•September 23, 2015•

America’s Farmers Grow Communities will partner again with farmers to award more than $3.3 million to community nonprofits across the country. In Illinois, 97 organizations will receive donations in 2016.

Sponsored by the Monsanto Fund, the program’s purpose is to make a positive impact in rural communities by giving farmers a chance to direct $2,500 donations to eligible nonprofit organizations of their choice. Farmer enrollment for Grow Communities kicked off on Aug. 1 and runs through Nov. 30, 2015.

Since the program’s inception, farmers have directed donations to help fire departments purchase equipment and complete training, send FFA and 4-H groups to contests and conventions, provide food pantries with meals to serve those in need and boost agriculture curriculum in rural school districts. Other beneficiaries of the program have included health care organizations, youth and community centers, state parks and economic development programs, among many others. Read More

•September 23, 2015•

C.E.F.S. Economic Opportunity Corporation recently showcased their 50th year of accomplishments that demonstrated that community action helps people and changes lives. During the 2015 annual meeting some very special people and organizations were recognized as valuable community partners who enhanced the level of service to those in need. According to C.E.F.S. Chief Executive Officer Paul White, “Without community partners like Moultrie County Interagency it would have been difficult to attain and achieve the agency outcomes and successes.”

Moultrie County Interagency is comprised of members from several private, public and nonprofit agencies who have joined together to provide knowledge and assistance to the community, to spread awareness about area resources and to promote learning about the community and the needs of residents. Representatives from the member agencies meet monthly to review the previous month’s minutes and talk about any upcoming events. Each month there is also a speaker that provides information that interagency members may pass on to their clients. Moultrie County Interagency collects donations each year to be used by the C.E.F.S. Moultrie County Outreach Office to help people in need. These funds have been used to assist with hotel stays, prescriptions, car repairs, utility bills, rent and groceries. Every year the Moultrie County Interagency requests that a portion of the donated funds be spent on elderly or disabled people in need of assistance with their utility bills. Read More

•September 23, 2015•

Just in time for back to school, DigitalTown.com announced the launch of sullivanredskins.com, a new website for the Redskins community.

sullivanredskins.com features latest news and information for Redskins fans, including news, scores, schedules, community directory, photos, videos, livestreams, as well as archival content such as yearbook images. The site also features a team store with latest gear and apparel.

Registered members of the site receive a free sullivanredskins.com email address as well as a RedskinBucks account that allows members to send and receive funds commission free. A mobile application will also be released shortly. Read More

•September 23, 2015•

Retired St. Joseph-Ogden High School superintendent Jim Acklin  announced his candidacy for State Representative in the 102nd Illinois house district to replace Adam Brown. Brown recently announced his intentions to retire from the seat.

Acklin said; “I have considered running for some time, and I feel that this is my time to step forward and contribute in a meaningful way. Illinois is a tremendous state but needs strong leadership to help put it back on track. I grew up in Paris, which is a small town, like most of the 102nd district. I understand the challenges that our communities are facing as well as the challenges faced by our schools, small businesses and farmers.”  Read More

•September 23, 2015•

Watercolor artist Stan Squires of Springfield will return to Sullivan to conduct Sullivan Art Club’s third workshop of the season Saturday, September 26. The workshop will be held at the St. Columcille Church hall located on the east end of the church at the corners of W. Jackson and McClellan streets. There is a dedicated entrance to the hall adjacent to the parking lot.

Squires spent 29 years working as an illustrator in the advertising industry before retiring to paint full time. He has received several awards for his artwork, some of which may be viewed on his website www.brilliantwatercolors.com.

Squires will be instructing with watercolors. However, if preferred, participants may work in their medium of choice. Read More