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•September 20, 2017•

By Ellen Ferrera
for the News Progress

In 1864 the Moultrie County Board purchased 200 acres from Eli York to establish what would be variously called the Almshouse, the Poor Farm, the York Farm or the Poor House. In 1865 William F. Crouch was hired as the first superintendent.

In those days pauperism was considered a moral failing that could be erased through order and hard work. The poor, sick, insane and orphans were sent to these places when they had no other means or anyone to care for them.   Read More

•September 20, 2017•

By Ellen Ferrera
for the News Progress

John Schwartz, a 1968 graduate of Bethany High School, recently retired from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Director Credibility Assessment Division Office of Internal Affairs, U. S. Customs and Border Protection, and he will be the guest speaker at the Alumni Association’s banquet Saturday, October 7.

Several changes have been made to this year’s celebration. A live band will perform for the first time, courtesy of Bill Rowe, and the venue this year will be the Bethany Grade School gym. Also, for the first time, the 2017 and 2018 Okaw Valley seniors have been invited to attend. The classes of 1967 and 1992 will be honored. Read More

•September 13, 2017•

In an effort to improve the allocation of alcohol beverage compliance resources, the state of Illinois and Moultrie County have recently joined forces to launch the Moultrie County Liquor Inspection Pilot Program.

Under the agreement, the Moultrie County Health Department has begun carrying out Standard Liquor Inspections for all Moultrie County license holders on behalf of the state of Illinois. Utilizing existing state resources, the Illinois Liquor Control Commission (ILCC) is providing financial assistance and training for designated local inspectors.  Read More

•September 13, 2017•

By Mike Brothers
for the News Progress

Faced with attendance challenges the Moultrie County Board Legislative Committee is looking into allowing remote attendance of meetings.

Committee chair Tim Rose presented the proposed resolution authorizing remote attendance at the September 5 meeting to the three member committee. Rose explained the resolution followed open meetings act guidelines.

County board chair Dave McCabe joined Todd Maxedon in voting to recommend the resolution to the full county board, due to the absence of committee member Mike Barringer. Read More