Category Archives: News Section

New Waste Water/Treatment Plant Sewer Operator Is One Employment Opportunity In Sullivan

News Progress Posted on by

•October 18, 2017•

By Ariana Cherry
for the News Progress

The city of Sullivan is in search of a new waste water/treatment plant sewer operator. The purpose of this new position is to prepare for future retirement which could be eight to 10 years down the road.

Planning ahead for such an event could allow someone to step right in and keep the city from hiring outside contractors to do the the work that is needed.

“The waste water/treatment plant sewer operator position is a very technical position, math intensive and requires lab work,” explained city administrator Dan Flannell.  Read More

Shelter on the Square Generates City Council Discussion

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Family Asks for Chicken Variance

•October 18, 2017•

By Ariana Cherry
for the News Progress

Discussion regarding the possible “shelter/pavilion” on 1 E. Jefferson continued at the last Sullivan City Council meeting.

The $6-8,000 donation for the proposed structure will finance a “bare bones” facility, leaving the city to pay for other additional details of the structure.

Some of the additional details of the structure include whether to anchor it or allow it to be moved.

Discussion among the council focused on the “appearance” of the structure and whether it would be a just a “pole-barn” or created with some type of timber to blend in to the existing structures on the square.  Read More

County Board OKs Planning Zoning/ESDA Reorganization

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•October 18, 2017•

By Mike Brothers

A reorganization plan for the ESDA/Planning office was approved by the Moultrie County Board October 12 with the new half time ESDA coordinator making twice the salary of other counties.

Before voting against the plan, board member Mike Barringer said his research including 15 counties surrounding Moultrie revealed the $30,657 annual half time salary is double what other counties pay.

Coles County ESDA is paid $12,000 annually and Shelby County $18,000.

“This is nothing personal, but I feel we should be looking after the taxpayers of Moultrie County,” Barringer explained.

Jan Haegen proposed the reorganization of ESDA/Planning and Zoning to allow him to serve as half-time ESDA coordinator.  Read More

Busy Sullivan Fire Dept.

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Photo by RR Best
Busy Sullivan Fire Dept.
Fire Prevention Week was Oct. 8-12 with Sullivan firefighters visiting Sullivan schools. In the above photo students learned about special rescue equipment such as the “Jaws of Life” during the Sullivan Fire Dept. elementary school visit. This Saturday the firefighters will be serving pancakes and sausage at the seventh annual event. Children under five get free pancakes and sausage while adults can make donations during the 6-10 a.m. event at the Harrison Street fire station.

Sullivan Purchases Land to Expand Economic Growth Opportunities 

News Progress Posted on by

•October 18, 2017•

By Ariana Cherry
for the News Progress

The city of Sullivan purchased 17.325 acres of land south of town for $213,219 ($12,200/acre) in September. This purchase gives Sullivan a chance to expand its economic growth and prevents being landlocked.

For the past few years Sullivan’s economic growth has been stagnant as there has been a limited opportunity for growth. The 17.3 acres will allow for potential commercial or industrial sites that could add employment opportunities within the city thus bringing new families and individuals to town.

“The population has been stagnant because there hasn’t been any room for growth in the past” city administrator Dan Flannell began. “This is a small step to open the door to the south allowing for growth. If we grow, we will have more attractions which will bring more population and more business, etc.”   Read More

Sullivan Schools Receive Good Financial Rating

News Progress Posted on by

•October 18, 2017•

Sullivan school board members learned that the district is in good financial condition, and student PARCC testing scores are continuing to improve.

Mose, Yockley, Brown and Kull, LLC conducted the District 300 audit as of June 30, 2017 reporting at the Oct. 10 meeting that the financial rating for the district was 3.9. Superintendant Ted Walk explained the rating meant the district is in high status level financially for schools. Read More

WHS Sponsors Blood Drive

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Photo furnished WHS Sponsors Blood Drive Windsor High School National Honor Society and student council want you to donate blood and help save a life. The blood drive is noon-5 p.m.Thursday, October 19 in the Windsor High School gymnasium. The goal is 25 units.

Rainbow of Fun at Titus Manor Family Color Run

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Photo furnished
Titus Manor Annual Family Color Run engulfs Wyman Park in cloud of color.

Color Fight Ensues Using Leftovers

•October 11, 2017•

The Titus Manor Annual “Family Fun Color Run” was held Saturday September 30. At 9 a.m., all runners were lined up and ready to go at Wyman Park. Some ran a 5K and some a 3K. Those who didn’t want to run, could walk.

“This is a really great time for families to get together and do something fun and healthy,” said Lisa Smothers, office manager. “It was a nice crisp fall day and we had a great turnout.”

After the run, awards and trophies were presented to the individuals with the fastest time in both the 5K and 3K categories. In addition to that, medallions were awarded to those who came in first in their age category.  Read More

Windsor Schools Students of Month 10-11-2017

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Windsor Schools Students of Month
September Students of the Month at Windsor Jr./Sr. High School are senior Kasey Bean, daughter of Todd and Bobbie Bean and seventh grade student Gracie Brownlee, daughter of Gregory and Ashleah Brownlee.
Bean is involved in volleyball, Student Council, NHS, Vice President of Spanish Club, Pep Club, WYSE, FFA, and is senior class treasurer. Brownlee will play volleyball this winter.

Long and Winding Road From Moultrie Co. to Graham Correctional Center in Hillsboro

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File photo
Chad J. Matheson

•October 11, 2017•

By Mike Brothers

Chad Matheson, 42, of Bethany was supposed to report to Moultrie County Sheriff Chris Sims for transport to Graham Correctional Center in Hillsboro September 25.

Matheson was given time to put his affairs in order before serving a three year sentence following his guilty plea for forgery in Moultrie County. Public defender Marvin Hanson represented Matheson who was ordered to make restitution of $40 to the Red Apple Restaurant and $20 to Hardee’s. State’s Attorney Jeremy Richey appeared for the state in court proceedings. Read More