Provided by the Illinois State Police
Above is a smaller version of the official signage prohibiting concealed carry firearms into private businesses and other locations.

Though many concealed carry applicants are still waiting to hear back from the state, applications filed on the first applicable day, January 5 (4,525 in total), will hear word by April 5, no doubt many then seeing permits in the mail. But with the new concealed carry law, there are dozens of areas that are prohibited, including private and public elementary or secondary schools, or public events that require a permit of any sort from the local government, such as the Fourth of July parade in Sullivan.

“If someone sees a weapon in a prohibited place, obviously he or she should let law enforcement know or management,” urged Moultrie County Sheriff Jeff Thomas. “The law requires the majority of the weapon be covered, but the public should expect occasions where they might see the butt of a gun or a holstered gun; I can’t tell people how to react if it’s a legitimate place to conceal carry. They can’t be taken into bars or festivals or those with a city permit; basically you can keep it in your vehicle and you always could, before, on your property.” Read More

24 new high school names also received

by Ariana Cherry
Arthur/Sullivan Reporter

A tour of Lovington grade school was conducted by principal Brandon Stone at the opening of the Arthur-Lovington School Board meeting last Wednesday.

Previous and planned asbestos projects that are scheduled for the building were shown and discussed. At an estimated cost  of $82,000 to $124,000 the projects will  eliminate all of the asbestos in elementary classrooms, the junior high area, and hallway and office. Completion is set for late June. Read More

Small Crowd Arrives to Show Support for Local Saloon

by Joash Tiarks
Bethany Reporter

There are always at least two sides to every story and this month’s village board meeting proved no exception.

The normally adequate conference room at the village hall seemed almost overcrowded for this month’s board meeting as several members of the community were present to express to the trustees their support of Hired Hand Winery and Saloon.

Last month, proprietor Shane Weybright presented a request to the board that the liquor ordinance, and subsequently their liquor pouring license, be amended to allow for longer hours of business. He stated that he felt “his hands are tied” with the current hours of operation, with a relatively small number of customers being able to arrive and relax before alcohol could no longer be served. He said that if business hours were extended to 10 p.m. on weekdays, for example, he would be able to serve a much more diverse portion of the community, turn a much better profit, and so benefit the village by then paying more in taxes.  Read More