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.     Login or Subscribe to read the rest of this story.

American Legion Honor Guard raises Bicentennial Flag.

McCabe’s comments were followed by the raising of the Bicentennial Flag of Illinois by the Honor Guard. The state song was played during the flag raising with America the Beautiful sang by those attending the event.

Moultrie County mayors Terry Dyer of Allenville, Rod Randall of Arthur, Bill Ashley of Bethany, Joe Wallis of Dalton City, Ivan Miller of Gays, Roger Walker of Lovington and Ann Short of Sullivan were recognized.

Also, chiefs of police Mike Goodman, Arthur; Chris Swisher, Lovington and Jim “Waggs” Waggoner, Sullivan; fire chiefs Chris Helton, Arthur; Jim McMahon, Bethany; Bob Weltig, Dora; Steve Smith, Lake City; Gary Smith, Lovington and Mike Piper, Sullivan; county officials Circuit Clerk Cindy Braden, County Clerk Georgia England, Coroner Lynn Reed, Sheriff Chris Sims, State’s Attorney Jeremy Richey, Treasurer Marci Thompson and county board members McCabe, Ron White, Tim Rose, Arlene Aschermann, Todd Maxedon, Billy Voyles, Kevin McReynolds, Gary Smith, and Mike Barringer.

A small reception followed in the rotunda of the courthouse. Todd Fultz provided the sound system for the dedication.