•January 1, 2020•
An area pilot has now given more than 1,500 young people a free demonstration airplane ride as part of the EAA “Young Eagles” program, which is introducing a new generation to the world of flight. Read More
•January 1, 2020•
An area pilot has now given more than 1,500 young people a free demonstration airplane ride as part of the EAA “Young Eagles” program, which is introducing a new generation to the world of flight. Read More
•January 1, 2020•
In the December 18 News Progress front page story on Genny Sutton’s 102 birthday honor some names were unintentionally omitted. They included Jacob Moritz, great grandson; Jonathan Inman, grandson and Mary Lou Kidwell, sister.

Photos by Señora King
SHS Spanish Club members collected food and delivered Nov. 22.
•January 1, 2020•
By Seth Mayberry
for The News Progress
Twice over the past two months, the Spanish Club has collected food to be given to five different families in the surrounding Sullivan area.
Each member of the club was assigned a group and everyone signed up for one or more food items to be gathered and delivered on November 22 and again on December 12.
The seniors who are apart of Spanish Club went along with Amy Eller and Jodi Elzy to assist in delivering the food boxes to the families. Mrs. Eller and Mrs. Elzy work at Bright Start which is an organization that helps out families that are less fortunate.
A couple of those seniors who helped distribute the boxes had the following to say about their experiences: Read More
•December 25, 2019•
By Ariana Cherry
for The News Progress
The cash balance for the Sullivan School District stated at the most recent board meeting was $335,169.88. The balance of the Education fund was $4,637,824.83 and transportation funds sat at $1,431,386.20. Bills totaling $155,675.75 along with the treasurer’s report was authorized.
Last month, the board also authorized Superintendent Ted Walk to prepare the 2020-2021 annual budget.
Supt. Walk presented the tentative tax levy mentioning that there would be a slight decrease in the IMRF, Social Security and Tort funds. The tentative tax levy for 2019 payable in 2020 is $4,780,928. The estimated 2019 tax rate payable in 2020 is 4.1213% which was an estimated decrease of 0.0389%. Read More
•December 25, 2019•
By Mike Brothers
With the quadrennial assessments published and county tax notices in the mail Supervisor of Assessments Lori Barringer pointed out Moultrie County Board members may be questioned about property tax bills.
Barringer explained that the Assessments office staff had logged some 237 hours transferring hand completed Real Estate Transfer Declarations into an electronic format. She emphasized transferring documents into electronic data would improve accuracy as well as save office time in the future.
The Supervisor of Assessments reported the Equalized Assessed Valuation of property in the county is $282,990,701 before the Board of Review accepts challenges. This is a seven percent increase over last year. Read More
•December 18, 2019•
By Mike Brothers
Sullivan City Council put the cannabis sales decision on hold and extended the liquor license moratorium for six months.
Rather than opt out of potential cannabis revenue as the county has Mayor Richard Glazebrook suggested a six month moratorium on the decision. He explained there was little likelihood of a dispensary locating in the city and waiting could clear up questions about the new law.
Commissioners Peggy Hargis, Chuck Woodworth, Abbey Sherwood, Mike Fowler and Glazebrook voted for the six month vote moratorium on cannabis policy.
A moratorium on new liquor licenses was approved unanimously for an additional six months. The moratorium does not affect existing licenses or renewals.
The annual levy and assessment of taxes was adopted unanimously by the city council. In the presentation Treasurer Sarah Golden explained the tax levy was one percent over the previous year. Read More
•December 11, 2019•
When the Lovington village board met Nov. 12 learning Lovington Grade School’s student council had plans for a Christmas competition at Tom Conn Park.
Trustee Pam Anklam explained the student council was starting again at LGS and the 10 students involved would like to place 10 Christmas trees in the park.
Anklam reported the students would be decorating the trees with recycled materials and have the community to vote on them.
The request for lighting the 10 trees was an issued, since there was no available electricity. Read More
•December 11, 2019•
Animal Control and Emergency Services and Disaster Agency consolidated in Moultrie County and Sheriff Chris Sims reported progress to two county board committees last week.
Sims and Deputy Caleb Smith, who is designated Animal Control and ESDA coordinator, replaces animal control officer Sam Donaker, who retires at the end of the year and ESDA coordinator Jan Haegen who retired in December. Read More

Photo by Mike Brothers
State Fire Marshall Matt Perez (left) announced the Fire Truck Revolving Loan program helped Sullivan Fire Protection Dist. purchase a new 3000 gallon tanker. Pictured with Perez are Sullivan Fire Dist. Chief Mike Piper, Assistant Chief Larry Edwards and Larry Peasley Maroa Fire Chief.
•December 11, 2019•
By Mike Brothers
Sullivan Fire Protection District can deliver 3000 gallons of water and dispense it in three minutes thanks to the Fire Truck Revolving Loan Program.
The new $278,335 3000 gallon tanker was on display at the Sullivan Fire department Dec. 3 when Illinois State Fire Marshal Matt Perez announced Sullivan was one of 23 communities benefiting from 0% interest loan program.
“The Sullivan Fire Protection District was approved for a 0% loan through OSFM for a new 3000-gallon tanker, a much needed new piece of equipment,” Sullivan Fire Chief Mike Piper began. “Through the program, our station has been able to purchase a new Ladder Truck and have an ambulance box remounted on a new chassis,” he continued.
“Without the Revolving Loan Program, we may not have been able to make the purchases necessary to continue serving local residents.” Read More
•December 4, 2019•
By Ellen Ferrera
for the News Progress
Sullivan Chamber and Economic Development has developed a new cooperative program between local businesses and high school students proficient in social media.
This was prompted by Spark’s Retail and Dining group recently identification of a need in the business community to further connect with social media.
“A lot of our local businesses are having problems keeping up with social media and maintaining their web sites,” SCED Executive Director, Laurrie Minor, explained. Read More