•March 4, 2020•
Voters may prefer to cast their ballots early rather than risk health issues related to concerns over COVID-19.
“With the big “C” virus we want to encourage early voting,” Moultrie County Clerk Georgia England urged.
“Many people want to avoid large crowds or places where a lot of people pass through…the answer: Early Vote!” she emphasized. Read More

•February 26, 2020•
By Ariana Cherry
for the News Progress

Sullivan High School Principal Daniel Allen told the school board about a new program where high school students and the community are working together to support graduates who are being deployed.
The group is especially focused on members of the National Guard 130th infantry and 82nd airborne the principal emphasized.
Melissa Nichol’s art students created a powerful display honoring all of them. It is displayed on the office door.
Rebecca Lawson and her students are coordinating with community groups to gather items to be shipped overseas to support former students.
On January 25 at 8:00 am, a special meeting of the school board was held to discuss some of the current needs of the schools in District 300.
Elementary School Principal, Heather Ethell discussed enrollment, class sizes, staffing, literary curriculum, and building needs that included a preschool playground, flooring and restroom upgrades. Read More

•February 26, 2020•
By Mike Brothers

The Winifred Titus home is coming down.
The Sullivan City County unanimously authorized demolition of the Titus Home and carriage house at the Feb. 24 regular meeting.
Preparation was also made to allow interior items to be salvaged prior to demolition.
The council also approved entering into a TIF agreement with the Sullivan Fire and Ambulance District for a lump sum payment of $211.198.
In a special Sullivan City Council study session on strategic planning held Feb. 20 the reason’s to demolish the century old structure were discussed.
Mayor Richard Glazebrook introduced discussion on the Winifred Titus home, noting the recent $1.4 million estimate to renovate the home into commercial property might be money spent better elsewhere.
“I feel it should come down,” Mayor Glazebrook said of the century old home. “It is a burden and will continue to deteriorate. It would be a shame to watch it decay.” Read More

Photo by Ellen Ferrera
Ansley Titus brought forth the piglet wrapped in a blanket ready for a kiss from Mason Point Administrator Darin Wall.

•February 19, 2020•
By Ellen Ferrera
for The News Progress

Mason Point’s activity and medical staffs orchestrated a lovely Valentine’s Day program in the Knight’s Building on February 14.
Nearly 70 residents were seated at the red, pink and white tables while they were entertained by Cindy McClelland Rhodes of Cindy’s Kareoke.
Cindy has been performing her show for some 15 years for nursing homes and at American Legions. Her programs are mostly Country/Western and include such favorites as “Coal Miner’s Daughter”, “Coat of Many Colors”, “This Ole House”, and ‘’What a Friend We Have in Jesus”.
Her musical program brought several couples to the dance floor including Mason Point Administrator Darin Wall and his mom, Virginia.
“This is the best Valentine Day ever.” Long-time resident, Jackie Grace said. “We have had so much fun this week.”
The dining room staff featured decorated Valentine cookies, cups of strawberry mousse and sparkling punch. Each lady guest received a carnation.
Penny and Dan Moschenrose brought their Valentine Day gift – a little puppy named Baby Buttons all dressed up in a big red bow for the festivities. Read More

•February 19, 2020•
By Ariana Cherry
for the News Progress

Elizabeth Titus Memorial Library and Bright Start are hosting “Cardboard Box Challenge Night” on Thursday, Feb. 27 from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.
When we were children, many of us can relate to the many possibilities that a cardboard box had to offer.
For the “young at heart,” that open imagination of what can be done with a cardboard box lives on.
At Elizabeth Titus Memorial Library, a child’s imagination can to take them far during the box challenge February 27. Read More