Photo furnished
Feast of the Epiphany
On Saturday, January 4 Saint Columcille parishioners were blessed with a visit from the Magi (from left to right: Ron Auer, Rob Farabaugh, and Duane Deters)!
Catholics bless their home on the Feast of the Epiphany by marking above the doorway with blessed chalk and pray for God’s blessing during the coming year. An Epiphany Party was enjoyed by all in the Parish Center.
Photo by Mike Brothers
SHS Agriculuture teacher honored at Jan. 9 assembly: left to right: Rod Stoll of Farm Credit IL, SHS Principal Daniel Allen, honoree Don Lockwood., State FFA Treasurer Emma Freebairn, State FFA President Gage Miller, and Shawnda Vega with Nationwide Sponsor Relations
•January 15, 2020•
Sullivan High School principal Daniel Allen opened the school assembly January 9 with an apology for gathering the student body under false pretenses.
In an unprecedented move students were called to an assembly for a reason which had been kept secret for days.
The secret was out at 2:30 p.m. Thursday and SHS Agriculture Teacher and FFA sponsor Don Lockwood was the reason.
Lockwood is a national finalist for the 2019-2020 Ag Educator of the Year honor through Nationwide’s Golden Owl Award.
As a finalist, Lockwood was presented with a $500 cash prize and plaque in front of fellow teachers and students. Read More
Photo furnished
Warrior sisters in fighting domestic violence. From left: Tammy Wilcox, Executive Director of Dove, retiring Sullivan coordinator Mary Hughes, and Teri Ducy Domestic Violence Director.
Mary Hughes Retires
•January 15, 2020•
By Ellen Ferrera
for The News Progress
As Dove, Inc. prepares to celebrate a 50th anniversary this year Mary Hughes will be ending her 20-year career as Coordinator of Dove Services in Sullivan.
A retirement reception for Hughes was held Tuesday at the United Methodist Church in Sullivan.
“It has been such an honor and privilege to work with Dove. They do advocacy above anything I have ever seen” Hughes said of her two decades of service. “There has been such love, support, trust and freedom to allow me to do my best work.”
Hughes grew up in Decatur. Her father was an electrician and worked on electric towers, but took the family every summer to visit most of the national parks.
Her mother loved military events and parades so she got to see the Rose Bowl parade and a ship christening. Read More
•January 15, 2020•
By Mike Brothers
Sullivan City Council approved a 12 month moratorium on spending the Titus proceeds at the 6:00 p.m. January 13 meeting held at Elizabeth Titus Library.
Mayor Richard Glazebrook recommended the moratorium on spending the $10,971,883.00 from sale of the 928.1 acre Winifred Titus-Sentel Trust farm in November.
Prior to the vote Commissioner Mike Fowler ask if the city shouldn’t wait until they receive the money from the sale before deciding not to spend it.
“This way we won’t be hit up with all these spending ideas,” Mayor Glazebrook explained, noting passing the 12 month moratorium would give the Council a chance to review the city’s needs. Read More
Photo by R.R. Best
Flooded Road
The intersection of CR1425N and 1575E was impassable Saturday morning. Asssitant Fire Chief Larry Edwards reported the Sullivan Fire Protection District was called to the location east of Jonathon Creek Christian Church at 8:09 a.m. Jan. 11 where they assisted the dive team in rescuing the vehicle and its driver from high water. The Dodge van stalled in about two feet of water at the intersection as the driver was en route to transport members of the Amish community. Moultrie County Dive team member Jason Smith (left) prepares the van for towing as Moultrie County Sheriff Chris Sims discusses the weather with the driver. No injuries were involved with Sullivan Fire District and Dive Team personnel clearing the scene at 9:49 a.m.
Photo furnished
2019-2020 Windsor High School Homecoming Court
Windsor High School will be hosting its Homecoming Dance on Saturday, January 25th at the high school. Coronation will be at 7:30 p.m. and is open to the public. This year’s theme is Hawaiian Luau. Court members are pictured, Back row L to R: King candidates Mason Campbell, Brandon Milligan, and Eli Howard, Junior attendant Morgan Greuel, Sophomore attendant Sam Welton, and Freshman attendant Rhett Rincker. Front row L to R: Queen candidates Ava Bennett, Hannah Reed, and Zoe Nichols, Junior attendant Haley Beck, Sophomore attendant Karlie Bean, and Freshman attendant Kiersten Wheeler.
