Category Archives: News Section

IAHC Sheep to Clothing Event Postponed

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File photo
IAHC Sheep to Clothing Event Postponed
The Illinois Amish Heritage Center has decided the COVID 19 pandemic poses too great a threat to the health and well being of our volunteers, and our visitors to hold our Sheep to Quilts to Clothing event planned for June 6. We had hoped to again have our unique pancakes, liverwurst, and local maple syrup, demonstrations of many old time farm crafts, and children’s activities. We will get through this together, and when it is safe, we will plan an even better event!
IAHC is located just off Rt. 57, nine miles west of Arcola through Chesterville on Rt 133. FaceBook: Illinois Amish Heritage Center and on the web at www.illinoisamish.org for continued updates.

Down with the Old

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Photo by R.R. best
Down with the Old
The old water tower in Windsor served the community since the early 1930s. The 60,000 gallon tower was removed by Derrek Thornton of Johnstown last week. Two years ago the city of Windsor constructed a new 150,000 gallon water tower, which put the old tower out of service.

Top IPA Award

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File photo by R.R. Best
Top IPA Award
Moultrie County News Progress photographer Robert R. Best was awarded First Place in the Illinois Press Association 2019 contest. Best’s first place photograph was for Class 20 Spot News Photo in Division A. The photograph of the aftermath of the explosion of the Larry Schrock home in rural Sullivan showed fire fighters and police risking life and health in search of the lone survivor of the Feb. 1, 2019 fire. Illinois Press notified Best of the award April 1 with official presentation made during the IPA Convention October 22-23, 2020.

Windsor “Miss You” Parade

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Windsor “Miss You” Parade
Windsor CUSD 1 teachers and staff miss the students tremendously!
So much they had a parade through Windsor and Gays Thursday, April 2 beginning at 1 pm (in Windsor) and approximately 2 pm (in Gays).
The route began at the elementary school and traveled through town and down the east and west roads through the towns.
Social distancing maintained (at least 6 feet apart from one another and no more than 10 people in an area) during parade.
The streets were filled with students holding signs and cars of educator filled vehicles with plenty of waving teachers and staff.

CEFS Moultrie County Outreach Services Continue During Crisis

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Photo by Mike Brothers
Food Pantry Still Open
Above Jimmy Livingood of Bethany picked up his food box at the back door of the Harrison Street CEFS Moultrie County Food Pantry. The Sullivan based food pantry is operating Monday, Wednesday and Friday 8:30 a.m. through 4:30 p.m. Pantry director Lisa White explained due to social distancing requirements those seeking food orders should call 728-7721 and a Food Pantry volunteer will bring the order to the back door for loading. Easter is a time for greater needs and this year the anonymous ham donor has stepped up his donation to the Food Pantry. Sullivan IGA meat dept. manager Barry Golden explained the usual 100 ham order was increased to 150 hams for this Easter from the anonymous community benefactor. Director White explained Easter order requests have been made with delivery expected for Moultrie County Food Pantry recipients April 9.

•April 8, 2020•

C.E.F.S. Economic Opportunity Corporation is still providing services in Moultrie County to those in need during this COVID-19 crisis.
Our doors are closed to the general public, but we are still providing services. Below are the services we are providing and contact information to obtain those services:
The Outreach office is providing rent assistance, homeless services, and referral services. Utility assistance (LIHEAP) is now available until June 30. Read More

Local Businesses Can Seek Emergency Funding

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•April 8, 2020•

The Sullivan Chamber and Economic Development is working along with the city of Sullivan to help with emergency funding for local businesses.
“The Disaster Recovery Loan applications take about ten minutes to complete with an anticipated ten day turnaround,” SCED Director Laurrie Minor explained, noting there are businesses in Sullivan who have begun the application process.
“This is the time of year when our local businesses are ramping up for the season and they can’t do it under the circumstances,” she emphasized.
A second funding cycle begins with applications due April 15. Public notice will be issued April 22 and City Council review will occur May 4.
First round applications were to be submitted by April 6. Read More

Ministerial Association Responds to Those in Financial Need

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•April 8, 2020•
By Mike Brothers

The longer people need to stay at home the greater their needs, and the Sullivan Area Ministerial Association (SAMA) is offering help.
Responding to the needs created by COVID-19 area ministers are banning together to raise $20,000 to help people in the community in need of financial assistance.
“During this time, there are many people who are in need of immediate help because of COVID-19,” First Christian Church minister Grant Wade began.
“Some have been impacted by unemployment, by the closing of schools and a need for child care to keep their job, or just a need to help keep food on the table,” he continued. Read More

Easter Hope

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Photo by R.R. Best
Easter Hope
The Easter season represents hope during these bizarre times. The fun filled Easter decorations on this Lovington lawn reminds of what was, but cannot be this year because of social distancing. Instead of gangs of kids hunting brightly colored eggs at city and village parks they get to load into the family vehicle and drive. Easter Egg hunts canceled in Moultrie County have been replaced by the Sulllivan Fire Protection District’s Easter Drive Thru at Wyman Park. On Sunday April 12 beginning at 3:00 p.m. children up to 11 years old are invited to drive up to the north parking lot where volunteers will hand out Easter bags filled with select eggs, with some containing certificates for bicycles.

Moultrie County Health Department Reports Patient’s Positive Test for COVID-19

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•April 2, 2020•
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and Moultrie County Department of Public Health are announcing that one Moultrie County resident has tested positive for COVID-19. The patient is in her 30s. The patient is at home in isolation and CDC protocols have been implemented.
Public health officials are working to identify and actively monitor individuals who were in contact with the patient in an effort to reduce the risk of additional transmission.
Symptoms reported among patients testing positive for COVID-19 include mild to severe respiratory illness with fever, cough, flu-like symptoms and difficulty breathing.
The health department reports that 19 Moultrie County residents have been tested for COVID-19. To date, 13 tests are negative for coronavirus, and five are still pending.
The Moultrie County Health Department encourages everyone to consider themselves at risk for exposure to the novel coronavirus.
Everyone should stay at home as much as possible; remain vigilant about keeping germs from spreading by covering coughs and sneezes and washing hands with warm soap and water; and isolating themselves from others when they are ill.
For more information, contact:
Illinois Department of Public Health:
Call the COVID-19 Hotline at 1-800-889-3931, Email DPH.SICK@ILLINOIS.GOV, or Visit
http://www.dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/diseases-a-z-list/coronavirus
To learn more about Moultrie County Health Department’s events and services, please visit www.moultriehealth.org and follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/moultriecountyhealth .

Sullivan’s “Project Masks” Volunteers Respond in a Big Way

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Photo by Mike Brothers
Sharon White of Sullivan was one of 22 volunteers in “Project Masks”.

•April 1, 2020•
Thanks to 22 Sullivan sewing volunteers 200 protective masks were delivered to Decatur Memorial Hospital on March 27.
While others were fretting about what might happen next with the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic Margi Gaither made something good happen.
“I called DMH to ask if they needed some hand made masks,” Gaither said. “Without hesitation she said yes.”
That was the beginning of “Project Masks” in Moultrie County.
Gaither noted the lady at DMH explained they were awaiting pattern approval from the hospital and she would email it.
“After receiving the pattern, I posted it on FaceBook, and in our church newsletter,” Gaither continued noting she also called some seamstress friends. Read More