•April 29, 20220•
SULLIVAN, IL, April 28, 2020 – The Moultrie County Health Department (MCHD) announces a fifth confirmed case of Coronavirus-2019. The patient is a female in her 30s who is currently quarantined at home. Public health officials are contacting and verifying all close contacts. To date, 85 Moultrie County residents have been tested for COVID-19. Of those tests, 75 tests were negative for coronavirus, and five are still pending.
Because this virus is becoming more widespread, the MCHD cautions all individuals to consider themselves at risk for exposure. The health department reminds everyone to stay at home as much as possible; cover coughs and sneezes; and continue to frequently wash their hands with warm water and soap. People who are ill, even those with mild symptoms, should take extra precautions to isolate themselves from others, stay in contact with their doctor and not leave home. In alignment with recent CDC recommendations, the health department is encouraging families who must make trips into the public to send only one person with a face mask. If at all possible, avoid taking children into the public. “It is extremely important for people to continue to abstain from gathering with anyone outside of your own household,” Angela Hogan, Moultrie County Health Department Administrator said. “Large gatherings increase the opportunity for the coronavirus to be transmitted to others. If travel outside of the home is unavoidable, wear a mask which covers your mouth and nose to reduce the likelihood of transmitting the virus.” Symptoms associated with COVID-19 include fever, fatigue, a dry cough, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat or loss of smell or taste. Individuals should immediately seek medical attention if experiencing difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, confusion, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, or a bluish color in the lips or face. If an individual is ill with symptoms associated with coronavirus and needs medical or emergency care, they should notify their physician or emergency medical service providers of their symptoms prior to arrival. For more information on the Moultrie County Health Department’s news, events and services, please visit www.moultriehealth.org and follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/moultriecountyhealth.
Contact: Glenda Plunkett
Public Health Services Coordinator
Glenda@moultriehealth.org
217.728.4114
Category Archives: Top Stories
City is Assisting Businesses Seeking Help
•April 22, 2020•
By Mike Brothers
As the Covid-19 closings affect more and more businesses the city of Sullivan is looking into ways to help.
Since the announcement of potential small business grants, Sullivan Economic Development Chamber director Laurrie Minor has worked with six local businesses.
“Although several of our local businesses have had to close, many do not have enough full-time employees to qualify,” Minor explained.
Of the six potential businesses, three will be able to move forward in the Downstate Small Business Stabilization program funded by federal Community Development Block Grant funds.
On Monday, April 27 a public hearing will be held before the city council at the Elizabeth Titus Library for The Little Theatre on the Square and Sullivan Dance Studio LLC. Both are seeking $25,000 for working capital to address the urgent needs due to COVID-19 emergency. Read More
Citizens View and Commissioners Attend Sullivan City Council Remotely
•April 15, 2020•
By Mike Brothers
Sullivan City Council met Monday with Mayor Richard Glazebrook, city administrator Dan Flannell and city clerk Carrie Creek attending at Elizabeth Titus Library.
Commissioners Abbey Sherwood, Mike Fowler, Peggy Hargis and Chuck Woodworth attended remotely from separate locations.
Mayor Glazebrook explained the council was complying with the Governor’s Emergency Order limiting group meetings.
The proceedings were live streamed on www.facebook.com/News Progress and available online at www.newsprogress.com
Dan Bathe, a 24 year 11 month city employee was in attendance. Bathe first worked for the city street department then at the Sullivan Gas Dept. from where he recently retired. Read More
Ministerial Association Responds to Those in Financial Need
•April 8, 2020•
By Mike Brothers
The longer people need to stay at home the greater their needs, and the Sullivan Area Ministerial Association (SAMA) is offering help.
Responding to the needs created by COVID-19 area ministers are banning together to raise $20,000 to help people in the community in need of financial assistance.
“During this time, there are many people who are in need of immediate help because of COVID-19,” First Christian Church minister Grant Wade began.
“Some have been impacted by unemployment, by the closing of schools and a need for child care to keep their job, or just a need to help keep food on the table,” he continued. Read More
Moultrie County Health Department Reports Patient’s Positive Test for COVID-19
•April 2, 2020•
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and Moultrie County Department of Public Health are announcing that one Moultrie County resident has tested positive for COVID-19. The patient is in her 30s. The patient is at home in isolation and CDC protocols have been implemented.
Public health officials are working to identify and actively monitor individuals who were in contact with the patient in an effort to reduce the risk of additional transmission.
Symptoms reported among patients testing positive for COVID-19 include mild to severe respiratory illness with fever, cough, flu-like symptoms and difficulty breathing.
