The Sullivan Chamber & Economic Development has announced the winners of the 2013 annual awards which will be distributed at the SCED Annual Dinner Saturday, January 25. Read More
Category Archives: News
Local Businesses Also Impacted by Winter Storm
by Keith Stewart
keith@newsprogress.com
While it’s true that the recent spell of winter weather brought havoc in the form of diminished visibility, poor road conditions, and life threatening temperatures, the craziness began well before the weather arrived.
Area grocery stores quickly ran out of bread, milk, eggs, and other basic foods.
“The grocer’s best friend is the W on the screen, but we just don’t ever want what comes with it,” said Sullivan IGA manager Pat Stinson. “We had a huge, record sales day Saturday, which then led to a record week…it was the best we’d ever done.” Read More
Okaw Valley Schools Pass Levy for 2014
Nearly $300,000 in new money requested
By Joash Tiarks
Bethany Reporter
At the regular monthly meeting, one of the primary issues on the agenda for the Okaw Valley Board of Education was to bring to a vote the proposed Tax Levy for 2014, with an increase of 9.05% over last year.
Because the request exceeded a threshold increase of five percent over last year’s request, the board was required by law to hold a public truth in taxation hearing to inform the community and allow any concerned taxpayers to ask questions and to voice their opinions.
However, no concerned citizens were present. Read More
With Impending Winter Weather, Public Urged to Stay Indoors
Additional snow, severe temps, and wind gusts to start Saturday
by Keith Stewart
keith@newsprogress.com
FRIDAY, JANUARY 3–The National Weather Service issued winter storm advisories for most of central Illinois Friday, including Moultrie County, which is expected to see upwards of 10 inches of snow this weekend. That, in addition to the already three or more inches the county received Wednesday evening, will combine with plummeting temperatures to create what local law enforcement is describing as a dangerous situation.
“Basically, you should stay in doors unless it’s absolutely necessary to travel,” warned Moultrie County sheriff Jeff Thomas. “It’s just very unsafe to be out in weather like that. If you can avoid it all costs, stay home.”
Thomas also says that with the impending weather comes often times sudden road closures.
“With that wind and the snow along with what we already have, snow will be blowing and drifting so there will likely be some closed roads, but you may not know until you’re out there,” explained Thomas. “If have to venture out, bring warm clothing blankets, some food, bottle water.”
The Illinois Department of Transportation does post major road closures, available at http://www.dot.state.il.us/road/roadClosures.htm, but there may be a delay between the actual closure and its posting.
Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation Awards Grant for Douglas/Moultrie Amish Schools
The Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation, the 501(c)(3) philanthropic arm of Delta Dental of Illinois, recently awarded $208,000 to 14 Illinois organizations, including a $100,000 Wisdom Tooth Award and $108,000 in community grants to help improve the oral health of children within the state. Read More
Liquor Ordinance Encounters Growing Pains
Potential passage of gambling also thrown into mix
By Joash Tiarks
Bethany Reporter
The growing pains associated with the recent introduction of Bethany’s first liquor ordinance are already manifesting themselves.
One of the primary beneficiaries of the new ordinance thus far, Hired Hand Winery & Saloon, was initially issued a license to remain open from noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday to Thursday and from noon to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. This has turned out to be too constricting as the proprietor, Shane Weybright, requested the Village Board extend the hours till at least 10 p.m. on weekdays and midnight for Friday and Saturday. Business has been better than expected already, and many of the customers have stopped in because of evening school sporting events and activities. Read More
Little Theatre Reports Cost Reductions
Further outlines plan to repay debt to Sullivan
by Barry Featheringill
Sullivan Reporter
John Stephens of The Little Theatre On The Square once again brought to the council a proposal on how the theatre plans to stay up-to-date with its repayment of debt to the city, which includes an extra $100 a week “to show good faith.” Read More
Lovington Passes Five Percent Increase in New Tax Revenue
New revenue to equal $4,052
by Florence Hallford
Lovington Reporter
The Lovington Annual Tax Levy Ordinance for the fiscal year (May 1, 2013-April 30, 2014), a discussion that was tabled in November, passed Monday night with a five percent increase in new revenue. Read More
ECIAAA To Host Conversation on Aging January 6 in Sullivan
The East Central Illinois Area Agency on Aging will host a Moultrie County Conversation on Aging and Independent Living 6:30-8:30 p.m. Monday, January 6 at First United Methodist Church located at 216 W. Jefferson St. in Sullivan. Read More
Cheeseball Fundraiser to Raise Money for New Interactive Boards
The Lovington American Legion and Lovington Grade School are partnering to help raise money for the grade school’s purchase of Promethean Boards in the classrooms. These electronic boards help students become more active and engaged in the learning process. Read More