Category Archives: News Section

Sheriff, States Attorney Concerned About Criminal Justice Legislation Passed by Illinois Senate and House

News Progress Posted on by

•January 20, 20201•
By Crystal Reed
NP Writer

The criminal justice reform package that was passed by the Illinois House and Senate Wednesday of last week is drawing concern from local officials. The bill which is sitting on the governor’s desk includes a complete overhaul of police certification and an effort to end cash bail.
The Senate debated the bill after 4 a.m. before it passed 32 to 23 just before 5 a.m., moving onto the House floor. The House passed the measure before noon Wednesday with the minimum 60 votes needed for approval.
According to Moultrie County State’s Attorney Tracy Weaver, in a meeting last Tuesday about the legislation, all but two state’s attorneys in Illinois opposed this legislation. “This bill, if signed into law, will have a devastating impact on criminal prosecution and deterrence of criminality in Illinois,” she said “For example, it significantly restricts the circumstance under which someone can be held on bond (renamed under the bill as “pretrial release.)” Read More

Summer Employment Available

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•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

City Council Approves Additional Funds For COVID PPE Supplies

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•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

MCHD COVID-19 Vaccine Update

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•January 13, 20201•
The Moultrie County Health Department will provide COVID-19 vaccinations under the Illinois Department of Public Health guidelines.
Currently, the MCHD is vaccinating Phase 1a* frontline healthcare workers and Emergency Medical Staff who live or work in Moultrie County. Preparation to vaccinate Phase 1b** populations is underway. Read More

IHSA Meets Virtually with IDPH, Deputy Governor

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•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

Courtyard Estates of Sullivan Introduces “Hugging Booth”

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•January 13, 20201•
Courtyard Estates of Sullivan, Supportive Living, has had to get creative during COVID-19. Many things have had to be modified for safety and not only has the staff come up with new ideas, the families have been creative as well, specifically one family that has made it possible for tenants to actually “hug” their loved one.
The Welsh family generously gifted Courtyard Estates of Sullivan with a “hugging booth.” They came up with the idea, along with the materials and the construction of the whole booth. It sits against an outer door that gives families safe entrance into a booth and it’s fit with plastic arms and gloves on both sides of the booth, for both the tenant and family member to hug. Read More

First Place Finish

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Photo submitted
First Place Finish
Sylvia Dawkins, 9, of Sullivan earned a first place finish this past weekend in the double-mini competition in Davenport, IA. Sylvia competes on her team from Prairieland Tumbling out of Lovington.

2021 St. Mary’s Hospital First Baby

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2021 St. Mary’s Hospital First Baby
Tiffany and Shaun Cotner of Bethany with their new son Harrison Cotner, the first baby of 2021 born at St. Mary’s Hospital. Harrison arrived at 7:20 a.m. Jan 1, weighing 8 pounds and 7.6 ounces and is 21 inches long.