Photo furnished
Pictured is the Lovington Coal Mining Co.

•February 21, 2018•

By Ellen Ferrera
for the News Progress

When the settlers began arriving to the vast prairies of central Illinois in the early 1800’s, they found a land of bountiful opportunity for their entrepreneurial spirits.

By 1850 Sullivan was an incorporated village and already bustling with such tradesmen as millers, bakers, lawyers, carriage makers, blacksmiths, a dentist and Joel Earp’s saloon among others.

Added to these were other businesses in Moultrie County with a coal mine in Lovington, a sorghum mill in Bruce and a bottle making plant in Sullivan.

There was a very rich vein of coal running lengthwise through Illinois, and a number of small mines sprang up in central Illinois. Chief among those in what was called the Lovington Triangle, was the Lovington Coal Mining Co. which started operation June 24, 1901.

After three attempts, a 902 feet shaft was completed and the 8’ 10” vein of fine quality coal was hoisted above ground. Coal mining was Moultrie County’s leading industry it ceased operation in 1924.   Read More

Photo by Ellen Ferrera
Bethany Village Board welcomes new police chief. (L-R) Jack Kiley, David Doty, Jonathan Book, Police Chief Chris Nichols, Greg McLain, Raven Russell and village president Bill Ashley (front).

•February 14, 2018•

By Ellen Ferrera
for the News Progress

Chris Nichols, Bethany police chief, told Bethany Village Board members about a program of getting rid of junk autos in the village.

The recently appointed chief suggested that a grant for a new squad car might be available from the state, but it will depend on funding from the federal government in the funding budget.

The estimated cost for a new car, fully equipped, is $39,000, and bids are being considered. The board then discussed the need for body cameras and spotlights, but no action was taken.

Board president Bill Ashley gaveled the meeting to order at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 8.  Read More

•February 7, 2018•

By Mike Brothers

A Moultrie County jury determined Nathan Ragsdale, 39, was not fit to stand trial for the 2016 felony charge of disarming a police officer.

“We, the jury, find the defendant Nathan Ragsdale unfit to stand trial and also that there is a substantial probability that the defendant, if provided with a course of treatment, will attain fitness within one year.”

At 4:48 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 30 after 45 minutes deliberation the jury returned the “unfit” verdict for the Sullivan man. Ragsdale was remanded to Moultrie County Jail awaiting transportation to MacFarland Mental Health Center in Springfield where he will receive treatment and evaluation for his eventual return.

Circuit Judge Hugh Finson presided over the trial in which the defendant asked a jury rather than court appointed experts to determine his fitness. Read More

•January 31, 2018•

By Ariana Cherry
for the News Progress

Macy Hollingsworth, president of the Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond High School National Honor Society, was the guest speaker at the recent school board meeting. She spoke about care packages that they were putting together to send out to those who have been victims of some of the recent hurricanes.

The ALAH students also reached out to other schools within the area encouraging them to join the relief effort.

Hollingsworth has asked other students to write encouraging letters that could be included in the packages to help lift the victims’ spirits during such a difficult time. The effort includes elementary students who might be interested in drawing pictures to put inside.  Read More

•January 31, 2018•

By Mike Brothers

Sullivan City Council learned of a way to be proactive in planning the future of the community at a recent city council meeting.

Sullivan Chamber and Economic Development Director Laurrie Minor explained the Management and Planning Programs Involving Nonmetropolitan Groups (MAPPING) starts with a community steering committee. Read More