Photo by Ellen Ferrera Mid-Illinois Senior Services Executive Director Kathi Shackles is shown painting a rock.

•July 26, 2017•

By Ellen Ferrera
for the News Progress

Inspired by the July 13 News Progress story on Sullivan Rocks, the Mid-Illinois Senior Services will offer rock painting for seniors.

The classes will be officially offered starting in August, but anyone may come in now to paint rocks. The center has river rocks, paints, brushes, color pens, glitter, lace, ribbon and all manner of things for decorating – all you need to bring is your inspiration. No political or religious messages, please.

Executive Director, Kathi Shackles, said, “We were just taken with the story and wanted the senior citizens to participate,” she added. “I was so happy to find river rocks at Walmart. Otherwise, I was considering liberating some from someone’s rock pile.” Read More

•July 19, 2017•

By Ellen Ferrera
for the News Progress

“Are you going to Scarborough Fair? Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme.”

There is nothing in the summertime like a county fair with all the kids and their farm animals, baked goods, lovely quilts, yummy food, and fantastic garden vegetables all vying for a big, blue ribbon.

Sullivan was originally the home of the Moultrie County Fair. The first fair was organized in 1868, and the first fairground was southeast of Sullivan where fairs were held every year until 1872 when it was moved to elegant new grounds ½ mile northwest of Sullivan on Market Street. Read More

•July 12, 2017•

Farmers Offered Land Leases

By Mike Brothers

Solar farms may shine a different light on the prairie soon.

Over the past few months farmers in Moultrie, Douglas, Coles, and Edgar counties received packets from solar farm companies interested in locating on the prairie.

Illinois Farm Bureau held an information meeting at Lake Land College June 28 to give interested farmers some direction.

“We have only had two or three inquiries at our office since the packets were sent out,” Tyler Harvey, Moultrie Douglas advisor said.

There were some 75 area farmers attending the Illinois Farm Bureau sponsored session that included Jason Carr of Cypress Renewables, one company that sent the packets. Read More

•July 5, 2017•

By Ariana Cherry
for the News Progress

Sullivan City Council members debated the issue of health insurance again at their most recent meeting. The debate was whether the retired employees over 65 and their dependents should share the cost of their health insurance with the city. Insurance carrier Health Alliance has urged a decision with commissioners Jerry Risley and Mike Mossman pointing out the need for further information. Commissioner Mike Kirk felt that they shouldn’t wait another year. “It isn’t fair to the people or to the city,” Kirk noted.

The outcome of their decision would affect about 10-15 people currently on the city’s health insurance plan. Retired city employee Joe Thompson spoke on behalf of the retired city employees, asking that the city stick with the plan that they made several years ago. With the costs of health insurance reaching a million dollars for the city the question is whether they can continue on the “promise” that was made back in the 80’s.  Read More

Student fees announced

By Ariana Cherry
for the News Progress

Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond School Board approved an amended 2017-18 budget at the June 21 meeting.

Superintendent Kenny Schwengel reported the total of all the funds in the ALAH district was $3,279,199.97. This past month, there were $128,887 in bills, and the transportation fund had a deficit of $290,000. In order to bring the fund out of debt, the district borrowed $325,000 from the Education Fund. Presently, the state of Illinois owes $1,437,592.48 to the ALAH school district.

The board also discussed the new rates for the 2017-2018 school year. Students in grades one through eight will have a $35 book fee. High school students - $10 per book;  new English class, Best Sellers, will have a $10 fee. It is the only English class with a fee. Read More