News Progress

March 18, 2015

C.E.F.S. Head Start 0-5 Program is a federally-funded program that provides comprehensive classroom and home-based educational services to pregnant women and children ages 0-5 including those with significant or multiple special needs.
The C.E.F.S. Head Start 0-5 Program is located at 203 S Graham Street in Sullivan. Preschool center-based classes are provided in either the morning or afternoon Monday through Thursday. Each session lasts 3½ hours and includes healthy meals and snacks. Teachers plan daily lessons with developmentally appropriate activities that advance the children’s self-confidence, problem solving skills, and social development. Indoor and outdoor activities are provided along with computer experiences and field trips. Read More

March 18, 2015

Home-buying season is just around the corner, but saving enough money to qualify for a mortgage is one of, if not the, biggest barriers to buying a home. Through the 502 Direct Single Family Housing Loan program, USDA Rural Development helps low income individuals and families purchase a home with 100 percent financing. As homeownership grows, rural communities across Illinois are strengthened.
Heather and her husband had no idea where they would get the money for a down payment on a larger home for their growing family. They, and 240 other families around Illinois in FY2014, qualified for and purchased a home with 100% financing – a reality that would not have been possible for them without the Direct Single Family program. Read More

March 18, 2015

UPS recently announced 86 elite drivers from Illinois are among 1,445 newly inducted worldwide into the Circle of Honor, an honorary organization for UPS drivers who have achieved 25 or more years of accident-free driving.
UPS driver David Haycraft of Dalton City, was one of the 86 recognized. Read More

March 18, 2015

The local food movement is becoming an established part of the overall marketplace, and beyond healthy benefits for human nutrition, provides increased economic health and strength to participating communities. A local food conference held in Godfrey, Ill. on March 31 is designed to help area producers, entrepreneurs, communities and consumers explore the many ways to participate in the movement.
“Expanding access to local and regional foods is a priority for USDA, and it is reflected in the investment programs that we bring to the table,” said Colleen Callahan, IL Rural Development Director. “As opportunities for people to buy locally-produced food increase to meet the growing demand, opportunities for community economic development also expand.” Read More

March 11, 2015

The Eastern Illinois Foodbank will distribute a truckload of food to hungry area families at Gays City Hall at 815 Front St. 10 a.m. to noon March 21.

All Moultrie County residents who meet income eligibility criteria are welcome (see below). Those attending are asked to bring bags or boxes to transport food. A representative from Eastern Illinois Foodbank will be present to assist families and individuals interested in applying for SNAP benefits. Read More