Category Archives: News

ALAH School District’s 2016 Financial Audit

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“Things look good for now...”

•October 26, 2016•

By Ariana Cherry
for the News Progress

The 2016 budget was presented and audited by McGuire, Yuhas and Buckley P.C. at the most recent Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond School Board meeting. They noted that the budget is looking better than it did a year ago.

Revenues exceeded expenditures, and none of the fund balances had deficits. Some of the recommendations that were made included trying to increase internal controls. The activity fund needs more than one signature when people are counting cash. Invoices or receipts also need to be turned in when using debit/credit cards. If there are any budgets where the district could go over, then they should be amended accordingly. Superintendent Ken Schwengel noted that current funds stood at $7,796,238.37, and all funds are in the black; although there have been no state payments received for transportation or special education funds. “Things look good now, but we have to be concerned as we move forward,” said Schwengel.

Other matters that were discussed or voted upon: Read More

Speeding Around Moultrie County Beacon Prompts Request for Sullivan to Lower Limit

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•October 19, 2016•

By Ariana Cherry
for the News Progress

At the Oct 10 Sullivan City Council meeting commissioner Ken Johnson suggested a lower speed limit on South Lincoln St. after receiving complaints.

Johnson explained that drivers are speeding down South Lincoln Street coming in from Eden Street. Some drivers also are not stopping.

Johnson emphasized that the Moultrie County Beacon is on the route and proposed a speed limit change for the area. From Graham Street to Harrison Street, south of the railroad tracks, drivers are moving very fast. “It is like a race-track,”  Johnson said.  Read More

13th Oktoberfest: Good Weather, Good Crowds, Good Times

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Photo furnished Young Chili Cookers Not to be outdone by the adult chili cook off participants two Sullivan students decided to compete. Above Addison Minor (front) and Taylar Mercer combined hamburger, tomato sauces and juice, salsa and a variety of seasonings in the blend that would make any first year chef proud. Mercer’s father Jerod and mother Nichole (background) assisted in the cooking set up, but the girls developed the recipe and prepared all ingredients.

Photo furnished
Young Chili Cookers
Not to be outdone by the adult chili cook off participants two Sullivan students decided to compete. Above Addison Minor (front) and Taylar Mercer combined hamburger, tomato sauces and juice, salsa and a variety of seasonings in the blend that would make any first year chef proud. Mercer’s father Jerod and mother Nichole (background) assisted in the cooking set up, but the girls developed the recipe and prepared all ingredients.

•October 19, 2016•

Sullivan’s 13th Annual Oktoberfest enjoyed good weather and appreciative crowds during the October 14 and 15 celebration on the courthouse square.

A weekend filled with activities for young and old alike went off without a hitch. Sullivan Chief of Police John Love noted, “Everyone was there to have a good time, and the well-organized events helped make the whole weekend go smoothly.”

From children and family activities during the day to Feudin Hillbillies and Brushville music in the beer tent Friday and Saturday nights, it was a weekend offering something for everyone.

Included was the annual chili cook off which enjoyed enthusiastic crowd tasting and voter participation from four in the afternoon until the 7 p.m. tally time.

This year’s judges’ choice: Racy Hot Pot; First Runner up: Moultrie County Counseling; Second Runner up: AmBucs

Best Chili Cook-off Booth prize also went to the Racy Hot Pot chili cooking team.

Artoberfest winners were first place photography: Greg Brandt--”Guitar Guy”; first place 2D: Amanda White’s oil painting on canvas, “Lucy”; first place 3D: Joanna Drost’s ceramic sculpture, “Wine Spirt: The Ground Is Warm”. Read More

District Governor Visits Sullivan Rotary

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Photo by Emily Stutzman Sullivan Rotary President Dave Cole (from right) Dist. Governor Kevin Younce and Mary Hodson, Assistant District governor at Oct. 4 meeting.

Photo by Emily Stutzman
Sullivan Rotary President Dave Cole (from right) Dist. Governor Kevin Younce and Mary Hodson, Assistant District governor at Oct. 4 meeting.

•October 19, 2016•

By Emily Stutzman
for the News Progress

The Sullivan Rotary Club met October 4 for their weekly meeting at the local TnT. Over salads and fried chicken, cobbler, and ice-cream, they chatted about local happenings and discussed their plans for the next week. Among the topics were Oktoberfest, the Zombie 5k Run (Susan Rauch laughingly assured us, “They’re not real zombies, don’t worry”), and the chili contest.

After lunch, new assistant governor Mary Hodson introduced herself saying, “My real job is to introduce Kevin Yonce, your district governor, but anyone who knows me, knows I talk a lot, so I’m going to introduce myself as well. Since I’m from Champaign-Urbana, I’m totally new to your club so I’m really eager to get to know you.”

She went on to speak about her experience as the district awards chair, a position she had held for the last 12 years at Rotary district conferences. Hodson also encouraged Sullivan Rotary members to attend district conferences, saying that it is “a good way to meet other Rotarians and share ideas”.

