•August 12, 2020•
by Crystal Reed
NP Writer

The Sullivan City Council voted for a funding request for backup personal protection equipment (PPE) supplies up to $50,000 during Monday’s meeting. City Administrator Dan Flannell said that there was a meeting last week with the Moultrie County Health Department at the three Petersen Health Care nursing facilities.
The purpose of that meeting was to inquire to offer assistance of the city in regards to the PPE supply. Flannell said that Petersen is able to maintain a 30 day supply of PPE at their facilities at this time but if an outbreak would occur that supply would deplete quickly.
He said that the PPE would be available to not only Peterson health care but also other businesses in Sullivan. Mayor Glazebrook said that he wanted to see a motion made that night. “We don’t want to wait another two weeks,” he said. Read More

Pet Exercise Area is Hit

•July 29, 2020•
By Mike Brothers

Kenneth “Flash” Miner was a one man animal rescue operation, so honoring his memory with a gift to Moultrie County Animal Control made sense.
On Thursday, July 20 Miner’s daughter and family gathered at the Animal Shelter along with Moultrie County PAWS volunteers and the sheriff’s department to dedicate the new dog exercise area in memory of Flash who passed away March 31, 2019.
“Dad loved animals and donated to animal charities all along,” daughter Kristyne Miner Ashbrook said of the retired GTE employee.
“He had to,” she continued. “He lived about a mile outside Lovington and every stray cat and dog was dumped on his road. He’d take them in to town, get them fixed and bring them back home.” Read More

Photo by Mike Brothers
Gifted Gardeners
Community gardeners brought out the tools following a heavy rain at the garden north of Mason Point. These neighbors have been planting, weeding and are now starting to harvest fruits of their labors. Taking a break from their community gardening tasks are standing from left: Judith and Weldon Brow, Gene Bryant and Robin Terschner; seated Jean Dulik and Ellen Ferrera.

•July 29, 2020•
By Ellen Ferrera
for the News Progress

In 2004 when the first duplexes were being built at Mason Point Jack Harris and Max Pennington tilled up the soil for the first community garden.
At the same time new residents, Weldon and Judith Brown, began planting their first garden. In 2014 Robin Terschner began a second garden near the main building as a diversion for his mother and brother who were Mason Point residents. Four years ago, Jean Dulik and yours truly put down roots, so to speak, in sub-plots and a truly community endeavor was created and continues to date.
“The garden has been a blessing during this time of isolation,” Dulik explained. “We all gather at the garden to socialize, share growing tips and help each other with the crops. It has brought us closer together as friends and a community.”
Weldon has a gas tiller and has helped to till the rows. Jean often waters the neighboring gardens and contributed a large sunflower sculpture painted in red, white and blue. Robin is always around with stakes, tomato cages and helpful advice. My contribution was a bale of straw to share as mulch. Read More

•July 16, 2020•
The Moultrie County Health Department (MCHD) has confirmed one more case of the novel coronavirus-2019 (COVID-19) in Moultrie County. The individual is in his 30s and is recovering at home in isolation. Public health officials are notifying all close contacts.
To date, 1,375 Moultrie County residents have been tested for COVID-19. Of those tests, 28 have been confirmed positive for COVID-19 and 21 are no longer in isolation.
As Illinois progresses through Phase 4 of Recover Illinois, the risk of COVID-19 transmission to others may increase. It is important to remember that people of all ages are vulnerable to this virus, and everyone should take precautions to prevent infection.
For public safety, the health department is asking everyone use the three basic Ws to stay safe:
• Watch physical distance and keep six feet from others.
• Wear a mask when in public places.
• Wash hands routinely.
Illinois is currently experiencing a surge in testing for COVID-19. With this surge in testing, test result turnaround times may be slower.
While awaiting a test result, it is important for those who feel ill to self-isolate if they are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. Individuals are most likely to transmit the virus in the early stages of a COVID-19 infection when they may or may not have symptoms.
If an individual is ill with symptoms associated with coronavirus and needs medical or emergency care, they should notify their physician or emergency medical service providers of their symptoms prior to
arrival.
For more information on the Moultrie County Health Department’s news, events and services, please visit www.moultriehealth.org and follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/moultriecountyhealth.

•July 15, 2020•
By Mike Brothers

Sullivan is spending $39,000 for a digital marketing campaign to bring in tourists, who may become residents, of the city.
Chamber and Economic Development President Linda Huber introduced Marketing consultant Cassie Yoder, who proposed a six month digital marketing plan to promote tourism in Sullivan.
By using a multi media digital approach to niche markets, Yoder told the council people who are attracted to Sullivan for tourism can be potential residents.
Huber went on to point out if five families moved into Sullivan as a result of the digital commercials it would pay for the contract.
That was based on the formula that each family generates an average $8000 income for the city.
“This is good for business and economic development,” Mayor Richard Glazebrook said, urging the council to approve Yoder’s proposed six month campaign.
Commissioner Peggy Hargis, noting this was the first she had heard of such a plan, requested the item be tabled for commissioners to further review details. Read More