The 2014 Spring Trout Fishing season in Illinois will begin at 5 a.m. Saturday, April 5, Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Director Marc Miller announced recently.
“The spring trout season is always a great time for families to go fishing and catch some tasty trout, and we’re delighted to be able to add several new locations for trout fishing,” said Director Miller. Read More
The 2014 camping season began with the early opening of Area 5 at the Forrest W. “Bo” Wood Campground on Tuesday, April 1. These campsites (114 – 141) are available on a first come, first served basis and sites will be paid for using the honor vault system until Thursday, April 17. From May 8 to May 14, prior to the official opening date, Lone Point Campground is offering free first come, first served camping. Lone Point Campground will host an open house on May 9 and May 10. There will be activities for all ages, inflatable bounce houses, bands, and more.
After a heart attack took his life Easter Sunday 2001, former Moultrie County Clerk and radio broadcaster Gerald “Griz” England is being honored by Cromwell Radio Group.
Before his time as county clerk, England worked for a couple of radio stations, finishing his broadcasting career at Cromwell Radio Station, WYDS when it was known as “D-93”. He married his wife of nearly 27 years, Georgia—who is currently Moultrie County Clerk—June 2, 1974.
Before being elected clerk in 1998, England enjoyed a long radio career that began in Sullivan at WFWA-FM. He worked at several area radio stations and made a national name for himself as a country radio personality.
Photo by RR Best
Spring Equinox
Last Thursday may have marked the official start to spring according to our calendars, but temperatures, so far, would suggest otherwise. Nonetheless, the cold temps didn’t stop our publisher and chief photographer Robert Best from grabbing this Vernal (spring) Equinox sunrise, which coincidentally enough lines up with Jackson Avenue in Sullivan.
Second quarter honor rolls for Moultrie County schools have been announced.
Lovington Grade School
Five eighth graders, one seventh grader, two six graders and one fifth grader received “A” honors for the first quarter at Lovington Grade School. They include Brayden Coble, Janette Comstock, Samuel Renfro, Kolby Rickman and Kobe Wells, eighth grade; Hunter Day, seventh grade; Natalie Lambdin and Kenli Nettles, sixth grade and Tatjana Mehmen, fifth grade.
Earning high honors are Madison Brown and Kaylee Conder, eighth grade; Paul Brodnansky, Kyle Carnahan, Adam Day, Ciara Emrick, Sean Evans, Katelynn Gingerich, Taylor Powell and Alexia Stanley, seventh grade; Clayton Stanley and Colin Stanley, sixth grade and Ashley Brodnansky, Jesse Hopkins, and Colton Middleton, fifth grade. Read More
Council also hears update on Sullivan fireworks
by Joash Tiarks
Reporting in Sullivan
The city council Monday moved forward with combining computer networks across the city of Sullivan’s departments.
As a follow up on the discussion and recommendation made by the council at the Feb. 24 meeting, the city is moving forward to have QNS combine the computer networks of the different departments into one that can be monitored, tracked, and protected as a unit.
Previously each department had a network unto themselves, with each computer having access as soon as it was turned on. This not only exposed the city’s digital resources to potential unauthorized access but also made it impossible for the city to keep track of its resources and to monitor unauthorized activity. Moving forward, each employee will have their own personal access passcode, both for their own safety and to track web activity. Network administrators will then be able to solve problems quickly and specifically, as well as impose a web filter and block access to any unnecessary websites by department. Read More
by Keith Stewart
keith@newsprogress.com
At their regular meeting earlier this month, the Sullivan school board approved four staff resignations and also approved the dismissal of a third year teacher.
Certified preschool teacher Brittney Phebus was dismissed after the board discussed the potential action in closed session. Because she had less than four years of continuous service to the district, the board does not, nor did it, disclose the reason for her dismissal. As Brad Tuttle, superintendent, explained, a faculty member with less than four years and excellent ratings could still be dismissed. Read More
Includes cutting one full-time P.E. teacher
by Keith Stewart
keith@newsprogress.com
The Sullivan school board approved three types of measures Monday evening in a special meeting concerning reduction in force.
Faced with potentially steeper cuts in state aid payments for the next school year, the board approved nine resolutions totaling approximately $65,000 in cuts, including the honorable dismissal of Brent Weakly, a physical education teacher at Sullivan Middle School. Read More
Photo by RR Best
An Eyesore No More
What was the former Sullivan Area Chamber of Commerce Building at 112 S. Hamilton was demolished last week. The building had sat empty for several years after serving as the home of several businesses and organizations including Habitat for Humanity. Dustin Lane of Sullivan bought the lot approximately six months ago with the intention of demolishing the building. Now with it gone, Lane says he is looking for businesses or individuals interested in moving to that location. Once serious interest has been expressed, Lane says he plans to install a new building. In the meantime, Lane has agreed to allow the Sullivan Fire Department to store building materials on the lot while they undergo an addition to their fire house, which is expected to be completed mid to late summer.
More than 230 years commitment to district also honored
by Keith Stewart
keith@newsprogress.com
In the 20 years that the Sullivan Community Education Foundation has been awarding grant money to local organizations and groups, this year saw close to, if not the largest, payout.
A total of $56,226.85 was awarded at last Thursday’s teacher appreciation dinner to various groups for education related projects. Of that amount, more than $10,000 were donated.
“The approximate $10,000 of donations were toward specific grant areas per the donors,” explained SCEF treasurer and former Sullivan superintendent Terry Pearcy. “The SCEF does receive other donations and memorials in order to give grants annually. In addition, the SCEF has fundraising projects such as an annual ‘Technology Raffle’ that raises funds through sponsorship and ticket sales prior to the prize drawing which occurs at the SHS homecoming football game.”
Photo by Keith Stewart
Pictured are this year’s Sullivan school district employees who were honored at last Thursday’s teacher appreciation dinner for their longstanding careers in Sullivan. Pictured from left to right are Becky Lawson, Anne McGhghy, Janet McFarland, Clarice Singer, Leslie Auten, Sara Boyer, Christine Grohler, Karen Harpster, and Don Typer. Not pictured are Chris Sides and Elaine Daniels.