State Sen. Chapin Rose (R-Mahomet) issued the following comments to local media based on his recent discussions with Illinois Department of Natural Resources Director Marc Miller. The Senator’s comments reflect a lack of progress on improving Eagle Creek Lodge & Resort and the continued negative effects of its closure on Shelby and Moultrie counties. Read More
Category Archives: News Section
Moultrie Sees 80 Concealed Carry Applicants in January
Some of the state’s highest per capita rates here in central Illinois, though still low overall
by Keith Stewart
keith@newsprogress.com
According to data provided by Moultrie County Sheriff Jeff Thomas, 80 Moultrians have applied for concealed carry permits as of Monday, January 27. And while that may not seem like many, especially compared to the 5,305 that Cook County had reported earlier this month, it’s the per-capita rate that is of some interest.
Per-capita or per person, Moultrie sees 54 out of 10,000 applying for a license compared to Cook County, which is at 10 per 10,000.
Neighboring counties Douglas and Piatt each saw higher per capita rates with the former at 65.5 per 10,000 and the latter at 69.7 per 10,000. Coles County was lower with just 36.3 applicants per 10,000. Read More
Remembering George
Submitted
Former students still recall Casleton’s intrigue as teacher
by Christina Whitford
Sullivan Reporter
For many people, the late and former area teacher George Casleton is remembered for his dynamic teaching style, but few people are aware of the chance encounter that actually brought him to our community.
George Casleton was born in 1925 in the southern Illinois town of West Frankfort. He, along with his parents and two siblings, remained a part of this town throughout his adolescent years. While growing up, Casleton enjoyed banging on the drums and continued this passion for nine years as a member of the Ted Paschedag Band and Orchestra. After graduating from West Frankfort High School in 1943, Casleton went on to serve his country by joining the armed forces. Casleton was stationed in Italy during World War II and earned a Bronze Star. Read More
Concealed Carry Prohibited in Certain Areas
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
OV School Board Moves Forward with Easement in Findlay
Also discusses 1% sales tax measure in both Shelby, Moultrie
By Joash Tiarks
Bethany Reporter
As everyone is likely now aware, the stinging Siberian cold has disrupted the academic schedule, provoking additional school closings throughout the region. Okaw Valley District has already used up all the allotted snow days for this academic year, but in the interest of safety and health of the students, it was reported that the Regional Office of Education has been granting ‘act of God’ days when schools need to close because of unusually bitter sub-zero wind chill temperatures. Read More
Seniors Support Community Center Amid Rumors of Cuts
Photo by RR Best
Sondra Daily of Sullivan was just one of many area seniors to attend last Monday’s conversation on aging held at the First United Methodist Church in Sullivan. The meeting gave the public an opportunity to voice their opinions on services and potential cuts before the ECIAAA submits its budget later this year.
Still reproach over frozen meals
By Derek Pope
Reporting in Sullivan
Moultrie County senior citizens showed up en masse on January 13 at a meeting held by the East Central Illinois Area Agency on Aging at Sullivan’s First United Methodist Church. A crowd of more than 50 people attended the meeting—most of them there to voice their avid support of Sullivan’s Mid-Illinois Senior Services and Community Center and their disapproval of any measure that might cut funding to it or change its services. The meeting was one of a 16 part series of community forums put on by the state, aimed at collecting public input and opinion across Illinois. The purpose of the meetings, according to the Area Agency on Aging, is to help in their goal of “enhancing the quality of life for older Americans and their families by providing information about and access to a variety of services.” Read More
Rezoning Application Hits Snag Before Final Approval
by Keith Stewart
keith@newsprogress.com
The Sullivan city council met for the first time this year Monday, January 13 and approved, what was first discussed at great length in their December 23 meeting, a rezoning application.
Property owner Rick Dunscomb and Brian Vahling, who is in the midst of purchasing his property, went before the planning commission December 12 to request the property behind the Sullivan preschool be rezoned from I-1 (light industrial district) to b-1 (low density business district) with Vahling’s intentions of eventually constructing apartments, duplexes, and/or the like. Read More
$82,000 -$124,000 Estimated for Asbestos Removal at Lovington Grade School
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
Sullivan Schools Prepare for Reductions-in-Force
Also vote to cut adoptive P.E. at $11,000 estimated savings
by Keith Stewart
keith@newsprogress.com
While the Sullivan school district did make area news with hiring Gerald Temples as the new head football coach last week, the board also addressed other matters, including the initial stage of a reduction-in-force.
The Monday night action was only to give Superintendent Brad Tuttle the go-ahead to tell the Sullivan Education Association, (local teacher’s union), that the district plans to issue a reduction-in-force (RIF) at least 45 days prior to the end of the school year. Read More
WHS Homecoming Royalty
Submitted
2013 WHS Homecoming Royalty
Windsor High School held their homecoming dance December 21 and Alex Allen and Sarah Hostetter were crowned king and queen. Pictured left to right: 2012 Homecoming King Cole Tilford, senior king candidates Spencer Blackburn and Hayden Cole, junior attendant Dalton Turner, sophomore attendant Christian Williams, freshman attendant Zach VanHyfte, crown bearer Patton Voris, 2013 king Alex Allen, 2013 queen Sarah Hostetter, crown bearer Jayden Bushue, freshman attendant Bailey Fleshner, sophomore attendant Taylor Wiback, junior attendant Sydney Bohem, senior queen candidiates Jessica Dodd and Courtney Fallert, and 2012 queen Bailey McQueen.