Photo by Crystal Reed
Angi Carter,Vice President, Lending of Farm Credit Illinois (left), presents a check to Wilmer Otto, President of the Illinois Amish Heritage Center (right). Also pictured in back is local farmer Levi Yoder and Jim Fleming.

•April 13, 2022•
The 2022 season for the Illinois Amish Heritage Center (IAHC) began with a celebration lunch on April 5, during which Farm Credit Illinois presented a $25,000 check toward its $50,000 commitment. In recognition of their generosity, the Gathering Pavilion will soon have installed the Center’s first donor plaque on which Farm Credit Illinois will be honored. Read More

•April 13, 2022•
Submitted by Ted Walk
Superintendent of Sullivan CUSD #300

Sullivan Schools recently hosted three facility forums that culminated in Board action on Monday, April 11, to place a referendum on the ballot at the upcoming June 28th election for the replacement of the aging Sullivan Middle School. Formal discussions regarding possible facility improvements have occurred over the past few years. The discussion moved forward with rapidity after recommended architect estimates for repairs to Sullivan Middle School totaled just over $10 million. The Board engaged in a Facility Planning Session in November, and Facility Forums open to the community occurred throughout February and March. These three community meetings allowed for 188 people to give feedback on needs and wants of the future of Sullivan Schools. Read More

•April 6, 2022•

The Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) is reminding taxpayers that the upcoming deadline for filing 2021 state individual income tax returns is Monday, April 18, 2022.
“We encourage those who have not yet filed to do so soon. Filing electronically with direct deposit will ensure the fastest processing and issuance of any refunds,” said IDOR Director David Harris. “Taxpayers may file their electronic returns for free by using a registered MyTax Illinois account but may also file electronically with a tax preparer or third-party software.”
To aid in IDOR’s anti-fraud efforts, taxpayers filing their IL-1040’s through MyTax Illinois, must use a registered MyTax Illinois account. If they do not have a registered account, they may create one by choosing “sign up” in the login box at MyTax Illinois and follow the instructions. The ID number will be mailed to them within 10 days after being requested. While IDOR strongly encourages electronic filing, taxpayers can always file a paper return if they choose. Read More

•April 6, 2022•
Area residents interested in learning more about Moultrie County’s wind energy conversion system regulations are invited to attend an informational symposium sponsored by the Wind Energy Conversion System Committee/Moultrie County Board. Read More

Photo furnished by Marrowbone Public Library
From left to right: Joann Grove, Michelle Fitzgerald and Donna Sue Martin at Marrowbone Library.

•March 30, 2022•
by Crystal Reed
NP Writer

A memorial bench now sits in front of the Marrowbone Public Library in memory of a former head librarian. The bench is in memory of Jim and Joann Grove and was donated by the Grove family.
Joanne was the head librarian at the library from 1970-1988. She finished out her library career with the Rolling Prairie Library System.
Joanne was also notable because she was elected the first woman mayor of Bethany in 1997. She got to work, writing a grant that replaced the aging sewer system, formed a planning committee and convinced the village board to establish a TIF district. She had to give up her position as mayor in 2000 due to a stroke. Read More