Photo by Ellen Ferrera
Forum for the 15th Legislative District candidates from left: Erika Weaver, Dr. Craig Morton, John W. Hurley, Jr., and Kevin Gaither.

•January 29, 2020•
By Ellen Ferrera
for The News Progress

The primary elections are just months away and the first Democratic candidate forum for the 15th Congressional District kicked off at the Charleston Carnegie Public Library January 26 at 2:30pm. The public meeting room was filled to capacity.
The Democratic candidates seeking the nomination are Kevin Gaither, John W. Hursey, Jr., Dr. Craig Morton and Erika Weaver.
Kevin Gaither grew up in Sullivan, IL where he was involved in his grandfather’s farm, was a journalist, played the pipe organ for church and was actively engaged in efforts to pass a school referendum.
He served in AmeriCorps in poverty-stricken neighborhoods in Indianapolis and was elected to serve on federally mandated healthcare advisory boards there. Moving back to the 15th District in 2013 Gaither returned to community involvement. In 2018 he ran for the Democratic nomination for the 15th District. His grassroots campaign won 62% of the vote through common sense messaging focused on the entire 15th District. Read More

•January 22, 2020•
Fields Tax Questions

By Mike Brothers

A county hiring freeze didn’t hinder the Moultrie County Board from giving $50,000 to the Sullivan Chamber and Economic Development at the January 16 meeting.
SCED Director Laurrie Minor explained the county’s $50,000 contribution goes exclusively toward tourism promotion of the county.
She reported this will be the third year attending the Recreation and RV Show in Rosemont and visitors return to tell about their experiences in the area.
Jon Summers Corp of Engineers at Lake Shelbyville participates with SCED at the Rosemont show and reported increases in campers this past season during a recent budget committee meeting.
County Board Chairman Dave McCabe recommended this third annual $50,000 contribution to SCED explaining the first year the county saw a 14.44 percent sales tax boost. In the second year sales tax income was down .06 percent.
Prior to the vote board member Neil Bryan asked Minor for more information concerning surrounding counties contributions to promote tourism. Read More

•January 22, 2020•
By Ariana Cherry
for The News Progress

Sullivan High School student, Blake Thompson presented his winning Voice of Democracy speech at the Sullivan Community Unit 300 Dist. board meeting. Thompson competed and won the district competition and will be presenting his speech at the state competition in Springfield in February.
SES teacher Jennifer Hobbs coordinated the event, and SHS English teacher Becky Lawson was his sponsoring teacher.
“His speech on what makes America great is a moving tribute to the American spirit,” commented Sullivan High School Principal Daniel Allen.
The board discussed the changes to the district’s Course Description Book for the 2020-2021 school year, which were approved.
The Sullivan Elementary School building is over 20 years old and the floor tile has been starting to show some wear and will need replaced. Read More

Photo furnished
Warrior sisters in fighting domestic violence. From left: Tammy Wilcox, Executive Director of Dove, retiring Sullivan coordinator Mary Hughes, and Teri Ducy Domestic Violence Director.

Mary Hughes Retires

•January 15, 2020•

By Ellen Ferrera
for The News Progress

As Dove, Inc. prepares to celebrate a 50th anniversary this year Mary Hughes will be ending her 20-year career as Coordinator of Dove Services in Sullivan.
A retirement reception for Hughes was held Tuesday at the United Methodist Church in Sullivan.
“It has been such an honor and privilege to work with Dove. They do advocacy above anything I have ever seen” Hughes said of her two decades of service. “There has been such love, support, trust and freedom to allow me to do my best work.”
Hughes grew up in Decatur. Her father was an electrician and worked on electric towers, but took the family every summer to visit most of the national parks.
Her mother loved military events and parades so she got to see the Rose Bowl parade and a ship christening. Read More

Photo by Mike Brothers
Moultrie County Animal Control Warden Sam Donaker (left) and Animal Control Ambassador Ruby retired at the first of the year. New Animal Control Warden Moultrie County Deputy Caleb Smith (right) presented Donaker with a certificate of appreciation for his dedicated service as Animal Control Warden. Facility director Betsy Miller (center) presented Ruby with her favorite “Pupperoni” treat for serving as Sam’s companion and animal control ambassador.

•January 8, 2020•
By Mighty Manfred
for The News Progress

There is a new warden in Moultrie County.
Animal Control Warden Sam Donaker and his trusty sidekick, Ruby retired from full time duties in Moultrie County January 1, 2020.
Deputy Caleb Smith is the new Animal Control Warden and Emergency Services and Disaster Agency director with offices at the Animal Control Shelter.
Sam and Ruby’s retirement was recognized last week with shelter pet facilitator Betsy Miller and Smith presenting the pair with a certificate of appreciation and Pupperoni Treats.
Sam passed on the treats, but Ruby did not.
Deputy Smith noted Donaker’s love of animals and Ruby’s instinct for matching good owners with pets had helped make Moultrie County Animal Control successful.
“Sam and Ruby have done a great job of taking care of the shelter,” Smith said, explaining he looks forward to their occasional visits.
While Donaker was warden Bekki Stevens started a Facebook page which was utilized along with local pet adoption groups to keep the population of dogs and cats at a minimum in Moultrie County.
With a capacity for up to ten dogs, there were only two awaiting adoption when Donaker and Ruby arrived.
Sam indicated he was happy to turn over the reigns to Deputy Smith, but explained that Ruby would require periodic visits to make sure things are going the way they should be. Read More