•February 23, 2022•
by Crystal Reed
NP Writer
Last week Central Illinois was once again hit with winter weather in the form of snow, sleet and rain. Prior to receiving precipitation, the area saw temperatures as high as 56 on Wednesday, February 16 and Thursday, February 17 before the cold front came through. Windsor reported .3 inches of snow and 1.6 inches of rain. Read More
Photo furnished
Windsor FFA creates Black History Month wall
In honor of Black History Month, Windsor FFA Vice President, Cameron Hughes, along with some other officers, put together a Black History Month wall outside of the High School Ag room. On the wall, you can find information about some of the most important African Americans in agriculture. This covers a broad timeline from the 1800’s to this past year’s Southern Region National FFA Vice President. Make sure to stop by and read up on some interesting facts about these important people who have changed the face of agriculture. Thank you to Cameron for all of your hard work and research that was done in order to make this possible.
Photo by Crystal Reed
Anitra Rowe Schulte and her illustrator Ziyue Chen were recently awarded the 2022 Dolly Gray Children’s Literature Award for their picture book ‘Dancing with Daddy’. The award was presented by Zoom. Schulte is pictured above reading her book during the meet and greet and reading that was held at Cathrine’s in December 2021.
•February 23, 2022•
by Crystal Reed
NP Writer
Former Bethany resident and children’s author Anitra Rowe Schulte and her illustrator Ziyue Chen were recently awarded the 2022 Dolly Gray Children’s Literature Award for their picture book ‘Dancing with Daddy’. The award was presented to Schulte via Zoom on January 26. The Dolly Gray Award recognizes high quality fiction/biographical books for children, adolescents and young adults that authentically portray individuals with developmental disabilities, such as autism spectrum disorders, intellectual disabilities and Down Syndrome. Every even year, the award is presented to an author and illustrator (if appropriate) of a children’s picture book, an intermediate, and/or young adult book that includes appropriate portrayals of individuals with developmental disabilities. Read More
•February 16, 2022•
by Crystal Reed
NP Writer
The City Council approved resolutions and agreements for the Bernius Street project during Monday’s meeting. Commissioner Chuck Woodworth was absent due to a work assignment. The first item was the approval of an engineering firm.
Only one firm, Milano and Grunloh, responded. The council unanimously approved the selection of the firm for the Industrial Way project.
A local agency company agreement for the Economic Development Program (EDP) grant. Lee Beckman of Milano and Grunloh, said that this is an agreement between the city and Bernius in regard to the job creation for the project that will allow them to get the grant funds and build the street. They can receive $30,000 for job creation and $10,000 for job retainage. They have EDP and TARP funds for this project. The council unanimously approved this. Read More
•February 16, 2022•
by Crystal Reed
NP Writer
The Moultrie County Board passed ordinances authorizing the Moultrie County treasurer to issue checks for the first round of American Rescue Plan Act funds that the county received. Receiving money in this round were Bethany American Legion Post #507 $14,000; Moultrie County Habitat for Humanity $46,800; Lovington American Legion Post #429 $5,000; Mid-Illinois Senior Services, Inc. $30,000; Sullivan American Legion Post #68 $25,000; Sullivan Lions Club $14,000; Lovington Fire Department $89,449; Bethany Fire and Ambulance District $150,000; Sullivan Fire Protection District $208,000 and Moultrie County Counseling Center $350,000. Read More
Photo by Crystal Reed
Sullivan District Spelling Bee
Sullivan School District held their spelling bee on Monday afternoon in the high school/junior high commons. There were 28 students from the elementary school and junior high that participated in the bee. At the end of the bee there was a spell off to see who would be first alternate and second alternate. In total, there were three finalists and two alternates. Pictured are the finalists and alternates: Alex Fultz, sixth grade, Brynner Johnson, sixth grade and Mary Crist, seventh grade, first alternate: Allyssa Prahl, sixth grade and second alternate: Weslee Allen, sixth grade.
Photo furnished
OV 8th Grade Boys Basketball win Regional Championship
The Okaw Valley 8th grade Boys Basketball team won the Regional Championship 45-33 over Kincaid on Monday night. The boys are 17-5 and will play St. Anthony at Effingham St. Anthony on Wednesday night at 6:30 pm in the IESA Sectional.
•February 9, 2022•
The Lovington American Legion was broken into last Saturday, February 5. According to Moultrie County Sheriff Chris Sims, the department received a report of an activated burglar alarm at 3:56 am on Saturday morning. There was damage to an exterior door and one interior door. There was also damage to three Illinois gaming machines. Forced entry was made to two machines and damage was noted on a third machine but no access was gained to the machine. The incident is under investigation by the Moultrie County Sheriff’s Department.
Photo submitted by Moultrie County Dive Team
The Moultrie County Dive Team responding to a past flooding incident. The dive team is looking to recruit new members to their organization.
•February 9, 2022•
by Crystal Reed
NP Writer
The Moultrie County Dive Team is looking to recruit new members. They currently have nine members, five of whom are shore responders plus two trained divers, a commander.
Commander of the Moultrie County Dive Team Joash Tiarks said that most of the calls the dive team receives involve the recovery of vehicles and boats, some search and rescue, stranded boaters and people who drive into deep water and become stuck. “The more volunteers to help, the better,” he said.
To join the dive team, applicants must pass a background check.
If a person wants to become a member of the shore crew, there are no swimming or weight lifting requirements; however, there is a basic swim test they must pass. “We are looking for people available to help and who want to assist the community,” Tiarks said. Read More
Photo by Crystal Reed
Squirrel Strikes a Pose
This friendly squirrel was found in Wyman Park digging through the snow for food.