City Improves Sidewalks, Discuss Revolving Loan Fund to Help Small Businesses

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•April 29, 2020•

These streets are made for walking and downtown Sullivan is getting new sidewalks to make it easier.
At the April 27 meeting, Sullivan City Council approved a $114,539.48 bid from Esker and Walker Construction to replace the Harrison Street sidewalk to Madison.
The Teutopolis based company has completed the Jefferson Street sidewalk and was the only bidder for the Harrison street sidewalk replacement.
Street commissioner Peggy Hargis explained companies inquired, but the low bid from Esker on Jefferson sidewalk kept them from submitting proposals. That project was originally $101,107.50.
Commissioners Hargis, Chuck Woodworth, Abbey Sherwood and Mike Fowler, participating by telephone, voted for the bid along with Mayor Richard Glazebrook who directed the meeting from the Elizabeth Titus Library. Read More

Acts Of Kindness During A Time Of Quarantine

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Photo by Ellen Ferrera
Alli Harbarger delivers cupcakes to Norma and Tom Standerfer at Mason Point.

•April 29, 2020•
By Ellen Ferrera
for the News Progress

When the going gets tough the tough get going and that was certainly true last Friday when several hundred seniors and nursing home residents were remembered in unique and thoughtful ways.
Friday morning Activity Director, Alli Harbarger, donned a whimsical unicorn costume and, with other staff, delivered cupcakes to all the Mason Point residents.
“It was such a surprise and the costume was so cute,” said Ruth Beals.
Norma and Bill Standerfer were equally surprised and enjoyed the diversion from their month-long confinement. Read More

Food Donations Delivered

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Photo by Ellen Ferrera
Food Donations Delivered
Donations received at the Sullivan Senior Center went to good use on Friday. Kathi Garvey, Executive Director Mid-Illinois Senior Center in Sullivan, staff and volunteers delivered nearly 100 pantry boxes full of food to senior citizens throughout Sullivan. “We received many donations of money so we purchased items at cost from IGA,” Garvey began. “The Moultrie County Food Pantry donated other items to make up the boxes. We are so grateful to Pat Stinson at IGA and Lisa White from the food pantry for their generous donations.” Included in each box were eggs, milk, cheese, deli meats, bread, canned goods, boxed dinners, TP, paper towels, cans of tuna, cereal, peanut butter and much more.

Moultrie County Health Department Announces Fifth Confirmed COVID-19 Case

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•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

Early Publicist for Little Theatre Helped Put Sullivan on the Map

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Lee York

Directed SHS Band

By Durward Kirby
for the News Progress

In early days of the Little Theatre on the Square publicist Lee York wrote stories about the shows and escorted the stars to interviews.
Andrew Lee York, Jr. (85) died of natural causes early April 17th at Mason Point in Sullivan, IL.
York came to Sullivan as junior and senior high band instructor. His talent was a natural for the young Little Theatre and soon became publicist.
During that time of consistently large growth attendance gains under theatre founder/mentor Guy S. Little Jr. York arranged interviews and escorted 65 major radio, TV and movie stars for radio, TV and newspaper to outlets in Decatur, Champaign and Springfield. The White House and even in the D.C. Capitol office of Everett Dirksen, at that time the Senate Majority Leader, York appeared on behalf of Little Theatre on the Square. Read More

Pontoon Ride

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Photo by Mike Brothers
Pontoon Ride
What better way to maintain space distancing and have a good time? This family decided to break out the pontoon boat and enjoy the fresh breeze on Lake Shelbyville on Sunday. The air had a bite, the sun was shining and loads of boaters took advantage of the Wilborn Springs ramp.

Planting time

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Photo by Mike Brothers
Planting time
Dodging rain and wind Moultrie County farmers have been challenged this Spring. However some seed made it to soil in the Kirksville area last weekend.

City is Assisting Businesses Seeking Help

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•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

Sullivan Graduation and Prom Tentatively Scheduled

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•April 22, 2020•
By Ariana Cherry
for the News Progress

Tentative dates for possible graduation ceremonies at Sullivan High School are Sunday, June 28 or Sunday, July 26th.
A plan is being made to hold a virtual award’s night on Wednesday, May 6 and a virtual Decision Day ceremony on Friday, May 16.
Prom is tentatively being rescheduled for Saturday, June 13 with a contingency date of Saturday, July 18.
“There are a number of items that are very much on the minds of our community and our school personnel that still do not have answers,” Supt. Ted Walk told the school board April 13.
“This is an ending to a school year unlike any that we could have imagined. Though we have planned for the end of the school year, there is still so much learning that is yet to take place. I continue to encourage all students to try their best. I continue to urge all parents to help to the extent you are able, but I want you to understand that we will have protocols in place over the summer or in the fall to help make certain your students continue to see the academic success that we expect from students at Sullivan Schools.” Read More

Beacon Shines

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Photo furnished
Beacon Shines
Early in April the Moultrie County Beacon held parades to help connect during the stay at home order. Half of the Cila houses organized a parade on one day challenging the members of the other Cila houses to top their effort during the second parade. It had been a month since they had been able to see friends, with the parade letting everyone exchange waves and greetings.