Submitted by
Hollie Atchison
Employment Specialist

Several local and state officials attended a kick-off event for Moultrie Counseling’s Individual Placement and Support program Feb 7. Leaders from the Division of Mental Health, Division of Rehabilitation Services and Department of Human Services travelled from all across the state to help launch the new initiative at the mental health agency. Moultrie Counseling staff, community leaders and consumers were in attendance to learn the benefits of the new supported employment program and to show their support for the already successful service. David Cole, Executive Director of Moultrie Counseling, welcomed those in attendance and shared the early successes of the program with the crowd. The Individual Placement and Support (IPS) program officially began December 1, 2013 with great momentum. Penny Arthur, IPS Supervisor, and Hollie Atchison, Employment Specialist, have been preparing for the launch of this evidence-based service for several months. Read More

by Keith Stewart
keith@newsprogress.com

Arthur-Lovington high school principal Brian L. Hatfield, 42, was arrested recently on two counts of domestic battery, which were filed on January 21 according to documents filed by the Champaign circuit clerk’s office.

According to an Urbana Police Report, the incident occurred at the 1800 block of Cunningham on January 18 around 1:30 a.m. when witnesses saw Hatfield and his wife “mutually battering each other.”  Read More

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

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