•November 11, 2020•
By Crystal Reed
NP Writer

The Sullivan City Council passed an ordinance on Monday night, which allows workers between the ages of 18 and 21 to scan or sell liquor at conventional and package liquor stores. At a previous meeting IGA manager Pat Stinson had approached the board about making a change to the ordinance due to a shortage of workers 21 and over at his store.
“We appreciate the city council approving the ordinance change for us,” he said “this opens up a lot of flexibility for us.”
The council also approved the sale of surplus public real estate, a total of 17.3 acres of undeveloped farm ground owned by the city at a price of $242,000. There was also the first reading of an ordinance for levy and assessment of taxes for the fiscal year beginning May 1, 2020 and ending April 30, 2021. This will be passed at the next meeting. The total appropriation is $30,613,600. Read More

Photo by Crystal Reed
Devon Flesor Story and Ann Flesor Beck pictured with some of the baskets that can be purchased as part of the candy sale to benefit the Moultrie County Food Pantry.

•October 28, 2020•
By Crystal Reed
NP Writer

Flesor’s Candy Kitchen will be accepting Christmas candy orders from Sullivan, Moultrie County, and surrounding county residents this year from now through November 16. Usually the fundraiser is held at Cathrine’s Gallery but due to COVID-19 they are taking mail orders instead of holding an in-person event. All Christmas candy orders will be delivered to Cathrine’s Gallery for pick up on December 16th. Read More

Photo by R.R. Best.
Former Congressman Glenn Poshard leads a silent non-violent march around the Moultrie County Courthouse last Friday. In late September Poshard began visiting the courthouses in all 39 counties of the two congressional districts he represented in Congress carrying signs of non-violence and respect for people and our democracy.

•October 14, 2020•
by Crystal Reed
NP Writer

Former State Senator and U.S. Congressman Glenn Poshard visited Sullivan last Friday as part of his non-violent marches tour. Starting September 28, Poshard began visiting the courthouses in all 39 counties of the two congressional districts he represented in Congress carrying signs of non-violence and respect for people and our democracy.
Poshard’s march drew twenty people to the sidewalk around the Moultrie County Courthouse. Moultrie County was the 20th out of 39 counties that Poshard will be visiting.
Carrying signs that displayed messages of “United We Stand, Divided We Fall” and “Ask Not What Your Country Can Do For You, But What You Can Do For Your Country” Poshard and other made multiple trips marching around the courthouse quietly.
Paul Feist of Sullivan attended the march because he said Poshard is a good friend of his. “He is an outstanding person,” he said. Poshard spoke of the unbelievable anger and hatred that has people divided politically in this country.
He noted that violence isn’t just disturbing the peace by rioting and looting but also voices of disrespect and violence that can be seen on social media. “The voices of disrespect and violence completely cover even the smallest voice for respect and unity among our people,” Poshard said “The chasm has grown so wide among us, one must wonder if any bridge of reason or love can span the divide?” Read More

Photo by Crystal Reed
Sophia and Hannah Grandon pick out pumpkins during the Buxton's Garden Farm Harvest Field Market last Saturday.

•September 30, 2020•
By Crystal Reed
NP Writer

The harvest spirit was alive at Buxton’s Garden Farm this past Saturday and people packed the property for the business’s Harvest Field Market. The event was in its fourth year and it included food trucks, pumpkins, crafts, home décor and much more. According to Paula Buxton there were 2,000 people in attendance at this year’s market.
Buxton said that compared to previous years this was their biggest market due to COVID-19 and having more vendors. Read More

•September 16, 2020•

By Crystal Reed
NP Writer

The Moultrie County Board approved an application from Shady Crest Market for a variance to build 25 feet from the west property line for an addition to the existing business last week. According to Wilbur Gingerich, the expansion will be 13,000 square feet and will allow them to add on more deli, bakery and store space.
The board heard guest speakers Laurrie Minor and Cassie Yoder talk about Economic Development and COVID-19. Minor said that it looks different how they market the county now with Covid.
The Illinois Department of Tourism recently released some figures for the county. According to Minor, the travel expenditures went up by 3.7% and the local tax revenue went up by 4.8% but none of these correlate to camping, that is just what the hotel to motel tax generates. Read More