•December 7, 2016•
The Moultrie County Board reorganized December 1 following oaths administered to newly elected members.
County Clerk Georgia England presided over the new board, reminding county board members they have been elected to serve the best interests of all 15,000 citizens of the county.
She also encouraged each board member to visit every county office, encouraging their involvement in all aspects of county government. Read More
•December 7, 2016•
By Ariana Cherry
for the News Progress
After returning from their closed session meeting, Sullivan City Council voted to have Jerry Risley fill the position as the street commissioner after Ken Johnson stepped down recently.
Risley begins serving as commissioner December 12 after a new resolution has been passed. He serves until the next election in April 2017.
Mayor Ann Short shared a letter with council members that stated Clem Uptmor would be retiring from his position as director at Elizabeth Titus Memorial Library. Michelle Nolen, who has been the children’s librarian, will be the new director starting January 1, 2017.
Other news that was discussed or acted upon:
(at the two previous November meetings) Read More
Photo furnished
Parkland Hosts FFA Agronomy CDE
Members of the Windsor FFA Chapter attended the Section 16 FFA Agronomy CDE at Parkland Community College November 15. The members were tasked with identifying different species of crops and weeds, reading maps of soil types, and judging groups of crops. As a team, the Windsor FFA Chapter placed fourth overall. Tristan Boehm placed in the top 10 in Section 16 as an individual. Members of the team include Kendra Reed, Hannah Morlen, Gage Sattler, Mason Campbell, Tristan Boehm, Brandon Milligan, Whitney Pepperdine, and Colby Kidwell.
Photo by Mike Brothers
Newly Elected County Officials
Judge Dan L. Flannell administered the oaths of office to Moultrie County officials December 1. They were elected during the November 8, 2016 election. Pictured above from left: Republican county board members Tim Rose, Kevin McReynolds, Mike Barringer and Ron White. Democrat Moultrie County circuit clerk Cindy Braden, Republican coroner Lynn Reed, Republican state’s attorney Jeremy Richey and Judge Flannell who administered his final oaths as Chief Judge of the Sixth Judicial Circuit.
Photo by RR Best
Under Pressure
Timberwolves Connor Cloyd is under pressure from Shelbyville defender during the 55-32 Okaw Valley High School loss to Shelbyville December 2.
Photo furnished
The Okaw Valley High School U.S. Corp of Engineers Cooperative continued last week as students planted trees as part of the environmental restoration phase. Back row left to right: Brody Bland, AnthonyWeekly, Zared Ledbetter, Matthew Buxton, Conner Cloyd, J.T. Bland, and Tanner Coleman. Front row left to right: Cody Hinkle, Cody Drake, Ethan Macklin, Jesse Robinson, Wes Wise
Photo by Mike Brothers
Sullivan City Adminstrator Dan L. Flannell assumes new duties after retiring as Chief Judge of the Sixth Judicial Circuit in January.
•November 30, 2016•
By Mike Brothers
When Dan Flannell becomes Sullivan city administrator January 16, 2017 he leaves a 28 year career as Moultrie County Circuit Judge to walk across the street for a new challenge.
On November 21 the Sullivan City Council ended a long search for a city administrator when they chose retiring Judge Flannell to coordinate the city’s day to day operations.
“I knew when I stepped down from the bench, I didn’t want to retire,” Flannell said, noting when he learned of the city’s search for an administrator in the spring it interested him.
Appointed Chief Judge of the Sixth Circuit in 2012, following the illness of Judge John Shonkwiller in Piatt County, Flannell found himself enjoying the administrative duties involved in balancing court operations in rural counties such as Moultrie and Douglas as well as two metro centers in Champaign and Decatur.
Thinking the city administrator position might be a unique match for his skills, he applied and was considered along with other professional applicants.
“I know there were several applicants, and I am grateful to the city council for choosing me,” he said.
“I realize it’s a lot different than being a judge, but I intend to start learning as much as possible.” Read More
Gypsy Soul
•November 30, 2016•
By Ellen Ferrera
for the News Progress
Gypsy Soul Revival, next to Thrifty Boutique is just full of beautiful eye candy. Colorful blouses and tees, an entire rack of pastel, plaid, flannel shirts, turquoise handmade jewelry and two comfy chairs in front of a table of goodies for that shopping-weary hubby.
The mother/daughter owners are Sheri Seabaugh and Darby Harden, and they started their store almost four years ago. They had been doing a runway show which was closing down, and they felt like gypsies with nowhere to go, and thus was the inspiration for their store name.
“I make most of the jewelry, and Darby makes a lot of the clothes,”said Sheri, “although some of the clothing comes from California. We are pleased to offer sizes from small to 3X including children’s clothing.” Read More
Photo by RR Best
Archie Has Got a New Vest
Sullivan patrolman Adam Collins and Moultrie County sheriff’s deputy Kaleb Smith, K-9 patrol Archie’s handler, is pictured with Archie in his new bullet and puncture proof vest. Sullivan police dept.’s annual Rushmore law enforcement golf outing generated the extra funds from the 50/50 raffle and hole sponsors to help purchase the new vest. Golf outing coordinator Collins received approval from the sheriff’s K-9 unit for the donation with which police were able to purchase the $1800 vest for $1100.
•November 30, 2016•
By Ellen Ferrera
for the News Progress
Simpler Thymes located across from the IGA is by no means simple but seems like a walk back in time with all the carefully selected antiques, primitives and vintage items artfully displayed by owner Brandi Novak and her staff. While many of the items belong to Novak, she does rent out space to other dealers.
“A lot of the materials in the booths are made by the dealers, said Novak. We have an art teacher from Windsor, and she makes all of the pottery in her booth”.
Most everything here is primitive, vintage antique or repurposed old items such as paintings on barn wood or painted window frames. The unique feature is that Simpler Thymes carries a lot of the larger items such as furniture, chairs, desks and cabinets that most stores of this genre don’t carry. Read More