Photo by Ellen Ferrera
Elves are back. Melinda Calhoun-Hurt and SCED Exec Director Laurrie Minor with the Elf on the Shelf.

•November 22, 2017•

By Ellen Ferrera
for the News Progress

From Nov. 10 through Dec. 10 the Sullivan Community Economic Development’s second Elf on the Shelf contest will be held in 22 member stores throughout Sullivan.

“We are just thrilled to have so many members participating this year — it more than doubles last year,” SCED Executive Director, Laurrie Minor, said

Each one has contributed a gift card, gift certificate or merchandise from their store to a huge gift basket that is valued at more than $500 for a lucky winner.

How do you win this gift basket?  Read More

•November 22, 2017•

Moultrie County joins the Illinois bicentennial celebration with an 11:45 a.m., Dec. 4 flag raising ceremony on the courthouse lawn.

This commemorating opening ceremony of the state’s 200th celebration of statehood begins with presentation of the colors by the Sullivan American Legion Post 68 Honor Guard. The Pledge of Allegiance and Star Spangled Banner will be given.

County board chairman Dave McCabe will read the proclamation of statehood at noon followed by the raising of the Bicentennial Flag of Illinois by the Honor Guard. The state song will be played during the flag raising. Pastor Don Lusk of Southern Baptist Church will close the ceremony with prayer followed by the playing of America the Beautiful. Read More

•November 15, 2017•

By Mike Brothers

The election of one school board member became a financial windfall for Sullivan school organizations at the Nov. 13 meeting.

Zak Horn, owner of MCC Network Services, LLC, was elected to the school board in 2016 and telecommunications services was provided Sullivan Unit District #300 by his company prior to that.

“The law is clear on this,” Horn told the board. “I can not touch the money.”

Taking the money from the district would be a conflict that could carry a felony charge.

Instead Horn came up with an innovative solution that benefits nonprofit school organizations such as; Sullivan Education Foundation, Sullivan FFA Chapter, Sullivan Singers Boosters and Sullivan Sports Boosters.

Supt. of Schools Ted Walk presented the board with an agreement to place the $20,000 MCC annual contract amount into a Sullivan First Mid-Illinois Bank and Trust Escrow Account held for the benefit of the designated organizations. The agreement was approved unanimously by board members Tyson Grooms, Steve Poland, Erik Stollard, Ann Wheeler, Norman Wood and president Jeff White with Horn abstaining. Read More

•November 15, 2017•

Moultrie County residents concerned about having a paintball facility witnessed the measure voted down by the county board Nov. 9.

In the absence of planning and zoning chair Todd Maxedon, Gary Smith presented the application by Johnny Chauncy Tandarich to rezone property from agriculture to commercial for a paintball recreational facility.

County planner Jan Haegen noted the P&Z board and county board committee had recommended the request be denied.

With the room filled with property neighbors the board voted unanimously to deny the rezoning request by Tandarich.

Personnel committee chairman Billy Voyles joined Tim Rose and Mike Barringer voting no on a $300 increase for courthouse employees that was recommended by his committee. Board chairman Dave McCabe, Ron White, Arlene Aschermann, Kevin McReynolds and Gary Smith voted to approve the increase to the previously approve $1000 per year figure. Read More

•November 8, 2017•

By A. E. Stevenson
for the News Progress

Moultrie County Democrats turned out in force at the Sullivan American Legion Post 68 Friday, November 3.

Event coordinator County Clerk Georgia England noted that more than 150 people enjoyed the spaghetti dinner in which a variety of local and area Democrat candidates participated.

Featured speaker Glenn Poshard was not among candidates but delivered a passionate case for the Democratic party’s commitment to pay as you go budgets, equal education, equal justice and reminded the audience how unions built the middle class and Great Society of the 1960s.

Dr. Poshard was the former U.S. Representative in the 19th district which included Moultrie County as well as past governor candidate and President of SIU. Read More