•March 23, 2016•

By Ariana Cherry
For the News Progress

Spring has arrived which means warmer weather and new shows arriving at the Little Theatre on the Square.

Sullivan residents will be seeing a few changes this season when the theatre opens. Starting May 15, Washington Street will become a one-way street to make room for an outdoor plaza.

The plaza will run from Harrison Street to the outside of the Little Theatre while the alleys remain open. The plaza will be protected by heavy blocks and large planters with outdoor patio furniture and other plants and flowers.

This new arrangement is to create a safe place for patrons to gather before and after shows and during intermission. It also will allow an accessible area for bus drop-offs.

Children will benefit by having a place to safely get autographs. The plaza will also provide an opportunity for specialty vendors during the season.

There are future plans to have a Farm to Table Dinner to kick-off the opening of the plaza and theatre. According to SCED (Sullivan Chamber Economic Development) Director Stepheny McMahon, the plaza will open at no cost to the city. The SCED will be heading the new project. “We have had 16 letters of support and offers to help from the Sullivan Rotary, Little Theatre Advisory, Sullivan High School and My Garden,” she said. Read More

•March 23, 2016•

On the front page of the Wednesday, March 16 issue there was an error in the Yost Fit to Be Tried article. In that story public defender Brad Rau was incorrectly referred to as David Rau. My apology for the error.

•March 16, 2016•

The Moultrie County Board updated sheriff’s fees and learned of changes with Central Illinois Public Transit at the Thursday, March 10 meeting.

Coles County Regional Planning and Development commission conducted a study of the Sherfiff’s Department fee schedule which revealed some fees needed to be increased to cover actual costs.

That study showed the $85,561.79 in fees now generated could increase to  $96,466.29 in annual fee revenue for the county.

Sheriff’s fee cost analysis revealed: eviction fee is currently $101.01 with an actual cost of $147.55 for a $46.54 difference; 321 warrants were served last year for a $46.00 fee with the actual cost $96.19 for a $50.19 difference; 643 civil processes were served at a $46 fee which cost $94.36; taking bond was a $10 fee with a $24.20 cost.

Budget committee chair Ron White moved the resolution adopting the new sheriff’s fee schedule be adopted. In addition the court security fee was increased from $25 to $35 following approval of Chief Judge Dan L. Flannell. Motions received unanimous approval. Read More

•March 9, 2016•

Mobile home tax bills will be mailed March 11, 2016 and are due on May 16, 2016. Taxes may be mailed to Moultrie County Collector, P.O. BOX 650, Sullivan, IL. 61951. Taxes may also be paid at all Moultrie County banks: Hardware State Bank, Scott State Bank Bethany/Dalton City/Sullivan, State Bank of Arthur, Arthur Community Bank, First National Bank of Arthur, First National Bank of Sullivan and First Mid-Illinois Bank Sullivan.  Read More

•March 9, 2016•

By Mickey H. Osterreicher, Esq.
NP Guest Columnist

Amidst all the hysterical reports that the sky is falling or it’s literally raining drones, Illinois Congressman Rodney Davis recently introduced a thoughtful Micro Drone amendment to the FAA Reauthorization Act (AIRR Act). The amendment would create a new “Micro UAS Classification” of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), improving safety, access and compliance while also encouraging innovation. For the first time, micro drones would be permitted for commercial purposes, appropriately advancing what many believe to be the smallest, safest and fastest-growing sector of the UAS community. The House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee very commendably voted to accept that amendment without any voiced opposition and then approved the entire AIRR Act, as amended.

It is crucial to note this legislation would not deregulate the use of UAS, but rather proposes regulations containing five commonsense rules that are easy to remember and follow. In fact, many of these rules already exist to oversee safe practices for the recreational use of drones. Under the new amendment, micro UAS (mUAS) would be required to operate at: “(1) less than 400 feet above ground level; (2) at an airspeed of not greater than 40 knots; (3) within the visual line of sight of the operator; (4) during daylight; and (5) at least 5 statute miles from the geographic center of an airport [with an exception for those who provide notice and obtain permission].” Read More