Local Farmers Contacted

•May 17, 2017•

By Mike Brothers

Solar farm interest in Moultrie County prompted the county planning and zoning committee to look into regulating the possible growth in this area.

Planning and zoning director Jan Haegen reported a single solar farm company had made about 400 contacts in 15 area counties.

Farm advisor Tyler Harvey noted that some 150 landowners had been contacted in Douglas and Moultrie counties and some of the contacts were about 40-60 acre parcels.

Director Haegen reported that, of those counties where contacts were made, none had active resolutions to regulate solar farming. He explained he was reviewing information concerning where the farms could be located, financial protection to cover possible removal of equipment and a number of issues relating to neighboring property owner concerns. Read More

Photo furnished
Agri-Fab Founders
Original founders of Agri-Fab left to right:  Milton Harshman, Stanley Van Hook, Kent Harris, Evan Dickens, Ron Harshman and Harold King.

•May 10, 2017•

By Ellen Ferrera
for the News Progress

In February of this year Ron Harshman received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Sullivan’s Chamber and Economic Development luncheon. He recently granted me an interview for this history of Agri-Fab.

The history of Agri-Fab is one based on faith - from the original faith-based Community Industries to the faith of the founders in the miracle industry they could create. Faith in the value of successful partnerships and, most importantly, faith in their employees to constantly rise to the challenges put before them in an ever-changing manufacturing industry. It is a story of doors closing and new windows of opportunity opening.

Agri-Fab’s first window of opportunity opened with the closing of Yard-Man in 1975. With 250 employees it was the largest employer in Sullivan and many families depended on Yard-Man and Brown Shoe both of which closed in 1975 - traumatic events for a small community like Sullivan. Read More

Photo furnished
Moses Yoder Workshop ready to move.

•May 3, 2017•

The historic 1860s workshop of Moses Yoder, one of the first three Amish settlers in the Arthur/Arcola area, will be moved to the new Illinois Amish Heritage Center located just west of Chesterville. The workshop is one of the earliest Amish buildings in the area.

Moses Yoder purchased his farm east of Arthur in 1865. Soon after, he built a two-story, timber-frame house and various farm buildings. His house was moved to the Amish Heritage Center last September along with the 1882 Daniel Schrock house.

The workshop was originally a multi-purpose building used for woodworking, blacksmithing, harness making and repair, and other activities needed to keep the farm operating. At the new Amish Heritage Center, it will become part of the newly restored Moses Yoder living history farm where Amish farming in the late 19th and early 20th centuries will be demonstrated.  Read More

Photo by Ellen Ferrera
Governor’s Volunteer Service Award Winner Genny Sutton.

•May 3, 2017•

By Ellen Ferrera
for The News Progress

On Thursday. April 27 at the Senior Center, 99 year old Genevieve “Genny” Sutton was surrounded by adoring family and legions of friends as she received the prestigious 2017 Governor’s Volunteer Service Award from Norma Piper. Sutton was one of six recipients in the Senior Awardees category and was selected from over 200 nominees statewide.

Piper, RSVP coordinator for Moultrie County, had nominated Sutton and traveled to Springfield to accept the award on Sutton’s behalf. While there, she was in the same elevator as one of the judges who told her, “When I read Genny’s biography, I knew she had to win.”

For more than 70 years Sutton has devoted 20-30 hours a month volunteering in Sullivan. Known for founding and coaching a women’s softball league as well as bowling leagues - they are the two activities she enjoyed the most. She was voted Bowler of the Year and elected to the Sullivan Women’s Bowling Association Hall of Fame and in her spare time also played in a kitchen band. Read More

Photo by Ellen Ferrera
Mason Point Choir seated from left: Norma Standerfer, Jackie Grace; back row: Leanna Stickles, Jean Dulik, Marc Hall, Weldon and Judy Brown, Eva Ethington and Evelyn Lane.

•April 26, 2017•

By Ellen Ferrera
for the News Progress

In their Easter bonnets with all the frills upon them, the nine-member Mason Point choir strolled through the audience in the Knights building singing “Easter Parade”, and for the next hour entertained with a program of oldies but goodies for the Mason Point Easter party April 21.

The 13 vocal selections included Over the Rainbow, Sunny Side of the Street, a duet of 16 Tons by Marc Hall and Weldon Brown, It Had to Be You, Side By Side and ending with Take Me Out to the Ballgame with the audience rooting for the Cardinals or Cubbies. Cookies, snacks and fruit punch were served.

Jean Dulik organized the choir and made all the Easter hats for the group. Other members are Eva Ethington, Norma Standerfer, Evelyn Lane, Judy and Weldon Brown, Marc Hall, Jackie Grace and Leanna Stickles. Read More