•February 28, 2024•

by Crystal Reed

Hi, my name is Crystal Reed and I have been the Writer for the Moultrie County News Progress since late July 2020. I have recently decided to resign my position at the publication and my last day will be Friday, March 1. When I made this decision, I weighed my options and did a lot of thinking about what I should ultimately do. In the 3 years and 7 months or so that I have served in this role, I have met many people and learned so much about the communities in Moultrie County.

However let’s back up and go back to 2020 for a minute. Some people are not aware of the circumstances of how I ended up in Sullivan and at the News Progress. Shortly after the State of Illinois was shut down in 2020, I was furloughed from my employer in Effingham. I can’t express to you how difficult that was for me, it was the first time since I got out of college that I was unemployed for longer than a few months or so.  Read More

•February 28, 2024•

by Ariana R. Cherry 

The ALAH School district continues to focus on the needs of its facilities. There are some places on the roof of the AHGS that have significant leaks. Superintendent Shannon Cheek had noted at January’s Board of Education meeting that he wanted to get ahead of things before they became a problem. At the meeting on February 21, the Board of Education approved Cheek to go ahead and solicit bids for roof work to be completed for summer 2024. The cost estimated could be anywhere from $200,000 to $240,000. The Lovington Grade School is also in need of pavement work, in which the board also approved Cheek to solicit bids. The estimate of cost for that is $410,000. Principal Andrew Peralta and his students at the Arthur Grade School are beginning to get excited for restroom repairs as some of the classrooms have already begun their plans for moving class until the renovations have been completed.  Read More

photo furnished
Aubrie Payne (left) models a bee suit while assisting Lisa Spracklen who presented on beekeeping to the homeschool program that meets at the Elizabeth Titus Memorial Library during the school year. Spracklen was also assisted by Cheryl Cribbett.

•February 21, 2024•

by Crystal Reed

The Elizabeth Titus Memorial Library had their first guest presenter on Thursday, February 8. According to Children’s Librarian Laura Davison, it was the first time having someone come in and present to the group that was created in the last five years. She continued on to say that the program averages about 20 kids though it varies on the day.  Read More

•February 7, 2024•

Diabetes is on the rise but can be a very manageable illness. If you or someone you care for has diabetes or is pre-diabetic, why not learn how to more effectively “take charge” and live an active and fulfilling life? Take Charge of Your Diabetes is designed to teach those with diabetes tools and techniques to help them become better health managers. Read More