Category Archives: News Section

Moultrie County Historical and Genealogical Society Remodeling New Location

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Photo by Crystal Reed
The Moultrie County Historical and Genealogical Society is in the process of renovating the old D&M building on Route 32 in Sullivan. They hope to open sometime this summer.

•February 16, 2022•
by Crystal Reed
NP Writer

The Moultrie County Historical and Genealogical Society is in the process of renovating their new location, the former site of D&M, on Route 32. Their old location in downtown Sullivan was the fire station. That building housed the museum and offices of the society. However, they began looking for a new location last year because they were running out of museum space.
According to MCHGS member Paul Stone, their new site will have an increase in museum space and office space. According to the blueprints, in the front left corner of the building will be an office. Towards the back left will be the library. Read More

Council Approves Resolutions and Agreements for Project

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•February 16, 2022•
by Crystal Reed
NP Writer

The City Council approved resolutions and agreements for the Bernius Street project during Monday’s meeting. Commissioner Chuck Woodworth was absent due to a work assignment. The first item was the approval of an engineering firm.
Only one firm, Milano and Grunloh, responded. The council unanimously approved the selection of the firm for the Industrial Way project.
A local agency company agreement for the Economic Development Program (EDP) grant. Lee Beckman of Milano and Grunloh, said that this is an agreement between the city and Bernius in regard to the job creation for the project that will allow them to get the grant funds and build the street. They can receive $30,000 for job creation and $10,000 for job retainage. They have EDP and TARP funds for this project. The council unanimously approved this. Read More

Moultrie Co. Board passes ordinances for ARPA funds

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•February 16, 2022•
by Crystal Reed
NP Writer

The Moultrie County Board passed ordinances authorizing the Moultrie County treasurer to issue checks for the first round of American Rescue Plan Act funds that the county received. Receiving money in this round were Bethany American Legion Post #507 $14,000; Moultrie County Habitat for Humanity $46,800; Lovington American Legion Post #429 $5,000; Mid-Illinois Senior Services, Inc. $30,000; Sullivan American Legion Post #68 $25,000; Sullivan Lions Club $14,000; Lovington Fire Department $89,449; Bethany Fire and Ambulance District $150,000; Sullivan Fire Protection District $208,000 and Moultrie County Counseling Center $350,000. Read More

Chocolate Covered Strawberries for St. Jude

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Photo by Crystal Reed
Chocolate Covered Strawberries for St. Jude
Several members of Team Mattoon that will be participating in the St. Jude Run gathered at the Bethany Firehouse on Saturday to make chocolate covered strawberries as a fundraiser to help cover their entry fees. This is the fourth year they have done this fundraiser. An upcoming event for the St. Jude Team Mattoon group is the St. Jude Dash and Bash which will be held on June 11. Pictured above is Samantha Yoder of Bethany dipping strawberries in chocolate.

Tea Party

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Tea Party
Local mothers and their daughters enjoyed a fancy tea party at The Red Apple in Sullivan over the weekend. There was tea, snacks, games, big hats, fancy attire, and lots of laughs. The event was hosted by April-Lyn Golden.

Sullivan District Spelling Bee 2022

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Photo by Crystal Reed
Sullivan District Spelling Bee
Sullivan School District held their spelling bee on Monday afternoon in the high school/junior high commons. There were 28 students from the elementary school and junior high that participated in the bee. At the end of the bee there was a spell off to see who would be first alternate and second alternate. In total, there were three finalists and two alternates. Pictured are the finalists and alternates: Alex Fultz, sixth grade, Brynner Johnson, sixth grade and Mary Crist, seventh grade, first alternate: Allyssa Prahl, sixth grade and second alternate: Weslee Allen, sixth grade.

Lake Land Early Childhood Students 100th Day

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Lake Land Early Childhood Students 100th Day
Lake Land College early childhood education instructor Tanille Ulm, Charleston, poses with her students in front of the bulletin board they designed for the one hundredth day of class. Pictured are Stephanie Miller (Charleston), Ulm, Lauryn Moore (Marshall), Clair Davis (Effingham), Carissa Denny (Tuscola), Hannah Cook (Arthur), Allison Cohorst (Wheeler), Jessica Inglsbe (Assumption), Kiley Tolch (Dieterich) and Katie Williamson (Mattoon).

OV 8th Grade Boys Basketball win Regional Championship

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OV 8th Grade Boys Basketball win Regional Championship
The Okaw Valley 8th grade Boys Basketball team won the Regional Championship 45-33 over Kincaid on Monday night. The boys are 17-5 and will play St. Anthony at Effingham St. Anthony on Wednesday night at 6:30 pm in the IESA Sectional.

Lovington American Legion Broken into Last Saturday

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•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.

Moultrie County Dive Team Seeking New Members

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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