Circuit Clerk Cindy Braden

•May 24, 2017•

Moultrie County Circuit Clerk Cindy Braden was appointed chairperson of the Committee on Circuit Court Clerk Education by the Illinois Supreme Court last week in an announcement from Chief Justice Lloyd A. Karmeier.

Braden’s appointment is effective July 1, 2017 when she presides over the 14 member Judicial College committee responsible for continuing eduction of the state’s circuit clerks. Circuit Judge Mark L. Levitt of Lake County is Braden’s vice-chair.

“I am thankful for the confidence and support from my colleagues in receiving the appointment,” Braden said, noting she had served with many on the committee during her past involvement in the Clerk’s Association.

“We have a good education infrastructure in place,” Braden said. “I look forward to working with everyone on the committee.” Read More

•May 17, 2017•

Moultrie County board members approved $25,000 to have a new Comprehensive Plan prepared by Coles County Regional Planning and Development Commission during the May 11 meeting.

County board chair Dave McCabe reported that he felt a new plan could be a useful tool to help promote economic growth for the county.

Planning commission executive director Kelly Lockhart explained that the Moultrie County plan would include an overview of the county and incorporated areas including economic factors, land use, housing and zoning information.

He went on to point out the planning commission had completed the Coles County Comprehensive Plan earlier which will be used as Moultrie County’s model. Lockhart explained the process would include information collected with advice and consent of a 12-18 member committee.  Read More

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