•June 25, 2020•
The Moultrie County Health Department (MCHD) has confirmed the 16th case of the novel coronavirus-2019 (COVID-19) in Moultrie County. The patient is a male in his 70s and is recovering at home in isolation. Public health officials are contacting all close contacts.
To date, 709 Moultrie County residents have been tested for COVID-19. Of those tests, 16 have been confirmed positive for COVID-19. Of the 16 laboratory confirmed coronavirus cases in Moultrie County, 13 have been released from isolation.
As public organizations and businesses reopen, it is important that everyone continues to use precautions to reduce the risk of transmitting COVID-19 infection. To help contain the spread of COVID-19, the MCHD recommends that individuals: Wash their hands routinely ;Avoid touching their face ; Bypass nonessential trips into the public; Keep children at home; Maintain a physical distance of six feet from others; Wear a mask in public when physical distancing is not possible.
Symptoms associated with COVID-19 include: Fever, Fatigue, Dry cough, Chills, Body aches, Headache, Sore throat, Loss of smell or taste.
Individuals should immediately seek medical attention if they experience difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, confusion, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, or a bluish color in the lips or face.
If an individual is ill with symptoms associated with coronavirus and needs medical or emergency care, they should notify their physician or emergency medical service providers of their symptoms prior to arrival.
For more information on the Moultrie County Health Department’s news, events and services, please visit www.moultriehealth.org and follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/moultriecountyhealth
Category Archives: News Section
Moultrie Meth Conviction Leads to Prison Sentence
•June 24, 2020•
Kelvin Dees, 40, who has resided in Moultrie County Corrections Center for the past 147 days will be there a while longer. Read More
Sullivan Streets Maintained
Photo by R.R. Best
Sullivan Streets Maintained
The annual Sullivan oil and chipping program is underway with the Earl Walker Company. The Street Department used 30,400 gallons of oil, 1,000 tons of CA-15 rock and was able to till 7,300 square yards of road this year. “We are hoping to continue progressing in this manner in the future,” Street Dept. Commissioner Peggy Hargis said. “Our ultimate goal is to have all City streets routinely maintained.”
Sullivan Grows to the South with Property Sale Along Route 32
•June 24, 2020•
By Mike Brothers
Development of 17 acres of city owned property south along Route 32 took a step forward at the Sullivan City Council meeting.
Tabeling Development Company, LLC is purchasing the TIF qualified site for $242,200 with the intent to develop 12 lots initially.
City attorney Andrew Bequette explained that the agreement includes for the city to provide up to $250,000 in utilities including water, sewer, gas and electric services but no roads or sidewalks.
If a portion goes undeveloped for five years, the city may purchase acreage back at market value.
The agreement is pending rezoning from Agriculture to Residential and whether possession is before or after crops are harvested from the farm property.
Mayor Richard Glazebrook made the motion to approve the ordinance approving and authorizing execution of the Tax Increment Financing District Redevelopment agreement with Tabeling. Read More
Knee High/Sky High
Droneography by R.R. Best
Knee High/Sky High
This planting season was plagued with weather challenges but Moultrie County farmers stuck it out and corn is growing in the summer sun. The 4th of July arrives next week and the standard measurement of a good crop was if the corn is knee high by the fourth of July. Five year olds Leah and Landon Ziebler are looking to the sky in their grandpa, Mark Brewer’s field southwest of Bethany.
Fourth of July Will Be Celebrated in Sullivan
•June 24, 2020•
By Fiery Works
for the News Progress
It’s the Fourth of July, why wouldn’t we be there,” American Legion Post 68 Fundraising Chair Mike Keown said of the club’s commitment to Fourth of July celebration for Sullivan.
Keown told Sullivan’s City Council that the parade and fireworks show will happen on the Fourth.
“The Color Guard, fire trucks and other emergency vehicles will be in the parade,” Keown said, noting safe distance guidelines would be observed. Read More
Conversation with a Local WW II Veteran Johnnie Green
•June 24, 2020•
By Joe Pound
for the News Progress
Today I sat down with John Junior Green (Johnnie Green), who is being cared for by Lulubelle (Logue) Morris, my next door neighbor to the south. John is 94 years of age (born in 1926) and has a home elsewhere in Sullivan.
He is the son of Earl Lucion Green & Mildred Moran. Their children are Dorothy, John J., Robert, Billy, Jimmy and Inius, who died at birth. John’s children are Linda (Robinson) & John S.
John’s health is fragile and his hearing is minimal even with hearing aids, but his memory of his WW II experiences is excellent. To communicate Lulubelle speaks directly into his left ear the questions that I asked him. Even then he often needed her to repeat the question.
My purpose in visiting with John and Lulubelle, was to ask about his service in the U. S. Navy in the western Pacific during WW II. Lulubelle had advised me in an earlier backyard conversation about his many fascinating stories from his service during the great war. I was also encouraged to consider this history story by the June 2020 issue of the National Geographic magazine. The cover article is “The Last Voices of World War II.”
Johnnie Green is certainly one of those voices. Read More
Sullivan School Board Approves Self-operated Food Service
Selects New Elementary Principal
•June 24, 2020•
By Ariana Cherry
for the news Progress
During the 2020-2021 school year, the Sullivan School district plans to move to a self-operated food service program.
A Food Service Director will be needed to operate the program.
The job description of a food service director is explained as follows: “ The food service director plans, directs and coordinates the activities of the district’s food service program. They shall be responsible for the completion of all obligations specified by county, state and federal laws and regulations, as well as other duties as specified by the superintendent and board. Some of the qualifications for the position include having a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent educational experience with an academic major in nutrition or culinary, completing at least 8 hours of food safety training, have a food service sanitation certificate that is up to date and basic understanding and experience with personal computers and programs. Read More
Mitchell Esslinger Launches Campaign for District 102 Seat
Mobilizing for Real Change
•June 24, 2020•
By Ellen Ferrera
for the News Progress
On June 17 Mitchell Esslinger announced his Democratic candidacy for the Illinois House of Representatives District 102 seat with a speech outside the Moultrie County Courthouse.
Born in Champaign and raised in Strasburg, Mitchell attended Stewardson-Strasburg High School, Lake Land College, and the University of Illinois. At the University of Illinois, he worked with local law enforcement to protect student safety.
As a property renovator, Mitchell started at age 12 working for his family’s rental properties. As a tutor, he saw how important it is that we give our schools what they need to succeed.
He has volunteered to work in the campaigns of Barak Obama, Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton. Read More
75 years for Booths For Murder Attempts
•June 24, 2020•
Alvan Booths was sentenced to 75 years with the Illinois Dept. of Corrections by Judge Hugh Finson in Moultrie County Circuit Court Tuesday.
Booths was previously convicted of two counts of attempted first degree murder and home invasion with a 15 year firearm enhancement.
State’s Attorney Tracy Weaver pointed to the great bodily harm suffered by victim Otha Phillips during the Feb. 4, 2019 home invasion, which helped Judge Finson decide on consecutive sentences for Booths.