Brad McGill presents $1,000 in memory of his son, Brandon

•January 27, 20201•
By Ariana Cherry
NP Writer

Coach Brad McGill, who recently lost his son Brandon McGill, attended the school board meeting to present a check for $1,000 in memory of Brandon. “There are no words that adequately express the love and appreciation from this district and community,” he stated. Brad and his wife also wanted to publicly acknowledge their thankfulness and appreciation of everyone’s prayers, thoughts, support and donations. The $1,000 donation will be used as the #BeStrong and #BeKind Brandon Memorial Award. The $1,000 will be split into $250 awards to anyone who has received special services from the district.
Kyle Loyd of Future Green gave a presentation concerning the possibility of using solar energy in the school district in the future. If the district moves forward with the project, Future Green will lease the space (the roof), and they would give the school power which would be at a “X” discounted rate (15-20% estimate). The district will not have to provide a deposit or money upfront. The lease is for 25 years, and after 20 years, the school will be given a choice whether to renew. After 15 years, the district may decide whether they want to purchase depending on what the cost is at that time. The condition of the roof where the system would be placed is very important before beginning the project. At this time, there is still more work that needs to be done to the roof. Read More

•January 20, 20201•
By Crystal Reed
NP Writer

The Moultrie County Board approved two motions related to the Illinois Route 32 and County Highway 4 intersection during their meeting Thursday evening. The first item was a cost sharing agreement with the Illinois Department of Transportation for the improvement of the Illinois Route 32 and County Highway 4 intersection.
The second item was a Moultrie County Funding resolution regarding the improvement of the Illinois Route 32 and County Highway 4 intersection in the amount of $2,900. According to County Engineer Jeff Birch, the final cost for the project will be determined by the bid cost. He anticipates that IDOT will take the project for a March bid letting. Read More

•January 13, 20201•
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Lake Shelbyville is looking for qualified candidates to fill student vacancies for the 2021 summer recreation season. Lake Shelbyville offers a great work experience opportunity for those students who plan to make a career in biological sciences, outdoor recreation, or law enforcement.
Temporary student positions are available for graduating seniors and college students at the GS-02 level. These positions are available in Interpretive Services, Visitor Assistance, Facility/Grounds Maintenance, Environmental Stewardship, and Administration with an hourly rate around $12.33 and a 40 hour per week work schedule during the summer term. Candidates may be required to work a combination of days, nights, weekends, and holiday shifts. Read More

•January 13, 20201•
by Crystal Reed
NP Writer

The Sullivan City Council approved additional funds for COVID PPE supplies during Monday night’s meeting. The action was granted to the city administrator to purchase COVID personal protective equipment in the amount not to exceed an additional $10,000 for a total authorization of $60,000. Commissioner Abbey Sherwood asked City Administrator Dan Flannell whether he has seen a need for youth masks. He replied that he will contact the Sullivan school superintendent to look into it.
Flannell said he is hopeful not to spend the full $10,000 which come from the general fund. Read More

•January 13, 20201•
By Jason Brown
NP Sports

As Illinois High School Association (IHSA) sports remain paused and low risk sports may not begin until the state returns to Phase 4 in the All Sports Policy, the IHSA Board of Directors met Jan. 6 and has scheduled to meet again Jan. 13 to figure out whether winter and spring sports can begin.
“Our Board of Directors is going to have difficult decisions to make regarding the seasons for medium and high-risk sports very soon,” said IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson. “With no specific IDPH timeline or statistical benchmarks established for the return of sports and the calendar shrinking, putting together a puzzle that allows for all sports to be played becomes increasingly improbable. We continue to urge all residents of our state to be diligent in their efforts to adhere to safety guidelines, as a lower positivity rate remains the key to athletics returning.” Read More