•September 7, 2016•

$2,800 for Food and Shelter

By Stu Baker
For the News Progress

Moultrie County has been chosen to receive $2,800.00 to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in the county.

The selection was made by a National Board that is chaired by the U. S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency and consists of representatives from American Red Cross; Catholic Charities, USA; National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA; The Jewish Federations of North America, The Salvation Army; and, United Way Worldwide. The Local Board was charged to distribute funds appropriated by Congress to help expand the capacity of food and shelter programs in high-need areas around the country.

A Local Board is made up of representatives from local government, Salvation Army, United Way, Catholic Charities and a former homeless person who will determine how the funds awarded to Moultrie County are to be distributed among the emergency food and shelter programs run by local service agencies in the area.  Read More

•September 7, 2016•

By Mike Brothers

Possible development of an Alzheimer treatment facility south of Sullivan could lead to a new Tax Increment Financing district.

Mayor Ann Short explained that Dr. Faisal Burkhari of Sullivan and a group of investors contacted the city expressing interest in building a treatment facility near Vineyard Church, south of Sullivan on Route 32.

Short noted the area is within the city limits, and if the city of Sullivan annexed property to the east, a TIF 4 district could be formed to allow future growth in the area.

Mayor Short noted those property owners could benefit from increased development of subdivisions as well as commercial expansion without endangering tax bases for existing agricultural operations.

“The city has been able to work with landowners to encourage participation in successful TIF districts, with those expiring possibly included in a new district,” she said. Read More

Photo by Mike Brothers
Large brush clearing equipment was contracted to help clear Asa Creek in Tabor Park

•August 31, 2016•

By Gerry Mander
for the News Progress

Walkers and runners visiting Tabor Park in Sullivan the past week may notice a different look along the creek.

“We are in the process of clearing honeysuckle and cleaning up around Asa Creek,” park’s supt. Kory Wiley explained.

Over the past decade honeysuckle and other invasive overgrowth has closed in on the walking paths at the 40 acre Tabor Park where Asa Creek flows.

Wiley explained clearing that brush away has opened the trails and should make those using the trails for exercising more comfortable.

The park district contracted with a Mattoon excavating firm for the major clearing which was accomplished over six days. Read More