photo furnished
A concept drawing of what the splash pad project will look like after it is built.

•February 28, 2024•

by Crystal Reed

The City of Sullivan was recently notified that they received another Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grant from the State of Illinois. According to a press release from the State of Illinois, nearly $55 million in state grants are being awarded for 111 local park projects throughout Illinois to help communities acquire land and develop recreational opportunities. The grants also want the recipients to make sure that the facilities they develop are accessible.  

The first OSLAD project total is $763,000. It is considered a matching grant and the city contributes 50% of that amount through mileage and man hours. “I am aware that the park is not an income generating department,” City Commissioner Abbey Sherwood said “that’s why it’s important to find other resources like grants.” Read More

•February 21, 2024•

by Crystal Reed

The Moultrie County Assistant States Attorney Elizabeth Dobson spoke during the regular meeting of the County Board on February 15 about a lawsuit that has been brought up against the Moultrie County Office of Assessments. Dobson said that the case is a public case and open file that anyone can look at. The case number in Piatt County is 2021-MR-37. She said it is a lawsuit under the Freedom of Information Act that started in August of 2021. “The Zillow company retained a law firm from Springfield, that specializes in FOIA lawsuits,” she said “Make no mistake that Moultrie County is being targeted here.” 

Dobson said that if anyone has questions about this lawsuit or the Assessment Office, Lori Barringer cannot answer questions at this time because the lawsuit is still pending. She said that she has seen many things on social media in regards to the case and questions regarding it. Dobson said the attorney’s filed the lawsuit against Moultrie County and the Assessment Office.  Read More

photo by R.R. Best
Bethany firefighters/first responders, John Smith and Dakota Briggs give medical attention to one of the two dogs that was found and rescued from the structure fire on Friday, February 9.

•February 14, 2024•

The Bethany Fire Department was dispatched for a structure fire at 11:53 am on Friday, February 9. They arrived within a few minutes to find fire coming out of one window. Crews did an initial attack from the yard while the scene was being sized up determining a room and contents on fire.  Read More