OV school district proposes 9.1 percent
increase in new money

by Derek Pope
Bethany Reporter

Near the end of the fiscal year, towns and school districts across Illinois are tasked with deciding what amount they will increase property tax levies for the next calendar year. Sometimes these tax increases go largely unnoticed for residents, as city councils and school boards alike can pass up to a five percent increase without notifying the public. But when the financial climate necessitates larger tax increases or the introduction of new taxes, these institutions are required to provide an open opportunity for discussion with the communities they govern. Read More

New effort aims to educate on importance of mfg. and being successful employees

by Christina Whitford
Sullivan Reporter

Do you remember the very first job you had either while you were in high school or after graduation? The feeling of when you got that first paycheck? You were now a part of a workforce and certain expectations were placed on you as an employee. These were experiences that recently many local employers and educational leaders met to discuss in order to understand how to get a new generation of young employees ready for the workforce. Read More

First quarter honor rolls for Moultrie County schools have been announced.

Lovington Grade School

Three eighth graders, five seventh graders, two six graders and one fifth grader received “A” honors for the first quarter at Lovington Grade School. They include Madison Brown, Janette Comstock and Samuel Renfro, eighth grade; Hunter Day, Ciara Emrick, Sean Evans, Katelyn Gingerich and Taylor Powell, seventh grade; Natalie Lambdin and Kenli Nettles, sixth grade and Tatjana Mehmen, fifth grade. Read More

Six additional bays to be completed by next November

by Barry Featheringill
Sullivan Reporter

After years of packing vehicles and equipment into a tight space consisting of five bays, the Sullivan Fire District is finally moving forward with construction to add six additional bays, making for a much roomier firehouse.

The 8,100 square feet addition will be added onto the south side of the current building at a cost of $760,687.25. Read More

Common Core Standards a big part of plans

by Derek Pope
Bethany Reporter

On October 31 the state of Illinois will release its school report cards statewide—critical evaluations that reflect a district’s success or failure at bringing students to state standards of knowledge in a variety of areas. On the verge of this, Okaw Valley made the focus of its October school board meeting improving academics at each of its schools. The monthly-released “school improvement plans” were highlighted by principals at each level who were eager to put forth their strategies for better educating students in congruity with state expectations. Read More