•August 20, 2020•
Sometimes the enemy is closer than one thinks. The Moultrie County Health Department (MCHD) has received notice of a COVID-19 exposure in its office. For the safety of those the department serves and to reduce the risk of further COVID-19 transmission, the MCHD building will be closed to the public through Thursday, August 27, 2020. Until then, the health department will remain partially staffed and available for calls during regular business hours. Due to concerns about potential identification, additional information about the case/exposure is not being released.

“It is essential that we continue to serve our county to the best of our ability during this critical period,” said Moultrie County Health Department Administer Angela Hogan, RN, MSPH. “Staff and services will remain available as feasible by phone, Mon.-Fri., 8:30 a.m. - noon and 1- 4:30 p.m. Please call our office at 217-728-4114 if you need to schedule an appointment or to obtain immunization records, information or other assistance.”

Hogan noted that cases of COVID-19 are on the rise in Moultrie County and asks that all individuals join the department in reducing the transmission of the COVID-19 virus. She expressed confidence in our ability to achieve this reduction and reiterated the following four steps:
Wear a mask when in public or with anyone who is not a household member;
Watch physical distance from others in social situations and gatherings;
Wash hands frequently;
Stay home if ill or experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19.
Hogan goes on to say, “To every person in Moultrie County, the MCHD Staff greatly appreciates your patience and understanding during this challenging time. We are in this battle together, and our staff will continue to do our part to assist you in every way possible. Please do your part to protect each other and reduce the burden which COVID-19 places on our residents, schools, businesses and communities.”

For more information on the Moultrie County Health Department’s news, events and services and COVID-19 updates, please visit www.moultriehealth.org and follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/moultriecountyhealth.

Sincerely,

Glenda Plunkett

Moultrie County Public Health Department

Public Health Services Coordinator

202 S. Main St. l Sullivan, IL 61951

Office: (217) 728-4114 l Fax: (217) 728-2650

Both in-person and remote options are available

•August 19, 2020•
by Ariana Cherry
NP Writer

According to the Sullivan School District’s “Return to School Plan” handbook, “Sullivan CUSD #300 believes that on-site learning can occur with proactive measures and collaborative efforts from stakeholders.”
The Sullivan School district is providing both in-person and remote learning options in order to meet the variety of needs from its students. Should the regional and local statistics and metrics change, the district will be reaching out both to the Moultrie County Health Department and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH).
As stated in its “Return to School Plan,” the district says, “We are working diligently to bring our students back to school safely. The safety measures that the school district is taking include:
• Require the use of face coverings (e.g. masks) and appropriate protective equipment.
• Require additional hand hygiene measures including hand sanitizer in each room.
• Prohibit more than 50 individuals from gathering in one space.
• Require social distancing to be observed as much as possible.
• Require individuals to self-certify that they are symptom free before entering onto school buses and into school buildings.
• Require an increase in school wide cleaning and disinfecting. Read More

•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