State Sen. Chapin Rose (R-Mahomet) issued the following comments to local media based on his recent discussions with Illinois Department of Natural Resources Director Marc Miller. The Senator’s comments reflect a lack of progress on improving Eagle Creek Lodge & Resort and the continued negative effects of its closure on Shelby and Moultrie counties. Read More
Category Archives: News
Moultrie Sees 80 Concealed Carry Applicants in January
Some of the state’s highest per capita rates here in central Illinois, though still low overall
by Keith Stewart
keith@newsprogress.com
According to data provided by Moultrie County Sheriff Jeff Thomas, 80 Moultrians have applied for concealed carry permits as of Monday, January 27. And while that may not seem like many, especially compared to the 5,305 that Cook County had reported earlier this month, it’s the per-capita rate that is of some interest.
Per-capita or per person, Moultrie sees 54 out of 10,000 applying for a license compared to Cook County, which is at 10 per 10,000.
Neighboring counties Douglas and Piatt each saw higher per capita rates with the former at 65.5 per 10,000 and the latter at 69.7 per 10,000. Coles County was lower with just 36.3 applicants per 10,000. Read More
Concealed Carry Prohibited in Certain Areas
Provided by the Illinois State Police
Above is a smaller version of the official signage prohibiting concealed carry firearms into private businesses and other locations.
Though many concealed carry applicants are still waiting to hear back from the state, applications filed on the first applicable day, January 5 (4,525 in total), will hear word by April 5, no doubt many then seeing permits in the mail. But with the new concealed carry law, there are dozens of areas that are prohibited, including private and public elementary or secondary schools, or public events that require a permit of any sort from the local government, such as the Fourth of July parade in Sullivan.
“If someone sees a weapon in a prohibited place, obviously he or she should let law enforcement know or management,” urged Moultrie County Sheriff Jeff Thomas. “The law requires the majority of the weapon be covered, but the public should expect occasions where they might see the butt of a gun or a holstered gun; I can’t tell people how to react if it’s a legitimate place to conceal carry. They can’t be taken into bars or festivals or those with a city permit; basically you can keep it in your vehicle and you always could, before, on your property.” Read More
OV School Board Moves Forward with Easement in Findlay
Also discusses 1% sales tax measure in both Shelby, Moultrie
By Joash Tiarks
Bethany Reporter
As everyone is likely now aware, the stinging Siberian cold has disrupted the academic schedule, provoking additional school closings throughout the region. Okaw Valley District has already used up all the allotted snow days for this academic year, but in the interest of safety and health of the students, it was reported that the Regional Office of Education has been granting ‘act of God’ days when schools need to close because of unusually bitter sub-zero wind chill temperatures. Read More
Rezoning Application Hits Snag Before Final Approval
by Keith Stewart
keith@newsprogress.com
The Sullivan city council met for the first time this year Monday, January 13 and approved, what was first discussed at great length in their December 23 meeting, a rezoning application.
Property owner Rick Dunscomb and Brian Vahling, who is in the midst of purchasing his property, went before the planning commission December 12 to request the property behind the Sullivan preschool be rezoned from I-1 (light industrial district) to b-1 (low density business district) with Vahling’s intentions of eventually constructing apartments, duplexes, and/or the like. Read More
$82,000 -$124,000 Estimated for Asbestos Removal at Lovington Grade School
24 new high school names also received
by Ariana Cherry
Arthur/Sullivan Reporter
A tour of Lovington grade school was conducted by principal Brandon Stone at the opening of the Arthur-Lovington School Board meeting last Wednesday.
Previous and planned asbestos projects that are scheduled for the building were shown and discussed. At an estimated cost of $82,000 to $124,000 the projects will eliminate all of the asbestos in elementary classrooms, the junior high area, and hallway and office. Completion is set for late June. Read More
Sullivan Schools Prepare for Reductions-in-Force
Also vote to cut adoptive P.E. at $11,000 estimated savings
by Keith Stewart
keith@newsprogress.com
While the Sullivan school district did make area news with hiring Gerald Temples as the new head football coach last week, the board also addressed other matters, including the initial stage of a reduction-in-force.
The Monday night action was only to give Superintendent Brad Tuttle the go-ahead to tell the Sullivan Education Association, (local teacher’s union), that the district plans to issue a reduction-in-force (RIF) at least 45 days prior to the end of the school year. Read More
Bethany Amends Liquor Ordinance for Longer Hours, and Gambling
Small Crowd Arrives to Show Support for Local Saloon
by Joash Tiarks
Bethany Reporter
There are always at least two sides to every story and this month’s village board meeting proved no exception.
The normally adequate conference room at the village hall seemed almost overcrowded for this month’s board meeting as several members of the community were present to express to the trustees their support of Hired Hand Winery and Saloon.
Last month, proprietor Shane Weybright presented a request to the board that the liquor ordinance, and subsequently their liquor pouring license, be amended to allow for longer hours of business. He stated that he felt “his hands are tied” with the current hours of operation, with a relatively small number of customers being able to arrive and relax before alcohol could no longer be served. He said that if business hours were extended to 10 p.m. on weekdays, for example, he would be able to serve a much more diverse portion of the community, turn a much better profit, and so benefit the village by then paying more in taxes. Read More
Arthur-Lovington Schools Pass Levy in December
Former Lov. district tax payers to see smaller levy
by Keith Stewart & Ariana Cherry
keith@newsprogress.com
In their December meeting, the Arthur-Lovington school board approved the 2013 levy, which is payable this year.
But due to working cash bonds that were approved prior to the reorganization of Arthur and Lovington schools, the levy branches off into two figures depending on whether one lives in the former Arthur or Lovington district. Read More
Gillis Resigns from Streets and Alleys
by Florence Hallford
Lovington Reporter
Streets and alleys department worker Chris Gillis submitted his resignation by letter at the Lovington Village Board meeting Monday night. The resignation was to take effect on January 10. Gillis has been with the village of Lovington for eight years. The position is now open, with applicants needing a class B CDL, ability to operate heavy equipment and mechanical knowledge of equipment. A committee was formed to select a new employee, and applications will be accepted until noon January 17. Read More