•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.
Category Archives: News
Moultrie County Dive Team Seeking New Members
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
Squirrel Strikes a Pose
Photo by Crystal Reed
Squirrel Strikes a Pose
This friendly squirrel was found in Wyman Park digging through the snow for food.
Snow Removal
Photo by Crystal Reed
Snow Removal
A Sullivan School District plow removes snow last Thursday morning as the area received an accumulation. More snow is predicted for later this week.
Fish Habitat Alliance schedules Spring events
•February 2, 2022•
By Sharon Barricklow
Correspondent
The Lake Shelbyville Fish Habitat Alliance and the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers have announced their spring schedule of building and placing fish habitats for the 2022 fishing season.
Events will kick off on February 12 with a “cube build” at the Corps Shelbyville Maintenance Buildings. Volunteers use PVC pipe and drainage tubes to construct structures that can be placed in shallow water around the lake. Read More
U-Knight 305 Community Facilitating Team Forms Two Building Scenarios for the Future of ALAH
•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
Miller Barn to be Disassembled, Moved
Photo courtesy of Tom Vance
The east side of the Miller barn which was built in 1879. There are plans to disassemble the barn starting Monday, January 31. The barn will be raised in the fall on the site of the Illinois Amish Heritage Center.
•January 26, 2022•
by Crystal Reed
NP Writer
A local barn will be disassembled, moved to the Illinois Amish Heritage Center and reassembled later in the year. The Miller barn, built in 1879, is in its original condition including the threshing floor and grain bins; however, there is a concrete floor which was put in the south end of the barn in 1954.
The barn will be moved, fully repaired and restored. The plan is to start disassembling the barn Monday, January 31 and to have it down in four to five days. Read More
City Council Authorizes Issuance of Bonds for Water Plant
•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
Retail and Residential Development to be Built
•January 19, 2022•
by Crystal Reed
NP Writer
A residential and retail development has broken ground on the east side of Route 32 near the Red Apple. The whole development is 17 acres and will be a mix of multi-family and commercial or light industrial properties. Five acres will be multi-family rentals and 12 acres will be marketed for development.
The first phase of the development will be called Reserve Sullivan. This is two eight-unit high quality rental properties that will be two and three-bedroom. There are also plans for a three-unit commercial building which Tabeling Development will be breaking ground on next month. Read More
Planning and Zoning Duties Assigned to Assessor’s Office
•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