•May 11, 2022•
Lovington, Illinois was once the home of a 900 foot deep coal mine producing the highest quality coal in central Illinois. Because of it, city fathers of Lovington expected their town to become one of the largest towns in the area. Come to the society’s regular meeting on Thursday, May 19, at 7:00 p.m. at Lovington’s Fire House on Route 32 in the heart of town to hear what happened to this productive, rich mine. Read More
Arthur Native Bringing Awareness to Domestic Violence
•May 11, 2022•
by Crystal Reed
NP Writer
Martha Chupp, a native of Arthur who is currently living in Fort Worth, Texas, is bringing awareness to domestic violence using her love of film. She is a domestic violence survivor. Her first film titled “Broken” has been released to YouTube as a collaborative project with Dallas actor and filmmaker Joseph Herrera. Read More
Little Theatre On The Square Preparing for Summer Season
•May 11, 2022•
by Crystal Reed
NP Writer
The Little Theatre On The Square is looking forward to their summer season which opens June 2 with Mamma Mia! Executive Director and Producer John Stephens said that currently the mask mandate for the theatre is not in effect but they cannot sell the first two rows of seats in the theatre for any of the shows for the protection of their actors and the audience. Other precautions being taken include thorough cleaning, vaccinating staff and actors and conducting testing twice a week ensure staff and actors are healthy. Read More
City Council Raises Gas, Water and Sewer Rates
•May 11, 2022•
by Crystal Reed
NP Writer
The Sullivan City Council approved rate changes for gas, water and sewer during Monday’s meeting. An item for changes to electric rates was also on the agenda but will be discussed at the next meeting.
The motion for rate changes to gas rate was a proposed increase of 4%. Mayor Richard Glazebrook said in discussion that if they had to go on the market and buy, it would cost more and added that they have not raised rates in 10 or 11 years.
Glazebrook advised that the rate change will help with inflation that is going on and will affect the gas department. “You can defer and defer and defer, but in the long run you will end up paying for it one way or another,” he said. Read More
Moultrie County Republicans Lincoln Day Dinner
Photo by Crystal Reed
Moultrie County Republicans Lincoln Day Dinner
The Moultrie County Republicans held their Lincoln Day dinner at the Sullivan VFW on Saturday, April 23. During that evening there were thirteen guest speakers who are running in the upcoming election in June. Pictured is U.S. representative for the 15th congressional district Mary Miller speaking at the event.
Shelby Realty After Hours
Photo by Crystal Reed
Shelby Realty After Hours
Shelby Realty’s new office in Sullivan had an after hours event on Thursday, April 29. The new office is located at 5 West Jefferson. Pictured are some of the realtors that are with the company. From left to right: Bruce Steinke, Sandy Steinke, Cheyenne Pieszchalski, Cathrine Craig, Debbie Cruit and owner Matt Forcum.
Illini Prairie CEO Class Holds Trade Show Featuring Student Businesses
Photo by Crystal Reed
CEO Trade Show
Dakota Freese, a student at Sullivan High School, promoted his student business DSF Hauling during the Illini Prairie CEO trade show on Tuesday, April 26.
•May 4, 2022•
by Crystal Reed
NP Writer
The Illini Prairie CEO class held a trade show Tuesday, April 26, in Tuscola. This year’s class was made up of nine students from Sullivan, Tuscola, Arcola and Arthur Lovington Atwood Hammond.
Three students in this year’s group were from our local schools--two students from Sullivan and one student from ALAH. Read More
10 Bones on the Marrowbone Barbecue Cookoff
Photo by Crystal Reed
10 Bones on the Marrowbone Barbecue Cookoff
The Second Annual 10 Bones on the Marrowbone Barbecue Cookoff was held in downtown Bethany on Saturday, April 30. This year’s winners in the steak category were: first place-2 Big Fellas Getting Sauced, second place-Team Willie, third place-Grumpy Old Ham. In the chicken category winners were: first place-2 Big Fellas Getting Sauced, second place-TB’s Pork and Smoke and third place-Smoking Oma and Papa. In the ribs category first place went to TB’s Pork and Smoke, second place-Grumpy Old Ham and third place-Team Willie. In the pork category first place went to 2 Big Fellas Getting Sauced, second place to Smoking Oma and Papa and third place was Grumpy Old Ham. The three meat overall winner was grand champion 2 Big Fellas Getting Sauced, second place was TB’s Pork and Smoke and third place was Grumpy Old Ham. Pictured is Tyler Blickensderfer of TB’s Pork and Smoke preparing one of his entries for the grill.
Public Hearing Held for Wind Energy Systems
•May 4, 2022•
by Crystal Reed
NP Writer
A public hearing regarding Wind Energy Conversion Systems in Moultrie County was held Monday, April 25, in the commons room at Sullivan High School with a total of 75 people in attendance. The public hearing allowed those who wanted to speak on the wind energy topic to do so. Individual comments were restricted to three minutes, and after everyone on the list had spoken, those who chose were allowed to speak again.
The public hearing was scheduled for a three-hour time frame, but after one hour and thirty minutes, the hearing was adjourned due to no one else wanting to speak. Those who were unable to attend that meeting may email lori.barringer@co.moultrie.il.us with their written responses. Read More
Courthouse Roofing Project Underway
Photo courtesy of Kent Harris
This undated photo shows the Moultrie County Courthouse dome from years ago.
•May 4, 2022•
by Crystal Reed
NP Writer
It is visually apparent that work is being done on the roof of the Moultrie County Courthouse. The project is expected to be finished by the end of July and will take care of leaks in the roof. The cost for the project is $239,000.
According to records that Maintenance Dept. head Rick Matthews was able to access, the construction of the courthouse began in 1904, and a ceremony celebrating its completion was held November 12, 1906. He continued to say that the courthouse was initially funded by a $25,000 tax levy in 1904, 1905 and 1906. Matthews said that he will be donating the old clock motor and wood clock hands from the courthouse clock to the Moultrie County Historical and Genealogical Society.
Read More