Category Archives: News

Shelter on the Square Generates City Council Discussion

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Family Asks for Chicken Variance

•October 18, 2017•

By Ariana Cherry
for the News Progress

Discussion regarding the possible “shelter/pavilion” on 1 E. Jefferson continued at the last Sullivan City Council meeting.

The $6-8,000 donation for the proposed structure will finance a “bare bones” facility, leaving the city to pay for other additional details of the structure.

Some of the additional details of the structure include whether to anchor it or allow it to be moved.

Discussion among the council focused on the “appearance” of the structure and whether it would be a just a “pole-barn” or created with some type of timber to blend in to the existing structures on the square.  Read More

County Board OKs Planning Zoning/ESDA Reorganization

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•October 18, 2017•

By Mike Brothers

A reorganization plan for the ESDA/Planning office was approved by the Moultrie County Board October 12 with the new half time ESDA coordinator making twice the salary of other counties.

Before voting against the plan, board member Mike Barringer said his research including 15 counties surrounding Moultrie revealed the $30,657 annual half time salary is double what other counties pay.

Coles County ESDA is paid $12,000 annually and Shelby County $18,000.

“This is nothing personal, but I feel we should be looking after the taxpayers of Moultrie County,” Barringer explained.

Jan Haegen proposed the reorganization of ESDA/Planning and Zoning to allow him to serve as half-time ESDA coordinator.  Read More

Sullivan Purchases Land to Expand Economic Growth Opportunities 

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•October 18, 2017•

By Ariana Cherry
for the News Progress

The city of Sullivan purchased 17.325 acres of land south of town for $213,219 ($12,200/acre) in September. This purchase gives Sullivan a chance to expand its economic growth and prevents being landlocked.

For the past few years Sullivan’s economic growth has been stagnant as there has been a limited opportunity for growth. The 17.3 acres will allow for potential commercial or industrial sites that could add employment opportunities within the city thus bringing new families and individuals to town.

“The population has been stagnant because there hasn’t been any room for growth in the past” city administrator Dan Flannell began. “This is a small step to open the door to the south allowing for growth. If we grow, we will have more attractions which will bring more population and more business, etc.”   Read More

Sullivan Schools Receive Good Financial Rating

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•October 18, 2017•

Sullivan school board members learned that the district is in good financial condition, and student PARCC testing scores are continuing to improve.

Mose, Yockley, Brown and Kull, LLC conducted the District 300 audit as of June 30, 2017 reporting at the Oct. 10 meeting that the financial rating for the district was 3.9. Superintendant Ted Walk explained the rating meant the district is in high status level financially for schools. Read More

Long and Winding Road From Moultrie Co. to Graham Correctional Center in Hillsboro

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File photo
Chad J. Matheson

•October 11, 2017•

By Mike Brothers

Chad Matheson, 42, of Bethany was supposed to report to Moultrie County Sheriff Chris Sims for transport to Graham Correctional Center in Hillsboro September 25.

Matheson was given time to put his affairs in order before serving a three year sentence following his guilty plea for forgery in Moultrie County. Public defender Marvin Hanson represented Matheson who was ordered to make restitution of $40 to the Red Apple Restaurant and $20 to Hardee’s. State’s Attorney Jeremy Richey appeared for the state in court proceedings. Read More

LLC Dental Hygiene Clinic Offers Low-Cost Cleanings

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Photo by Ellen Ferrera
Director of Lake Land Dental Hygeine Clinic Deborah Kirts Thomason.

•October 11, 2017•

By Elen Ferrera
for the News Progress

Deborah Kirts Thomason began her dental training at Lakeland College in 1975 and she is now the Director of the Dental Hygiene Clinic which trains students to be dental technicians.

An important part of the program is providing low-cost dental cleanings to adults and children in the area. The youngest client has been a one-year-old but, at that age, the focus is on educating the parents on the importance of starting a dental hygiene program early in a child’s life and getting regular check-ups.

Anyone can contact the Clinic for a dental cleaning. The cost is $15 for adults and $10 for students. The first appointment will probably take about four hours in order to do a full oral exam, chart all the teeth, probe the gums and prepare a Treatment Plan. Having gone through the program I have to say that it is the most thorough dental cleaning I have ever had. The students are well-prepared and supervised. Read More

Sullivan Approves Land Purchase

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•October 11, 2017•

By Ariana Cherry
for the News Progress

Over the last few years Sullivan has issued bonds for various street improvement projects.

At a recent meeting the council decided not to issue bonds since there were no pressing projects.

The last time was when the city issued $100,000 in bonds for the square resurfacing project. Other bond issues were for as little as $50,000 at a 0.45% interest rate. Future street projects will raise revenue by borrowing from other departments such as the gas or electric.  Read More

Woodworking is Lifelong Hobby for Local Pharmacist

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Photo by Ellen Ferrera
Pharmacist/Woodworker Toby Jones of Sullivan displays cutting board, one of many masterpieces.

A lot of the wood is grown locally 

•October 11, 2017•

By Ellen Ferrera
for the News Progress

One expects to find rows of pills and medicines in a pharmacy, but what is not expected is a neat stack of beautiful wooden trivets and carving boards—all designed and hand-crafted by the proprietor Tony Jones.

Jones grew up in Princeton, Illinois and wanted a career in the health field so he entered the St. Louis College of Pharmacy where he met his wife.

In 1999 they purchased what is now the Sullivan Pharmacy.

Woodworking has been a lifelong hobby for Jones.  Read More

Lovington Village Board September Meeting

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•October 11, 2017•

The Lovington Village Board met in September with the water and sewer trustee seat still vacant. President Roger Walker reported he has yet to find a replacement for Jim McMahan who resigned during the August meeting.

Walker reported the property on E. S. Railroad Street owned by an investment firm from Champaign could be condemned for future removal. The village president also reported Gary Ozier had sent a letter regarding property the village owns on Williams Street but that was tabled for further review. Read More

Illinois AG Candidate Promotes Respect for Rule of Law

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Photo by Mike Brothers
Illinois Attorney General candidate Erika Harold and Roger Glazebrook of Sullivan attended the Moultrie County Republican petition signing party at TnT Pizzaria last week.

•October 4, 2017•

By Mike Brothers

Moultrie County Republicans held a petition signing party at TnT Pizzeria Sept. 25 and welcomed attorney general candidate Erika Harold.

“Lawmakers don’t have the same respect for the rule of law,” the 37-year-old Champaign native and Harvard school of law graduate began. “I have seen political interests chosen over workers, and lawmakers must be accountable.”

Harold explained her reasons for running emphasizing she would use the Illinois Attorney General’s office to fight political corruption and work for criminal justice reform.

Unchallenged in the March primary race Harold spoke to the importance of fund raising before the general election in November 2018. “Funding is key,” she noted, explaining that between July-Sept. they would raise enough money to air commercials in the Chicago area. Read More