•February 2, 2022•
By Ariana Cherry
NP Writer

The principals from the ALAH District were allowed to skip the most recent meeting of the school board held on Wednesday, January 19. “I appreciate the board’s understanding about giving our administrators an excuse for the evening. They have been really busy lately,” commented Superintendent Shannon Cheek. Recently, the district has been responsible for having to do their own contact tracing with COVID-19 cases since the health department is no longer doing them, and after returning from Christmas break, the schools experienced a surge in cases. Many of the district’s teachers, principals and other staff have been finding themselves doing multiple duties throughout the day as there have been absences either because of positive COVID-19 cases, quarantines, or other seasonal illnesses.
During the Treasurer’s Report, Cheek informed the board that nothing has changed concerning transportation funds. “One payment was received from last fiscal year, one from this year and one is in the queue. It could be in that queue for a long time. Nothing new on that front,” he said. Read More

•January 26, 2022•
by Crystal Reed
NP Writer

The City Council authorized the issuance of water works and sewerage system revenue bonds of the city of Sullivan. The estimated cost of the project including legal fees and other costs of issuance of the bonds is $10,500,000.
Mike Kirk had questions about the bonds that were to be issued for water works and sewerage system bonds. Treasurer Sarah Golden explained that the payback time is 40 years. Kirk asked Commissioner Chuck Woodworth whether it would be possible to spend money to get the water plant to run for another 20 years. “It would be more in the long run to retrofit what we already have compared to building a new one,” he said. Woodworth said he originally was looking at taking what they have and upgrading it, but it would be more money to do that than build new.
Abbey Sherwood reminded everyone there is public swim at the Civic Center Thursday to Sunday. She and Golden had conversations in regard to TIF and TIF reimbursements. Sherwood added that she had talked with several people in regard to the IBEW contract. Read More

•January 19, 2022•
by Crystal Reed
NP Writer

The County Board discussed the filling and/or assignment of planning and zoning duties and responsibilities. The Supervisor of Assessments office gave the board handouts last board meeting, and Chief County Assessment Officer Lori Barringer said they may take over these responsibilities without additional staff or salary. The other option is that the board could post a full-time job and get someone dedicated to doing the planning and zoning.
Lauren Sesko, the ESDA director, has been filling in as interim personnel in that office.
A motion was made to have Sesko continue in ESDA as well as do some GIS work for the county while planning and zoning responsibilities will be moved to the assessor’s office with the transition completed by or before February 14. The motion was approved with Tyler Graven voting no. Read More

•January 12, 2022•
by Crystal Reed
NP Writer

The Sullivan City Council had a split vote on whether to establish the position of chief of staff for the city of Sullivan. The vote taken was 2-2. Commissioner Doug Booker was absent. “I’ve changed my position on it,” Commissioner Mike Fowler said. “It’s too much like the city administrator.”
Commissioner Abbey Sherwood announced that the city would be taking bids for a UTV utility vehicle. Bids will be received until 5 p.m., February 14, and should be submitted by mail. Commissioner Chuck Woodworth said the crew is working on installing bigger Nextgrid meters. Read More