•June 21, 2017•
In his final budget hearing as superintendent of Sullivan schools Brad Tuttle reminded the board that the state’s budget problems continue to cause problems in education.
“In spite of the state still lagging on categorical payments plus $216,000 in tax collection delayed until next year, the district is in good shape overall,” Tuttle told the board as he recapped funds that are challenged with the lack of state funds. Read More
•June 21, 2017•
By Ariana Cherry
for the News Progress
Sullivan City Council discussed and agreed to waive the bidding requirements for the demolition of the old water tower off Jackson Street.
Other contractors were invited to bid, but there was no interest shown the city council learned at the June 12 meeting held at Elizabeth Titus Library.
Iseler Demolition, based out of Romeo, Mich. is scheduled to arrive the week of July 12 for the demolition. All the buildings and businesses in the surrounding area will be tarped to protect them from debris. Read More
Coles-Moultrie 911 is Complete
•June 21, 2017•
By Mike Brothers
Moultrie County Board offered a life insurance benefit to employees and approved the state’s attorney as the county’s ethics advisor at the June 15 meeting.
County board chair Dave McCabe recommended approval of Cincinnati Life Insurance Company to offer a payroll deductible guaranteed life insurance benefit up to $100,000. McCabe noted every employee would be contacted and would need to approve or opt out of the program. The board unanimously agreed to offer the life insurance program.
With the county board in non-compliance with state ethics changes, Chairman McCabe recommended the state’s attorney’s office be ethics advisor for the county. He explained a three person ethics committee would also need to be appointed along with an ethics ordinance update.
Road and bridge committee chair Kevin McReynolds recommended accepting the low bid of $136,098.10 from Microsurfacing Contractors LLC for a section of County Highway 13 in Marrowbone Township. The board approved unanimously. Read More
•June 14, 2017•
By Ellen Ferrera
for the News Progress
Indeed, researchers estimate this story to be at least 4,000 years old with its origins in the Greek myth of Cupid and Psyche. Written in 1740 by Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve, the original story had no Gaston or talking furniture - these are figments of Disney’s imagination.
In the 1700’s marriages were still arranged and this story was specifically intended to prepare young French girls for such a marriage.
Almost every country has a variant folktale of Beauty and the Beast, and it has been adapted for film (three times), stage, TV, opera and even a ballet.
That said, I can’t gush enough stars for this stellar production, its incredibly talented cast and especially the set and stage crew.
A narrator begins the prologue of how the Prince is turned into the Beast as the Prince, Beggar Woman and the Enchantress pantomime the action on stage. The curtain descends and rises again on a breathtaking French square as the villagers colorful costumes and carrying wonderful props bring the town to life. Belle (played by Samantha Matthews - she of the translucent skin and sterling voice) enters as does her father Maurice (Pat Swearington) and their loving and devoted relationship is revealed in the song “No Matter What”. Maurice has invented a clever wood shopping contraption for the science fair. Pat Swearington in both voice and mannerisms makes a most believable, devoted father. Read More
•June 14, 2017•
By Mike Brothers
A way to attract good employees and keep them in Moultrie County was the focus of recommendations made to the county board personnel committee June 6.
An ad hoc committee consisting of office holders County Supt. of Highways Jeff Birch, chair, with County Clerk Georgia England, Circuit Clerk Cindy Braden, Treasurer Marci Thompson and Supervisor of Assessments Lori Barringer was appointed by County Board Chairman Dave McCabe following an attempt to make county salaries more competitive last year.
Chairman Birch explained the ad hoc committee researched area county salary packages before coming up with recommendations on starting salaries and a longevity plan. Read More
•June 14, 2017•
Coles-Moultrie county enhanced 9-1-1 is completed and in operation, Director Bernie Buttram told members of the Moultrie County Health and Safety Committee June 7.
Buttram noted that although coordinating the various land line carriers was a challenge, the diligence of Deb Prather at INdigital Telecom along with address accuracy in Moultrie County from Kelly Lockhart and the staff at Coles County Regional Planning paid off.
“It has been a long time coming,” Buttram said of the months of delays. “Now everything is moving, and we are the first consolidated 9-1-1 completed in the state.”
In addition board member Kevin McReynolds reported that the new aerial photos of the county were completed and would be available to enhance the 9-1-1 mapping system. Read More
•June 14, 2017•
The Sullivan Police Department has partnered with Nixie to implement its Community Notification System to alert residents in real-time for localized emergency situations and relevant community advisories.
As a resident, there are several simple ways to register:
1. Text your ZIPCODE to 888777 from your mobile phone.
Once registered, residents will receive a confirmation text to their mobile device. Residents may also customize their alert settings by going to www.nixle.com and creating a User Profile. Read More
File photo
Zak Horn of Metro Communications in Sullivan on the job.
•June 7, 2017•
Sullivan business leader Zak Horn received the Business Ethics and Social Involvement (BESI) award from the East Central Illinois Development Corporation recently.
Horn, who founded Metro Communications of Sullivan in 2000, was recognized for enlightened business practices while displaying social leadership.
Over the past 17 years Metro Communications extended fiber optics in 32 central Illinois counties, constructing 2000 route miles of fiber since 2011.
With a staff of 50 central Illinois professionals Metro provides wholesale carrier, enterprise and consumer services in underserved rural communities. Read More
Photo by Mike Brothers
Fields-Wright Medical Center grew out of a need for medical services in Sullivan. Now St. Mary’s Hospital group has pulled its services and is hoping to sell the building.
•June 7, 2017•
By Ellen Ferrera
for the News Progress
Nearly 50 years after the citizens of Sullivan raised $125,000 for the Brown Shoe Co., they were again challenged to raise $500,000 for a medical center. Again, they embraced the challenge.
Eva Fields Wright Horn had a vision of a hospital for Sullivan so she left provisions and funds in her estate for the creation of a small community hospital. When she died in 1964 trustees were appointed to carry out her wishes. There was no activity until 1973 when the trustees organized a lay group to advise them in the planning. Read More
File photo
Historic steam threshing demonstrated.
•June 7, 2017•
The first Steam Threshing Show will held at the Amish Heritage Center west of Chesterville on Route 133, July 21-22.
The event featuring historic Amish farming practices includes: steam and gas threshing, field demonstrations, wagon and carriage rides, a food tent, demonstrations of various early farm equipment, gas powered ice cream making, and tours of the newly restored 1882 Daniel Schrock house.
The Daniel Schrock house was built in 1882. It has unusual two-story porches typical of Somerset County in Pennsylvania where Schrock immigrated from. Above, the Schrock house is shown arriving at the new Amish Heritage Site on September 20, 2016. The Schrock house is currently under restoration and will be open for tours at the Steam Threshing event on July 21-22. Read More