Category Archives: News

Investing for a State that has No Money

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Photo by Mike Brothers
State Treasurer Michael Frerich visited a Sullivan Chamber round table at Cathrine’s 5 West Feb 3. John Hindman of Mattoon (right) was among interested citizens attending.

•February 8, 2017•

State treasurer Michael Frerichs gave visitors to the Sullivan Chamber of Commerce round table a chance to find out how he does his job in a state with no money.

“As the chief investment officer for a state without money, we were able to generate $68 million in interest for Illinois last year,” Frerichs explained to community leaders gathered at Cathrine’s 5 East Feb. 3.

He explained that if the state had a balanced budget, that would have grown another $30 million.

“We try to help provide tools for families to help invest,” he continued, noting programs such as the College Savings has grown to include 440,000 participants.

“A new investment program involving 14 states now allows people to save on behalf of persons with disabilities or blindness without jeopardizing federal disability benefits,” Frerich said.

He reported that the National Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Alliance allows for tax free investments when funds are used for the person with disabilities utilizing a pool involving 14 states. Read More

Court Absence Brings Jail Sentence for Farm Manager

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•February 8, 2017•

By Mike Brothers

Lyle Roger Harrison’s repeated absence from sentence hearings got him jail time; although his August 2016 felony theft conviction yielded 36 months’ probation.

Judge Richard Broch, who had presided over the case since December 2013, issued a warrant for Harrison’s immediate arrest placing bond at $500,000 bond for failure to appear.

Harrison, 43, having recently relocated to Manitowoc, Wisc., will return to Moultrie County jail to serve 50 days of a 180 day sentence on the failure to appear charge.

The sentencing hearing was conducted without Harrison’s presence.

In August a Moultrie County jury convicted Harrison of theft when he deprived farm operator Donald Cochran of $9,488.67 and the Willoughby Trust of $5,829.87 when he sold grain from land he did not own. Read More

Origin of Sullivan’s Name Traced to Revolutionary War

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•February 1, 2017•

By Ellen Ferrera
for the News Progress

My friend and News Progress colleague Joe Pound has every so kindly advised me that my source of the city website for the origins of the name “Sullivan” was incorrect.

Indeed, further research shows that in documents from the Sullivan County Commissioners in 1845, they met and agreed on a site for the new town and selected the name “Sullivan” after General John Sullivan of Revolutionary War fame.

So, let me now praise famous men. John Sullivan was born Feb. 17, 1740 in New Hampshire and was a continental general in the Revolutionary War, a delegate to the Continental Congress, Governor of New Hampshire and a U.S. federal judge. He studied and practiced law often to the annoyance of his neighbors for his numerous frivolous suits and foreclosures. Read More

Sullivan Council Accepts Bid for Sanitary Project

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•February 1, 2017•

By Ariana Cherry,
for the News Progress

The Sullivan City Council accepted a bid of $830,777 from Followell Construction Company of Marion, Ill. for the sanitary project.

Discussions for this project began about seven years ago after the city had applied for grants for funding which were declined. They applied for a city grant and was approved for funding of $450,000 to help pay for the project.

The council also approved research to install a new water tower. Lee Beckman of Milano and Grunloh suggested that in order to find the best place for the tower, the city needs to perform a hydraulic analysis of the existing water system which will cost $20,000. Council members approved the hydraulic analysis.

Other news that was discussed or acted upon: Read More

The Little Museum Time Has Forgotten at Mason Point

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Photos by Ellen Ferrera
Through the doors of the Ward Museum at Mason Point are treasures from a lifetime of collecting frozen in time.

•February 1, 2017•

By Ellen Ferrera
for the News Progress

Up the steps of the main Mason Point building, through the front door and about 100 yards ahead you will arrive at the entrance to the magical world of the Abraham L. and Cora Ward Museum - frozen in time since it opened in 1948. Inside are some 25,000 items, many valuable and rare with mysterious origins as intriguing as the story of the museum itself.

When ill health forced Mr. Ward into retirement in his early forties, he and Cora set out on train trips all over North America, Mexico, Canada and Cuba.

It was their custom to purchase a train ticket as far as they could travel to a good sized city by daylight. They would spend the night in a hotel and the following day engage in their passion of collecting anything and everything of interest.

