•April 3, 2024•

The Dementia Friendly Network of America has officially designated Moultrie County as Dementia Friendly Moultrie County. The county has achieved this milestone following extensive planning and collaboration among local leaders and partners since early 2023.

In honor of this achievement, Dementia Friendly Moultrie County will host an Open House on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, starting at 2:30 p.m. The event is at the Elizabeth Titus Memorial Library at 2 W. Water St., Sullivan, IL. Read More

•March 27, 2024•

by E. Scott England

In last week’s News Progress, HB 5617 was discussed. This bill, introduced by House Representative Maurice West, II, says “that a school board shall prohibit a school from using a native name, logo, or mascot that names, refers to, represents, or is associated with Native Americans, including aspects of Native American cultures and specific Native American tribes.” It does go on to say that “a school may continue to use uniforms or other materials bearing a native name, logo, or mascot that were purchased on or before the effective date of the Act until September 1, 2027. Read More

•March 27, 2024•

By Sharon Barricklow

The Sullivan City Council made several personnel changes and appointments and received what was called a “roadmap to future development” at their regular council meeting Thursday night.

The council took action to appoint deputy treasurer Nakayla Swisher as Interim Treasurer following the resignation of treasurer Jill Bushue. Mayor Mike Mossman said Swisher, City Clerk Carrie Creek and he would all be available to sign checks for the city. The council also gave Street Department employee Ryan Nuding permission to enter into contracts and joint participation agreements between Sullivan and the State of Illinois. Commissioner Douglas Shook said the authorization would help with purchasing items through the state in addition to executing plans between agencies.  Read More

•March 20, 2024•

Sullivan CUSD #300 is finding itself embroiled in yet another attempt to have its team name and mascot changed. Mind you, the district has never been the one to initiate the talks. But if the 103rd General Assembly has its way, the Sullivan Redskins will have to become the Sullivan [insert new name here] by September 1, 2027.

HB 5617 was introduced on February 9, 2024 by Rep. Maurice A. West, II (D-Rockford). The bill says “that a school board shall prohibit a school from using a native name, logo, or mascot that names, refers to, represents, or is associated with Native Americans, including aspects of Native American cultures and specific Native American tribes.” It does go on to say that “a school may continue to use uniforms or other materials bearing a native name, logo, or mascot that were purchased on or before the effective data of the Act until September 1, 2027. Read More

•March 20, 2024•

Fees increasing for the 2024-2025 school year

by Ariana R Cherry

Superintendent Shannon Cheek presented the winning bid to repair the Lovington Grade School parking lot at the most recent school board meeting. The winning bid was from Dunn Construction with an amount of $437,801, which also includes a $35,000 allowance. Cheek informed the board that the bid came in about $5,000 less than what had originally been estimated. The work also includes the entire replacement of the sidewalks and curbs that lead up to the building. “It is really needed and long overdue. We hope that the work is done before school starts for the next school year. It has been a long time coming,” commented Cheek.

It was also announced that fees will be increasing for the 2024-2025 school year. According to Cheek’s research, prices have stayed pretty consistent since the 2014-2015 school year aside from lunch fees. While the prices will increase, they still will be lower than several of the surrounding school districts. Cheek stated that most fees will see about a $5-$10 increase. Read More