The health department reports that 19 Moultrie County residents have been tested for COVID-19. To date, 13 tests are negative for coronavirus, and five are still pending.
The Moultrie County Health Department encourages everyone to consider themselves at risk for exposure to the novel coronavirus.
Everyone should stay at home as much as possible; remain vigilant about keeping germs from spreading by covering coughs and sneezes and washing hands with warm soap and water; and isolating themselves from others when they are ill.
For more information, contact:
Illinois Department of Public Health:
Call the COVID-19 Hotline at 1-800-889-3931, Email DPH.SICK@ILLINOIS.GOV, or Visit
http://www.dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/diseases-a-z-list/coronavirus
To learn more about Moultrie County Health Department’s events and services, please visit www.moultriehealth.org and follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/moultriecountyhealth .
Sullivan’s “Project Masks” Volunteers Respond in a Big Way
Photo by Mike Brothers
Sharon White of Sullivan was one of 22 volunteers in “Project Masks”.
•April 1, 2020•
Thanks to 22 Sullivan sewing volunteers 200 protective masks were delivered to Decatur Memorial Hospital on March 27.
While others were fretting about what might happen next with the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic Margi Gaither made something good happen.
“I called DMH to ask if they needed some hand made masks,” Gaither said. “Without hesitation she said yes.”
That was the beginning of “Project Masks” in Moultrie County.
Gaither noted the lady at DMH explained they were awaiting pattern approval from the hospital and she would email it.
“After receiving the pattern, I posted it on FaceBook, and in our church newsletter,” Gaither continued noting she also called some seamstress friends. Read More
Courthouse Under Limited Access With Virus Threat
•March 25, 2020•
By Mike Brothers
Stopping short of an emergency declaration the Moultrie County Board voted to limit access to the courthouse and its offices until further notice.
In special meeting held March 20 department heads were encouraged to conduct essential county business by appointment to limit courthouse traffic in an effort to inhibit spread of the coronavirus.
Judge Jeremy Richey noted public access is needed to the courts offices for emergency orders of protection and bail hearings in serious cases. Read More
County Board Deals with Rapidly Changing COVID 19 Situation
•March 18, 2020•
By David McCabe,
Moultrie County Board Chairman
As chairman of the Moultrie County Board, I am statutorily responsible for the management of disasters that occur in Moultrie County, working with the ESDA Coordinator, first responders and other officials.
Together we determine the best course of action to take. We have a meeting scheduled this week with officials from each municipality in the county to learn how best to help them.
The coronavirus has the potential of being the largest disaster in Moultrie County while I have been board chairman. However, now is not the time to panic, it is the time to be smart. If you are experiencing symptoms of coronavirus or any other health issues, STAY HOME, call your healthcare professional to seek arrangements for treatment and possible testing. If you feel healthy but are one of the vulnerable groups of individuals to coronavirus, STAY HOME. If you have concerns about contacting someone with Coronavirus, STAY HOME. If you are experiencing severe health issues, call 9-1-1. Read More
Moultrie Courts Procedures Change Due to COVID-19
Due to the global coronavirus pandemic, the Piatt and Moultrie County Courts will reduce operations in order to minimize personal contact and deter the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. The following procedures and rules are consistent with Supreme Court recommendations and shall remain in effect through March 31 unless extended by further order of the court.
The following Piatt and Moultrie County cases and court proceedings are postponed through March 31 unless extended further by the court:
• Civil cases (L, LM)
• Traffic, conservation, and ordinance violation cases (TR, DT, CV, OV)
• Criminal misdemeanor cases (CM) – except for those defendants in custody
• Probate (P) – except guardianship cases will proceed unless ordered otherwise
• Small Claims and mortgage foreclosures (SC, CH)
• Family Court (F, D)
• Juvenile cases (with the exceptions set forth below)
The attorney of record or unrepresented party in each case will receive a notice in the mail rescheduling their case. It is the responsibility of the litigant to ensure your current address is on file with the clerk. Upon rescheduling, the public access website (www.judici.com) will be updated with the new court dates. Currently-scheduled status dates may be converted to phone conference upon request.
Emergency matters may be scheduled on a case-by-case basis. Individuals shall contact the clerk of the circuit clerk for each county for purposes of scheduling emergency matters.
