquet held in February in Tuscola. Also receiving awards during the banquet were Jim Minor of Lovington and former Sullivan resident Randy Protz of Springfield. The top 10 finishers in each class received awards for points accumulated during the 1990 season. Protz earned fourth place in the super pro while Minor finished ninth. Cook tallied a third place finish in the street class.

Millikin junior Reid Molzen of Lovington was recently awarded a letter for his performance on the Big Blue basketball team. Molten was recognized by coach Joe Ramsey for excellent defense.

The undefeated Lady Redskins, this year’s Class A state basketball champs, were recently ranked 18th in USA Today’s national girls’ basketball poll.  Read More

•March 23, 2016•

Live Auction March 28-April 1, Sale Preview Underway

Silver bars, gold coins, football cards and jewelry are among the 12,600 items worth $57,000 to be auctioned online March 28-April 1, Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs said today.

“We have more than one million items that we would like to return to their owners,” Frerichs said. “We consider auctions only after the items have been unclaimed for 10 years to make room for incoming items.”

Auction items include two 1927 St. Gaudens Double Eagle coins, a 10 troy oz. silver bar, vintage Trifari Crown Brooch, and football cards of Johnny Unitas, Bart Starr and YA Tittle.  Read More

•March 16, 2016•

Family Bingo Night comes to the Knight’s building at Mason Point in Sullivan 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 24.

Popcorn, drinks, gift cards and prizes for all ages will be given away.  Read More