His passion was sea shells and hers was glass tumblers and goblets, but their interests were wide-ranging. When they tired of one city, they would buy another ticket as far as daylight would take them. Read More

Bethany Church Families Come Together in Worship

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Photo furnished
Community Worship in Bethany January 22 included Kay Atkinson, Pastor Tracy Siegman, Pastor Steve Guarneros, Pastor Ted Hartley, Jim Ulrich, and Bill Ashley.

•January 25, 2017•

By Marge Overlot
NP Guest Columnist

The Bethany Christian Church families came together to worship Sunday morning, January 22 to commemorate Christian Unity Sunday at the Bethany United Methodist Church.

The service brought nearly 100 people together to give God the praise and glory for their lives. The worship hour was conducted by Pastor Ted Hartley of the United Methodist Church, Pastor Tracy Siegman of the Presbyterian Church and Pastor Steve Guarneros of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

The pastors also came together to offer communion to the congregation that was received by all. A potluck lunch was held following the service. Read More

Judicial Steering Commission Screens Judge Applicants

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Six Express Interest in the Sixth

•January 25, 2017•

Illinois Supreme Court Justice Rita B. Garman has selected the judicial screening committee for the Sixth Judicial Circuit.

The screening committee was formed for the purpose of assessing the qualifications of those persons who have applied for appointment to the Office of Judge of the Circuit Court for the Sixth Judicial Circuit created by the resignation of Chief Judge Daniel Flannell on January 12, 2017.

Under the Illinois Constitution, the vacancy will be filled by Supreme Court appointment. Read More

Board Approves Proclamation Honoring Judge Flannell

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Honored for Courthouse Restoration

•January 18, 2017•

By Mike Brothers

Moultrie County board proclaimed Judge Dan L. Flannell day Friday, January 13, his last day as Chief Judge of the Sixth Judicial circuit.

County board chairman Dave McCabe added the proclamation at the end of the regular Jan. 12 business meeting.

McCabe’s proclamation emphasized the county’s appreciation for Judge Flannell’s efforts to help restore the historic Moultrie County Courthouse. He continued to note his service to Moultrie County as a sitting judge from 1988 through 2012 when he was appointed chief administrator of the Sixth Judicial Circuit has been exemplary. Read More

What Keeps Readers Reading After They Move Away?

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•January 18, 2017•

By Ellen Ferrera
for the News Progress

There is something almost ethereal about Thursday mornings when I bring in the paper, grab my pot full of tea, snuggle into the couch and settle down for a good read.

At my age, it is news of a deceased classmate or friend, an 80th birthday party, what poor soul got caught speeding on Route 121, and good stories that either bring tears or make the heart go pitty-pat.

What interests former residents who live thousands of miles away and keeps them subscribing year after year? I caught up with two sisters who grew up in Bethany and have subscribed to the News Progress for many years.

Audrey Oathout Gasdorf was a classmate who went to college, married and for many years has lived in Michigan.  Read More

Senior Center Provides Medical Equipment For Loan

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Photo by Ellen Ferrera
Kathi Shackles stands among the various medical equipment available at the Senior Center.

•January 18, 2017•

By Ellen Ferrera
for the News Progress

If you or a loved one is scheduled for hip or knee replacement surgery, the hospital has probably told you that you need to arrive with a walker.

You may also need an elevated toilet seat and shower seat. Many of these items are not covered by medical insurance, but you may get all of them on loan at the Senior Center.

“We take all kinds of walkers, canes, wheelchairs for loan to others. We also have a large supply of Depends and some oxygen supplies such as tubing,” executive director  Kathi Shackles said. “The center will also take almost any kind of medical supplies as long as they haven’t been opened.”

Many times when a loved one dies, the family has many of these items and is not aware that the senior center will take them. Clean bed pads are also accepted. Several styles and makes of walkers and canes are available so you may select the one that best suits your needs.

Shackles advises calling in advance to reserve the equipment as supplies are limited. The items are available only to senior citizens and are signed out. The center just asks that all items be returned as soon as possible because some are on a waiting list, such as wheelchairs. Donated items may be dropped off at the senior center during regular business hours. Unfortunately, the center cannot  pick up donated items. Read More