The following cases and court proceedings will be held as scheduled, with appearances expected for all litigants:
• Criminal felony cases (CF)
• Juvenile hearings (JA, JD) – temporary detention hearings, shelter care hearings, trials, adjudicatory hearings
• Domestic violence proceedings for order of protection, stalking/no-contact orders, or civil no-contact orders (OP)
• Emergency hearings on family matters (D, F) as scheduled by the court
• Other cases on case-by-case basis in discretion of the court with consent of the parties Marriage Ceremonies – the court will continue to perform marriage ceremonies, but minor children will not be allowed to attend and will be prohibited from entering the courtroom.
Individuals should not enter the courthouse if they:
• Have been in any of the following countries within the last 21 days: China, South Korea, Italy, Japan, or Iran; or
• Reside with or had close contact with anyone who has been in one of the above countries within the last 21 days; or
• Have been directed by a medical provider to quarantine, isolate or self-monitor at home for the coronavirus;
• Have been diagnosed with, or have had close contact with anyone diagnosed with, COVID-19; or
• Have flu-like symptoms including fever, cough, or shortness of breath.
If you are an attorney or litigant and you are unable to appear in court as required because of the above restrictions, please contact the respective courthouse. The court should make reasonable accommodations and reschedule appearances and hearings as needed. Continuances will be liberally granted.
Cleaning staff will continue to disinfect touch surfaces and hand sanitizer is provided throughout the building, including the courtroom. The court strongly encourages litigants not to bring family or friends to court appearances in any case. It is our aim to preserve access to justice while proceeding in a manner consistent with public health and safety in line with policy directives from federal, state, and local public health advisories. Thank you for your patience. Stay safe.
Submitted by Hon. Jeremy Richey, Presiding Judge, Moultrie County and Hon. Hugh Finson, Presiding Judge Piatt County.
Dear Sullivan School Family,
Thank you for your flexibility and understanding as we navigate through unchartered territory. I wanted to provide some reminders of important items and an update on Food Service during the closure.
Packets for continuity of learning will be emailed to all parents and also be available for pickup from 10am-6pm on Tuesday for those who would prefer a paper copy. Packets for SES students (and 314th grade iPads) can be picked up in SES Cafeteria, and packets for SMS/SHS students can be picked up in the Commons. SES families should enter through the WEST cafeteria door (off Graham St), and SMS/SHS families should enter through the Commons. SMS/SHS students and parents will also have access to their lockers at this time. For students wanting independent reading materials, there will be an assortment of free books available with packet pickup. There will also be Please note that packet pickup is optional since this information will be emailed as well.
Any student who will need their medication during the time of closure may pick it up in the SES Cafeteria from 10am-6pm on Tuesday. Please note that all student medications were consolidated to the same location for medication pickup to coordinate with our school nurse. After Tuesday, no students or parents will have access to the building for the duration of the closure.
Because the Governor has declared these days as Act of God Days, students will not be expected to complete curricular work for a grade. In the event that the closure is extended, we anticipate the ability to have students complete assignments for credit, and school work that is sent home will be curriculum specific. Regarding Food Service, all students ages 18 and under will have access to free breakfast and lunch. To help gauge the number of meals to be prepared, please send an email to meals@sullivan.k12.il.us with the following information: Number of children 18 and under, date(s) you would like meals, and preferred pickup location. We encourage ALL children in our community to take advantage of this program during the closure. Meals can be picked up on the west side of SES as a "Walk-Up" or "Drive-Through" service, with both meals provided at once between the hours of gam-11am. We will also have free meals available for pick-up at the following locations and times:
9:00-9:20 - Westport Apartments AND Regular Bus Stop Location at Roley Estates 9:25-9:45 - Sullivan Laundromat AND Kennedy St of Eastview Subdivision 9:50-10 10 - Sullivan IGA AND Sullivan South Trailer Park 10:15-10:35 - Sullivan Library AND Sunset/Louis Intersection 10:40-11:00 - Main Street Apartments
Staff members will be in a White Sullivan Bus to deliver meals. On a final note, on Fridays during the closure, our buses will deliver meals and check on rural families, running their regular routes with approximately a two-hour delay. So if your child is normally picked up at 7:15am, expect the bus around 9:15am. Each child 18 and under can receive up to five days of breakfast and lunch meals at this time. Those wanting meals on Friday should also send an email to meals@sullivan.k12.il.us and should have someone at the regular bus stop location as the bus approaches.
To prevent the spread of infectious diseases during this time of closure, staff will be limited to essential functions. We ask that questions are directed to the building principals at ethellh@sullivan.k12.il.us, oglen@sullivan.k12.il.us, and allend@sullivan.k12.il.us.
We will attempt to keep you as updated as possible during the mandated school closure. Thanks for your continued support of Sullivan Schools!