ALAH District Considers Possibility of Solar Energy in the Future

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Brad McGill presents $1,000 in memory of his son, Brandon

•January 27, 20201•
By Ariana Cherry
NP Writer

Coach Brad McGill, who recently lost his son Brandon McGill, attended the school board meeting to present a check for $1,000 in memory of Brandon. “There are no words that adequately express the love and appreciation from this district and community,” he stated. Brad and his wife also wanted to publicly acknowledge their thankfulness and appreciation of everyone’s prayers, thoughts, support and donations. The $1,000 donation will be used as the #BeStrong and #BeKind Brandon Memorial Award. The $1,000 will be split into $250 awards to anyone who has received special services from the district.
Kyle Loyd of Future Green gave a presentation concerning the possibility of using solar energy in the school district in the future. If the district moves forward with the project, Future Green will lease the space (the roof), and they would give the school power which would be at a “X” discounted rate (15-20% estimate). The district will not have to provide a deposit or money upfront. The lease is for 25 years, and after 20 years, the school will be given a choice whether to renew. After 15 years, the district may decide whether they want to purchase depending on what the cost is at that time. The condition of the roof where the system would be placed is very important before beginning the project. At this time, there is still more work that needs to be done to the roof. Read More

Moultrie County Begins Phase 1B Vaccinations

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•January 27, 20201•
The Moultrie County Health Department (MCHD) is pleased to announce confirmation of additional COVID-19 vaccines. The health department began scheduling phase 1B vaccine appointments for Moultrie County residents aged 65 years and older, as well as Moultrie County critical infrastructure personnel on Monday, January 25, 2021.
“We greatly appreciate the patience of our residents as we work to remain compliant with the IDPH guidance and make this vaccine available for those who qualify in our county,” Moultrie County Health Department Administrator Angela Hogan, RN, MSPH stated, “We are hopeful that our COVID-19 vaccines remain in steady supply. The MCHD will continue to open and schedule clinics as long as vaccines are available.” Read More

Board Approves Motions for Route 32 and County Hwy 4 Intersection

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•January 20, 20201•
By Crystal Reed
NP Writer

The Moultrie County Board approved two motions related to the Illinois Route 32 and County Highway 4 intersection during their meeting Thursday evening. The first item was a cost sharing agreement with the Illinois Department of Transportation for the improvement of the Illinois Route 32 and County Highway 4 intersection.
The second item was a Moultrie County Funding resolution regarding the improvement of the Illinois Route 32 and County Highway 4 intersection in the amount of $2,900. According to County Engineer Jeff Birch, the final cost for the project will be determined by the bid cost. He anticipates that IDOT will take the project for a March bid letting. Read More

Okaw Valley Ag Program Receives ADM Cares Grant

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Photo by Crystal Reed
One of Okaw Valley’s heifers with her baby that was born on January 7. Through an ADM Cares grant this year the ag program was able to purchase two bred heifers and one bred gilt. The two heifers will be the foundation of the Okaw Valley Ag Beef program.

•January 20, 20201•
By Crystal Reed
NP Writer
Housed in a blue nondescript building behind Okaw Valley High School is a unique hands-on experience that allows students to learn about agriculture while they are still in school. Okaw Valley High School ag instructor Wes Wise believes that his program is offering an experience no one else in Illinois is doing.
The Okaw Valley ag program was started in 2016 in partnership with the US Army Corps of Engineers which involved an ag lease in exchange for in-kind services. The past two years the program has received ADM Cares grants.
The goal for the program is to build a university farm on the high school level. They have a land lab and land for agronomy as well as a science, fishery, tree and wildlife program. Read More

Dumping Tires

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Dumping Tires
Recently John Durbin discovered that about 75 tires had been dumped in a drainage ditch in Sullivan Township. Last week through the cooperation of the Sullivan Township and Neal Tire in Sullivan, Township Highway Commissioner Richard Rutledge, operator Matt Elder and volunteers Joe and Mark Kuhns cleared out the drainage ditch using a backhoe with a thumb and loaded the tires into a truck. Neal Tire volunteered to dispose of the tires that were removed from the ditch.

Sheriff, States Attorney Concerned About Criminal Justice Legislation Passed by Illinois Senate and House

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•January 20, 20201•
By Crystal Reed
NP Writer

The criminal justice reform package that was passed by the Illinois House and Senate Wednesday of last week is drawing concern from local officials. The bill which is sitting on the governor’s desk includes a complete overhaul of police certification and an effort to end cash bail.
The Senate debated the bill after 4 a.m. before it passed 32 to 23 just before 5 a.m., moving onto the House floor. The House passed the measure before noon Wednesday with the minimum 60 votes needed for approval.
According to Moultrie County State’s Attorney Tracy Weaver, in a meeting last Tuesday about the legislation, all but two state’s attorneys in Illinois opposed this legislation. “This bill, if signed into law, will have a devastating impact on criminal prosecution and deterrence of criminality in Illinois,” she said “For example, it significantly restricts the circumstance under which someone can be held on bond (renamed under the bill as “pretrial release.)” Read More

Summer Employment Available

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•January 13, 20201•
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Lake Shelbyville is looking for qualified candidates to fill student vacancies for the 2021 summer recreation season. Lake Shelbyville offers a great work experience opportunity for those students who plan to make a career in biological sciences, outdoor recreation, or law enforcement.
Temporary student positions are available for graduating seniors and college students at the GS-02 level. These positions are available in Interpretive Services, Visitor Assistance, Facility/Grounds Maintenance, Environmental Stewardship, and Administration with an hourly rate around $12.33 and a 40 hour per week work schedule during the summer term. Candidates may be required to work a combination of days, nights, weekends, and holiday shifts. Read More

City Council Approves Additional Funds For COVID PPE Supplies

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•January 13, 20201•
by Crystal Reed
NP Writer

The Sullivan City Council approved additional funds for COVID PPE supplies during Monday night’s meeting. The action was granted to the city administrator to purchase COVID personal protective equipment in the amount not to exceed an additional $10,000 for a total authorization of $60,000. Commissioner Abbey Sherwood asked City Administrator Dan Flannell whether he has seen a need for youth masks. He replied that he will contact the Sullivan school superintendent to look into it.
Flannell said he is hopeful not to spend the full $10,000 which come from the general fund. Read More

MCHD COVID-19 Vaccine Update

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•January 13, 20201•
The Moultrie County Health Department will provide COVID-19 vaccinations under the Illinois Department of Public Health guidelines.
Currently, the MCHD is vaccinating Phase 1a* frontline healthcare workers and Emergency Medical Staff who live or work in Moultrie County. Preparation to vaccinate Phase 1b** populations is underway. Read More