Photo by Ellen Ferrera
David, Robin Keown Black, Susan Keown Van Praag and Mike Keown recall the years of Little Theatre actors staying in their home and display some of their mother’s collection of memorabilia as a longtime seamstress for the theatre.

•January 31, 2018•

By Ellen Ferrera
for the News Progress

In the summer of 1967 Lee Norton made the decision to close the Grand Theater for the summer in order to concentrate on his drive-in. He had heard that a young man (Guy Little, Jr.) was looking for a venue for summer musicals so Lee rented out the Grand.

This one decision ultimately paved the way for a considerable economic ripple in Sullivan as Jibby’s restaurant flourished, the Ace Hardware prospered, hairdressers and manicurists tended to the movie stars, David Mobley found a career as the Little Theatre’s photographer and sometime chauffeur, and Little persuaded friends such as Art and Mamie Palmer to take in his actors as boarders. Those who prospered had extra funds to spend at other places in Sullivan thus creating a trickle-down economic flow throughout the community. Read More

Ron White

•January 17, 2018•

Moultrie County Board members voted to accept the resignation of longtime board member Ron White during the regular meeting January 11.

Chairman Dave McCabe noted it was with deep regret that he accepts the 15 year board member’s resignation. The budget and finance chairman had overseen the construction of the jail and health department, McCabe said of his years of service. “I will miss his sound and usually sage advice.”

He went on to explain the chairman of the Republican party will have 60 days to name a successor. The appointment Republican will serve until the November 2018 election when a candidate will be elected to serve the remainder of White’s term which ends in 2020. Read More

Photo furnished
Brianna Mahon designed the new Monster Jam “Whiplash” truck. During the week she designs hair at Country Cutz in Dalton City.

•January 3, 2018•

By Ellen Ferrera
for the News Progress

Brianna Mahon, the Princess of Carnage, as she is known in the Monster Jam Truck circle, is the first driver in Monster Jam history allowed to design her own truck.

Most people around Moultrie County recognize the Country Cutz salon owner in Dalton City for her ability to style hair, but there is much more to the Sullivan High School graduate.

On January 13, 2018 in Anaheim, Calif. she will introduce “Whiplash” – a 12’ tall, 10,000 lb. one-of-a-kind monster truck in her favorite color, turquoise, and painted to look like tooled leather.

“I’m known for my custom cowboy hats and boots so this was an opportunity to combine my love of rodeo and country/western into the design.” she said and added, “this is the first time a driver has ever had a hand in designing a truck, and I have been involved in every stage of the development.” They are trying to attract more women and young moms to the programs. Read More

Photo by Mike Brothers
Okaw Valley toy collectors (from left) Abbey Luckenbill, Reagan Easter Reedy and Avery Bruns presented Moultrie-Piatt Toys for Tots coordinator Eric Kenney with the more than 100 toys collected as a result of the Okaw Valley Middle School toy drive in Findlay and Bethany. Luckenbill, who is a third year coordinator, was presented the Outstanding Achievement Award plaque from Toys for Tots with Reedy and Bruns receiving certificates for their efforts in helping the 2018 Toys for Tot’s drive make Christmas better for a lot of kids.

•December 20, 2017•

By Mike Brothers

Moultrie County Toys for Tots got a boost before Christmas thanks to one Okaw Valley Middle School student.

Seventh grade student Abbey Luckenbill has been involved with the Toys for Tots program collecting toys since she was in third grade. This year she put together an effort that led to collection of more than 100 toys.

Abbey’s efforts were rewarded with the receipt of the first individual Outstanding Achievement Award presented on behalf of Moultrie-Piatt County Toys for Tots.

On Friday, Dec. 15 OVMS counselor Paula Coffer helped Luckenbill and classmates Avery Bruns and Reagen Easter Reedy deliver the collection to Moultrie-Piatt County Toys for Tots coordinator Eric Kenney. Read More

Photo by Mike Brothers
Joining in on America the Beautiful were: Moultrie County Clerk Georgia England, Circuit Clerk Cindy Braden, Michelle Liddiard and County Treasurer Marci Thompson during the Bicentennial Dedication.

•December 6, 2017•

Moultrie County joined the Illinois bicentennial celebration with an 11:45 a.m., Dec. 4 flag raising ceremony on the courthouse lawn with some 60 people attending along with a hearty prairie wind.

This commemorated opening ceremonies of the state’s 200th celebration of statehood (Dec. 3, 1818). Presentation of the colors by the Sullivan American Legion Post 68 Honor Guard along with The Pledge of Allegiance and Star Spangled Banner were part of the ceremony.

County board chairman Dave McCabe read the proclamation of statehood, December 3, 1818 noting that the year will celebrate the history of Illinois. McCabe also noted that Moultrie County was founded Feb. 16, 1843 and will be observing 175 years during 2018. Read More