Sue Weaver
•January 8, 2020•
By Ellen Ferrera
for The News Progress
December 23 was the final day of a successful 32-year career as Director of the Sullivan Civic Center for Sue Weaver.
Her retirement leaves only Bill White as the last member of her original 1987 staff.
“I can’t think of a better job than here in this community where my kids could go to school where I worked” Sue said in reflection. “I will truly miss the staff and all the kids.”
Weaver grew up in Princeton, IL and majored in recreational administration at Eastern Illinois University where she met her husband. Although her mother was a P.E. teacher Sue knew she didn’t want to teach but wanted to stay active in recreation.
For two years she worked in Decatur at the YWCA and in 1987 the Assistant Director position became available at the Civic Center which was perfect because she and her family lived in Sullivan. Two years later she was appointed Director.
Weaver lost no time implementing water exercise classes and swim lesson programs in cooperation with the elementary school to expand Civic Center offerings. Read More
•January 8, 2020•
The Moultrie County Clerk and Recorder’s office recently updated recording technology and services.
County Clerk Georgia England explained this is provided to constituents by upgrading recording software to Fidlar Technologies’ AVID land records management software, which promotes improved efficiency and security.
“AVID brings efficiency and integrity to county recording by improving the day-to-day responsibilities,” England said. “Streamlining office workflow and reducing the amount of paperwork required.”
The Recorder’s office has been accepting eRecording (electronic recording filings) since September 2018, making it possible for submitters to record documents without having to drive or mail the documents to the Recorder’s office.
Documents may be submitted electronically to Moultrie County from anywhere in the country and recorded all in a day’s time instead of several days, and in some instances even a week. Read More
Photo by Mike Brothers
Moultrie County Animal Control Warden Sam Donaker (left) and Animal Control Ambassador Ruby retired at the first of the year. New Animal Control Warden Moultrie County Deputy Caleb Smith (right) presented Donaker with a certificate of appreciation for his dedicated service as Animal Control Warden. Facility director Betsy Miller (center) presented Ruby with her favorite “Pupperoni” treat for serving as Sam’s companion and animal control ambassador.
•January 8, 2020•
By Mighty Manfred
for The News Progress
There is a new warden in Moultrie County.
Animal Control Warden Sam Donaker and his trusty sidekick, Ruby retired from full time duties in Moultrie County January 1, 2020.
Deputy Caleb Smith is the new Animal Control Warden and Emergency Services and Disaster Agency director with offices at the Animal Control Shelter.
Sam and Ruby’s retirement was recognized last week with shelter pet facilitator Betsy Miller and Smith presenting the pair with a certificate of appreciation and Pupperoni Treats.
Sam passed on the treats, but Ruby did not.
Deputy Smith noted Donaker’s love of animals and Ruby’s instinct for matching good owners with pets had helped make Moultrie County Animal Control successful.
“Sam and Ruby have done a great job of taking care of the shelter,” Smith said, explaining he looks forward to their occasional visits.
While Donaker was warden Bekki Stevens started a Facebook page which was utilized along with local pet adoption groups to keep the population of dogs and cats at a minimum in Moultrie County.
With a capacity for up to ten dogs, there were only two awaiting adoption when Donaker and Ruby arrived.
Sam indicated he was happy to turn over the reigns to Deputy Smith, but explained that Ruby would require periodic visits to make sure things are going the way they should be. Read More
Photo furnished
State VOD Competitor
SHS Senior Blake Thompson won the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ district Voice of Democracy competition and will advance to the state competition. Thompson presented his winning speech January 5 at a VFW district meeting in Decatur where he received a medal, an all-expenses paid weekend trip to Springfield, and award money. VFW commander Russell Craig, VFW Auxiliary Commander Valerie Turnbow, VOD coordinator Jennifer Hobbs, sponsoring teacher Becky Lawson; parents: Candi Cole and Matthew Cole (step dad), father Carl Thompson; grandparents: Daniel Adrian and Gaye Adrian plus several other local VFW and VFW auxiliary members attended the awards ceremony.