Category Archives: News

The Titus Home is Coming Down

News Progress Posted on by

•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

County Moves Ahead with Corrections Software Upgrades

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•February 19, 2020•
By Mike Brothers

Moultrie County Board approved reserve funds to upgrade sheriff’s office corrections software at the Feb. 13 meeting.
Moultrie County Sheriff Chris Sims explained the Phoenix Corrections Management Software is an upgrade to the booking system which communicates with the statewide system.
County board chairman Dave McCabe recommended the sheriff negotiate a lump sum payment for the software upgrade rather than continue payments over five years to participate in the state booking system.
In the motion to transfer $70,000 from reserves McCabe said the lump sum payment negotiated by Sheriff Sims saved the county some $50,000 over the five years.
Sims also reported new state law requires Animal Control adoptions to include spay and neuter fees. Cost to adopt a pet is $20 plus those veterinary fees. Read More

Kiss The Pig Contest Livens Mason Point’s Valentine Party

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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

Ambulance Request Considered by Sullivan City Council

News Progress Posted on by

•February 19, 2020•
A request made of Sullivan City Council for help with ambulance service upgrades in 2019 will take a little longer for a decision following the regular meeting Feb. 10.
Mayor Richard Glazebrook pointed out Sullivan Fire and Ambulance District Chief Mike Piper had requested a $422,396 contribution from the city TIF funds in Dec. 2019.
Piper and Assistant Chief Larry Edwards explained that about $250,000 was for a new ambulance with the additional funds used to upgrade four units with loading assist equipment.
Glazebrook pointed out TIF funds were used to help purchase fire equipment in the past.
Although no motion was made Commissioners Abbey Sherwood and Peggy Hargis agreed to get together with the city treasurer to determine what the city could afford to contribute. Read More

Cardboard Box Challenge Night Comes to Library

News Progress Posted on by

•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

Twelfth Annual Valentine’s Day Senior Poetry Contest

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Photo furnished
Mid Illinois Senior Services Director, Kathy Shackles looks on as Joanna Hutton expresses thanks to her husband for Valentine’s Day

•February 12, 2020•
By Ariana Cherry
For The News Progress

On Friday, February 7, Mid-Illinois Senior Services held its twelfth annual Valentine’s Day Luncheon and Poetry Contest with the help of Sullivan Courtyard Estates.
In a sea of red with tables adorned with Valentine’s Day hearts and chocolate candy, the dining area bustled with seniors excited for another chance to share lunch with each other, socialize and read poetry.
Courtyard Estates kitchen crew prepared a delicious lunch of beef tips, mashed potatoes, green beans and rolls along with their very popular pies available in strawberry, chocolate and coconut.
After lunch, there was a drawing with door prizes. The prizes included gift cards to IGA and some of Courtyards Estates famous strawberry pies. Read More

Daddy Daughter Dance Benefits The Little Theatre

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Photo furnished
These tiny dancers from last year are getting ready for another Daddy Daughter Dance night.

Sweetheart Dance Theme

•February 12, 2020•

The Little Theatre on the Square will hold a Daddy Daughter Dance fundraiser in February.
The Daddy Daughter Dance is Saturday, February 22nd from 6:00-8:00 pm at Sullivan Elementary School.
“It’s such a fun evening for the girls,” said Theatre Board member and dance organizer Amanda Standerfer. “We encourage all dads and father-figures to bring the special girl in their life!”
Last year, over 200 people attended the dance, which was held at the Sullivan Elementary School. Read More

Jury Trial Underway for Alvan Booths in Moultrie County

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•February 5, 2020•

A Moultrie County jury trial started February 3, 2020 for Alvan Booths, 33, of Mattoon who was charged with attempted murder, home invasion and aggravated battery February 4, 2019.
Sullivan police responded to a shots fired call to 804 W. Hunter the night Feb. 4 where Otha Phillips had been shot in the neck.
Booths appeared with court appointed attorney Todd Reardon while Tammy Wagnor led prosecution along with State’s Attorney Tracy Weaver. Read More

Call 9-1-1 If You Can, Text if You Can’t

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•February 5, 2020•

The Coles Moultrie County Emergency Communications Center now has 9-1-1 text capabilities
The Charleston based CECOM 9-1-1 is now live with Text 911. This is something that the state has mandated.
The Text 911 has been tested and CECOM is up and running and can now receive Text for 911 emergency calls. Read More

Lake Shelbyville Fish Habitat Alliance Hosts Benefit for Fisheries

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•February 5, 2020•

Lake Shelbyville Fish Habitat Alliance will host their second annual Banquet at the Sullivan VFW on February 22, 2020 with 100% of the proceeds going to improve the fisheries and fish habitat in Lake Shelbyville!
The doors open at 4:00 p.m.. with dinner starting at 5:00. The banquet is being hosted by the Lake Shelbyville Fish Habitat Alliance, a group that is focused on improving the fisheries at Lake Shelbyville. Tickets will be available online http://tinyurl.com/lsfha2020, Chip’s Marine in Sullivan, IL and the Lake Shelbyville Visitors Center in Shelbyville, IL.
The tickets include your choice of chicken or steak, sides, and adult beverages while they last. Read More