Photo by Emily Stutzman
Sullivan Rotary President Dave Cole (from right) Dist. Governor Kevin Younce and Mary Hodson, Assistant District governor at Oct. 4 meeting.

•October 19, 2016•

By Emily Stutzman
for the News Progress

The Sullivan Rotary Club met October 4 for their weekly meeting at the local TnT. Over salads and fried chicken, cobbler, and ice-cream, they chatted about local happenings and discussed their plans for the next week. Among the topics were Oktoberfest, the Zombie 5k Run (Susan Rauch laughingly assured us, “They’re not real zombies, don’t worry”), and the chili contest.

After lunch, new assistant governor Mary Hodson introduced herself saying, “My real job is to introduce Kevin Yonce, your district governor, but anyone who knows me, knows I talk a lot, so I’m going to introduce myself as well. Since I’m from Champaign-Urbana, I’m totally new to your club so I’m really eager to get to know you.”

She went on to speak about her experience as the district awards chair, a position she had held for the last 12 years at Rotary district conferences. Hodson also encouraged Sullivan Rotary members to attend district conferences, saying that it is “a good way to meet other Rotarians and share ideas”.

She explained that since Rotary is an international organization with the goals of community service, international service, and peace and friendship, it would be a good idea for the Sullivan club to become involved in an international project.  Read More

•October 19, 2016•

Sullivan Unit District #300 met Tuesday, October 11 accepting the district audit and a handbook for volunteers.

Superintendent Brad Tuttle explained the expanded use of volunteers has led to the development of a volunteer handbook as a general guide toward how and what is acceptable while volunteering within the school.

Tuttle noted the district is appreciative of the volunteers and hopes the handbook will provide a guideline.

In principal Dan Allen’s report he explained the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) is in operation at Sullivan Elementary School. Most classrooms have reading volunteers whole listen to students read once a week. Other RSVP members are pen pals with primary age students.

He went on to note RSVP along with homework hangout for students needing extra help, as well as student mentoring programs have all built on the school’s improvement plan. Read More

•October 12, 2016•

Moultrie County Habitat for Humanity provided another hand up presenting the keys to Nina Sides for her new home in a ceremony held at 5 p.m. Friday, October 7 in Sullivan.

Pictured left Sponsor Trish Welsh and Nina hug with Logan sandwiched in the middle and Gary Smith in background.

Six weeks from starting this 27th Moultrie County Habitat home the group of Habitat Care-A-Vanners who completed the last two week phase of the project were at the Sides’ new home for the key presentation.

Local Habitat committee chair Gary Smith explained the national Care-A-Vanners from Habitat for Humanity spend six weeks working and camping.

He noted that Faith Lutheran Church graciously donates a campground and that Pastor Paul McGhghy coordinated the local ministerial alliance area businesses and individuals to feed the volunteers during the build. Read More

•October 12, 2016•

Moultrie County personnel committee members unanimously approved the appointment of Lori Barringer as interim supervisor of assessments.

During the October 5 committee meeting chairman Roger Glazebrook recommended the appointment of Barringer who was chief deputy under assessor Cindy Kidwell. Committee members Kevin McReynolds and Ron White approved the appointment.

The county board will make the final decision at the October 13 meeting.

Assessor Kidwell had announced her retirement, recommending Barringer as her replacement, earlier this year. Kidwell died suddenly September 11, creating the need for the interim appointment.

County board chairman Dave McCabe explained the application process had been placed in motion with a November 1 deadline. Applications will be taken until then. At that point the county board will make a permanent appointment to the position.

As chief deputy Barringer completed the Certified Illinois Assessing Officer Certificate and Chief County Assessment Officer Certification. In addition, she has taken three additional classes offered by the Illinois Property Institute and Illinois Department of Revenue. Read More