August 13, 2014

Will be cheaper than current trap and euthanasia of feral cats

by Florence Hallford
Lovington Reporter

Last week’s decision to pass the trap/neuter/release program presented by Lovington village clerk Sue Gordon may be the start of a long term and compassionate solution to the common and overwhelming problem of feral cats around town.

“We have a problem we can’t deny,” said Gordon at last Monday’s village board meeting. “I’d like to see the board address and assist with it.”

Last Monday’s approval of the TNR program was for a one-year trial basis. Gordon has been working with Beth Hughes, director of the Care Van Pet Program, to plan the program and will continue to work with Hughes to execute the program now that it has passed.  Read More

Photo by Keith Stewart
Where flag poles were once erect are now just the remnants of those taken down last week at the Hardee's in Sullivan. In total, three flag poles were removed after longstanding disrepair in a move that owner Jason LeVecke described as out of respect for the flags.

August 6, 2014

Unkept flags spurs removal out of respect, says LeVecke

by Keith Stewart
keith@newsprogress.com

The removal of flag poles recently at the Sullivan Hardee’s has spawned outrage from local customers.

According to Regional Vice President Dave Becker, three flag poles were removed last week.

Sullivan Hardee’s, franchise owner Jason LeVecke explained to the News Progress that upon a recent trip to the Sullivan location and seeing both the flags and poles in disrepair, the flag poles were removed.

“Nothing upsets or makes me mad more than when I see one of our flags tattered or dirty,” said LeVecke. “We haven’t always done justice at all of our locations so I ordered some of them be taken down. The poles were taken down out of respect to the flag.

“Our commitment is to the country, our vets, our customers, and our employees,” added the franchisee, who is a five year Marine veteran. “Nothing brings me to tears more than our flag. But when I hear our employees are being yelled at without asking what occurred, it’s despicable.”

LeVecke, who is the CEO of MJKL Enterprises and the grandson of the original Carl’s Jr. founder Carl Karcher, stressed that the decision does not reflect on the staff at the Sullivan location and instead says he takes responsibility for the unkept flags. Read More

Submitted
The Bethany Post Office suffered damage two weeks ago after a car struck it, shifting an entire wall.

July 30, 2014

PO Box pickup interrupted as a result

by Derek Pope
Bethany Reporter

After a car crashed into the Bethany Post Office earlier this month, service interruptions are expected.

Due to a July 14 motor vehicle collision with the building, post office box mail pickup has been limited to normal postal business hours for local residents.

Following the wreck, building inspectors deemed the front part of the building, which houses Bethany’s post office boxes, unsafe for use.  As a result, area residents that opt to collect their mail in person, rather than have it delivered to their home, must enter through the building’s rear and speak with a postal worker directly to get their mail.

The service restrictions are likely to continue for a long while as well, according to Bethany’s postmaster Shelly Freeman.  Currently there is no timeline for repairs to the building, and there has yet to be any estimates as to how much the repairs will cost.  According to Freeman, legal red tape is slowing down the repair process considerably.   Read More

July 23, 2014

With merger, financial updates given including Atwood-Hammond money

by Ariana Cherry
Arthur/Sullivan Reporter

The former Arthur-Lovington District School Board opened their July 16 meeting as the Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond (ALAH) District with new superintendent Kenny Schwengel and administrative assistant, Audrey Fleener, who served as an administrative assistant at  Atwood-Hammond High School for 23 years, and will be serving her 24th year at the ALAH district.

“I’ve been a superintendent for nine years, but there’s always a learning curve when you switch districts,” said Schwengel, in a separate interview. “As far as goals, first and foremost, I intend to work toward the district goals that were established/updated over the course of last year. I hope to build relationships, get to know everyone, and determine other areas to work on or possibly improve.” Read More

July 16, 2014

State grant could increase scope of project

by Derek Pope
Bethany Reporter

Harsh conditions last winter left roads across central Illinois in disrepair, and communities in Moultrie County saw no respite from the wear and tear caused by the ice and snow. Fortunately, residents of Bethany may not have to contend with the worst of their road problems much longer. Bethany’s village council approved a plan this month that seeks to fix some of the most pressing issues with roads and sidewalks around town. The plan, initially modest in scope due to budgetary constraints, could potentially expand as well, pending the state’s announcement of infrastructure grants in September. Read More