She explained that since Rotary is an international organization with the goals of community service, international service, and peace and friendship, it would be a good idea for the Sullivan club to become involved in an international project.  Read More

Many Little Hands Helping Clean the Streets in Bethany

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beth-school-cleanup-1•October 19, 2016•

If many hands make for quick work, then many little hands can make quick work of a village.

Adopt a Street began at Okaw Valley Elementery School October 26.

“We are proud of Bethany,” principal Doug McCausland said. “By letting the students clear litter from the neighborhood streets we can give back to the community and allow the kids to feel pride in what they have done.” Read More

Sullivan Schools Continue Academic Progress

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•October 19, 2016•

Sullivan Unit District #300 met Tuesday, October 11 accepting the district audit and a handbook for volunteers.

Superintendent Brad Tuttle explained the expanded use of volunteers has led to the development of a volunteer handbook as a general guide toward how and what is acceptable while volunteering within the school.

Tuttle noted the district is appreciative of the volunteers and hopes the handbook will provide a guideline.

In principal Dan Allen’s report he explained the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) is in operation at Sullivan Elementary School. Most classrooms have reading volunteers whole listen to students read once a week. Other RSVP members are pen pals with primary age students.

He went on to note RSVP along with homework hangout for students needing extra help, as well as student mentoring programs have all built on the school’s improvement plan. Read More

County Board Addresses Some Salary Issues

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•October 19, 2016•

Moultrie County Board met Thursday, Oct. 13 approving a levy reduction and some employee salary issues.

Budget and finance chair Ron White proposed the county fund levy be reduced from $925,000 to $875,000 annually which was approved unanimously.

Reinstatement of the previous employee bonus line item to $500 for full time employees was approved for a total of $15,000. Part time amounts will vary.

Personnel committee chairman Roger Glazebrook moved to approve the appointment of Lori Barringer as interim supervisor of assessments which was unanimous.

At the previous budget and finance committee meeting an advertised starting salary of $19,000 for a supervisor of assessments office employee exceeded the county’s $18,500 minimum salary policy. Read More

Another Hand Up from Habitat for Humanity

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habitat-trish-and-nina-16•October 12, 2016•

Moultrie County Habitat for Humanity provided another hand up presenting the keys to Nina Sides for her new home in a ceremony held at 5 p.m. Friday, October 7 in Sullivan.

Pictured left Sponsor Trish Welsh and Nina hug with Logan sandwiched in the middle and Gary Smith in background.

Six weeks from starting this 27th Moultrie County Habitat home the group of Habitat Care-A-Vanners who completed the last two week phase of the project were at the Sides’ new home for the key presentation.

Local Habitat committee chair Gary Smith explained the national Care-A-Vanners from Habitat for Humanity spend six weeks working and camping.

He noted that Faith Lutheran Church graciously donates a campground and that Pastor Paul McGhghy coordinated the local ministerial alliance area businesses and individuals to feed the volunteers during the build. Read More

Interim Supervisor Recommended

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lori-barringer•October 12, 2016•

Moultrie County personnel committee members unanimously approved the appointment of Lori Barringer as interim supervisor of assessments.

During the October 5 committee meeting chairman Roger Glazebrook recommended the appointment of Barringer who was chief deputy under assessor Cindy Kidwell. Committee members Kevin McReynolds and Ron White approved the appointment.

The county board will make the final decision at the October 13 meeting.

Assessor Kidwell had announced her retirement, recommending Barringer as her replacement, earlier this year. Kidwell died suddenly September 11, creating the need for the interim appointment.

County board chairman Dave McCabe explained the application process had been placed in motion with a November 1 deadline. Applications will be taken until then. At that point the county board will make a permanent appointment to the position.

As chief deputy Barringer completed the Certified Illinois Assessing Officer Certificate and Chief County Assessment Officer Certification. In addition, she has taken three additional classes offered by the Illinois Property Institute and Illinois Department of Revenue. Read More

Senator Chapin Rose Talks Money at Town Hall

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Crowd Seeks Answers

•October 12, 2016•

By Stu D. Baker
for the News Progress

State Senator Chapin Rose’s town hall meeting Sept 29 at the Elizabeth Titus Library in Sullivan focused on worker compensation and pension reform issues.

The Republican 51st District senator addressed a room filled with county and municipal government representatives, along with citizens and a handful of students fulfilling class requirements.

In this seventh of seven town hall meetings Rose’s power point presentation centered on budgetary matters that he and his colleagues would like to address.

He pointed out the stop gap budget agreement reached in the state earlier this year helped fully fund K-12 for the first time in the past six years. and the formula for districts with higher poverty levels was equalized for all districts.

In a state exceeding the national unemployment rate average the 13 year veteran of Illinois legislature and senate indicated education is key. Read More