Category Archives: News Section

Marsha Kirby Newest Mo. Co. Board Member

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•October 20, 2021•
by Crystal Reed
NP Writer

Marsha Kirby had her first meeting as a county board member last Thursday. Kirby replaces Neil Bryan. She is currently serving the remainder of his term with the board.
Kirby is in her 15th year at Sullivan High School where she teaches US history. She is also the advisor for Student Council and co-sponsor of Future Educators. In the community she is involved in the Miss Sullivan pageants, Sullivan Singers booster club president and has been a volunteer cheer coach for JFL. Read More

Little Theatre Fall Season

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Photo by R.R. Best
Daniel Durston as Elvis and Monica Ricketts as Marilyn Monroe in “The King and Marilyn.”

•October 20, 2021•
by Ellen Ferrara
NP Writer

The Little Theatre opened the summer with three wildly successful outdoor concerts which were enthusiastically received by crowds longing for a chance to mingle and socialize after nearly two years of quarantine. The performers were grateful for the opportunity to once again share their wonderful talents with a live audience.
The stunning “The King and Marilyn” just closed October 17 with Daniel Durston in the role of Elvis and Monica Ricketts as Marilyn Monroe. The musical is based on the fantasy of what might have been if Elvis and Marilyn had developed a relationship after their only meeting on a Hollywood movie lot. Elvis fans were treated to all of his biggest hits.
“The King and Marilyn” will forever be tied to Sullivan because Durston conceived and wrote the musical while he was here performing as Elvis in “Million Dollar Quartet”. Who says Sullivan isn’t an inspiring town? Read More

County Board Adopts Recommendations of Grievance Investigation Committee

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•October 20, 2021•
by Crystal Reed
NP Writer

The Moultrie County Board adopted three recommendations of the Grievance Investigation Committee findings. The first is the board’s need to establish a type of human resources department to deal with issues existing in the courthouse and with county board members. Second is a standardized grievance form developed and utilized for non-union county employees with all employees trained on completion and distribution of such forms and third, allowing the county assessment office to form its own GIS work from employees within that department.
The board approved transferring $30,000 from Moultrie County reserves to the Moultrie County Health Dept. as per ongoing agreement. At the time the new health department building was constructed, there was an excess of TIF funds for the amount needed so the county used that to pay off the remaining balance on the jail. The county agreed to repay those funds to the health department over a period of years. Read More

Food Pantry Candy Fundraiser now Accepting Candy Orders

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•October 20, 2021•
by Crystal Reed
NP Writer

Flesor’s Candy Kitchen will be accepting Christmas candy orders from Sullivan, Moultrie County, and surrounding county residents this year from now through November 22. Usually, the fundraiser is held at Cathrine’s Gallery but due to COVID-19 they are taking mail orders instead of holding an in-person event. All Christmas candy orders will be delivered to Cathrine’s Gallery for pick up beginning on December 9th. Read More

Windsor September Students of the Month

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Windsor September Students of the Month
Windsor Jr./Sr. High School recently announced their September Students of the Month, Claire Sims and Braydon Poe. Claire Sims is the daughter of Hank and Mary Sims. She is currently a sophomore and is involved in FFA. In spare time she enjoys taking care of her cattle. She hopes to one day become a veterinarian. Braydon Poe is the son of Devan Kidwell. He is currently a 7th grade student and plays on the basketball team. Pictured L to R: Braydon Poe and Claire Sims

Bruce Findlay Road Intersection Now Four Way Stop

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Photo by R.R. Best
Bruce Findlay Road Intersection Now Four Way Stop
On Saturday, October 9, the intersection of Illinois 32 and Bruce-Findlay Road became a four-way stop. Traffic traveling on Illinois 32 will now have to stop at this intersection. Additionally, flashing beacons notifying motorists of the four-way stop have been installed, as well as rumble strips in the pavement approaching the intersection. The improvements will provide a safer intersection for motorists traveling Illinois 32 and Bruce/Findlay Road. The safety upgrades are a result of IDOT working with local officials to perform a rigorous safety analysis following a crash involving a school bus and SUV in 2019 that resulted in the death of a 5-year-old boy and 56-year-old woman.

Fire Prevention Week 2021

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Photo by Crystal Reed
Fire Prevention Week
Bethany and Findlay fire departments visited Okaw Valley Elementary School last Tuesday during Fire Prevention Week. Students were able to look inside a fire truck, practice stop, drop, and roll and go through the smoke house. Above is Wesson Burns receiving help exiting the smoke house.

City Council Approves Acceptance of Right of Ways

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•October 20, 2021•
by Crystal Reed
NP Writer

The Sullivan City Council approved the acceptance of two right of ways during their meeting on Monday. The approval of the two right of ways means that the Bruder Tank TARP Project that was approved during the September 13 meeting can proceed. Voting yes to the acceptance of right of ways was Mayor Richard Glazebrook, Commissioner Doug Booker and Commissioner Mike Fowler. Commissioner Abbey Sherwood voted no on both and Commissioner Chuck Woodworth was absent.
The project will be paid for using a state legislative grant of $225,000 and the remaining $12,045.82 will be allocated from TIF funds.
The work will be done by IDOT.
Lee Beckman of Milano and Grunloh told the council that the water grant was submitted in August and he hopes they will hear back about it in December. The grant, if received, would be used to replace the water main on Main Street. For water plant, the IEPA permit should be granted in the next 30 days. Read More

House Blessing Held for Newest Habitat House

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Photo by Crystal Reed
Tammy Martin (third from the left) with Moultrie County Habitat for Humanity board members. Martin’s new home was dedicated on Friday, October 8.

•October 20, 2021•
by Crystal Reed
NP Writer

Moultrie County Habitat for Humanity broke ground in late August on their 31st build. Completion of the home was celebrated Friday, October 8, with a house blessing ceremony.
During the ceremony, a Holy Bible and an American flag were presented to the new homeowner Tammy Martin and her sons Tim and Trey. Moultrie County Habitat for Humanity presents these items to every new homeowner.
Tony Feeler presented the house key to the Martin family.
During the ceremony, Pastor Bob Vail of Allenville Christian Church gave a prayer, read a scripture selection from Proverbs 24:3-4 and blessed the house. The home includes three bedrooms and two bathrooms. The labor was donated for the mechanical, and volunteers provided the remainder of the labor. Volunteers included approximately 20 care-a-vanners who travel and volunteer for Habitat builds. According to Gary Smith, Moultrie County Habitat for Humanity Board President, this year’s build was pretty simple, mainly because some of the care-a-vanners are retired professionals. Read More