Photo by Crystal Reed.
Local Gardener Producing Great Tomatoes
Francis Seelow, of Lovington, in his garden with some of his tomato crop. Seelow’s garden has produced some rather large tomatoes this year including the one that he is holding.
Teachers and staff members discuss first day of school back
•August 26, 2020•
By Ariana Cherry
for the NP
Members of the ALAH School District #305 School Board met on Wednesday, August 19 in the ALAH School Cafeteria. During public comment, a representative from the Arthur Education Association read a letter in response to negative comments that teachers received from the way they taught remotely back in the months of March through May. The letter explained the hard work and dedication that all of the district’s staff put in at the start of the pandemic, especially on such short notice. Board members listened to the association’s response and thanked them for coming forward to share. During past board meetings, the board and Superintendent has praised and thanked all of its staff and teachers for everyone’s hard work during this difficult time. Read More
Photo submitted
Rotarian of the Year
Joe Keller (right) received the Rotarian of the Year award from Rotary District Governor Michael Step (left). Governor Step visited the local club on Tuesday, August 18 and provided an update on activities of Rotary International. Joe Keller has provided leadership of the local club for the past two years. Projects of the Sullivan Rotary include One Book, One Sullivan; planting trees in the park and the Habitat for Humanity community as well as providing assistance to the local food pantry.
•August 26, 2020•
by Crystal Reed
NP Writer
A house fire last Friday in Bethany took the life of a local child. Alaina Nicole Jarnagin, 5, of Bethany was pronounced dead at St. Mary’s Hospital at 3:02 p.m.
According to Macon County Coroner Michael Day, the child was found unresponsive in her bedroom. The bedroom the child was sleeping in was full of smoke from the house fire. After she was taken outside the residence cpr was initiated. Read More
Photo by Crystal Reed
Main Street Cruise In Car Show In Bethany
The Main Street Cruise In Car Show in downtown Bethany this past weekend attracted about 143 entries. In addition to the car show the Bethany Fire Protection was grilling food and the First United Methodist Church hosted an ice cream social. Pictured above: Caden Ford of Decatur and his 1981 Zimmer Gold Spirit.
•August 26, 2020•
by Crystal Reed
NP Writer
Michael Castelli, 52, of Lovington was killed in a two vehicle crash at County Road 2400 N and County Road 400E last Wednesday. Read More
Photo furnished
Drew Kirk has created, planned and placed signage for the Lake Shelbyville Water Trail. From left to right: Illinois Corps of Engineers volunteer Erica Nabers, Andrew Kirk and SPARK volunteer Laurrie Minor.
•August 26, 2020•
While many people enjoy fishing and other watersports on Lake Shelbyville, Drew Kirk hopes to get people out in kayaks and canoes with the completion of his Eagle Scout Project.
Kirk’s project was planning, creating, and placing signage for the Lake Shelbyville Water Trail, a project developed by the Sullivan SPARK’s Park and Recreation Committee, the US Army Corps of Engineers, and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
“The trail was initially proposed by the Corps, “Kirk noted. “It starts at the Denham Pit access area north of the main lake and goes with the current allowing people to travel with ease.”
While the trail signs are not all installed yet, people are already using the trail. Read More
Photo by Ellen Ferrara
About 20 people attended last Wednesday’s Coffee with the Mayor held at the Sullivan McDonald’s..
•August 26, 2020•
by Ellen Ferrera
for the NP
Last Wednesday was the perfect, sunny fall day for Mayor Richard Glazebrook to pitch a tent in McDonald’s parking lot and coffee klatch with Sullivan residents.
Between 7 and 9 a.m. some twenty people formed their portable lawn chairs into a tight semi-circle while enjoying coffee, chocolate chip cookies and the almost lost art of gentle conversation. Several city workers, dressed in their neon yellow, came by as did others in their vehicles to wave support for the Mayor.
Mayor Glazebrook made several announcements to the group, the first being that future meetings of the City Council would be held at the Little Theatre so more people could attend and social distancing possible. All attendees to the Council meetings must wear masks as this is the Theatre’s policy. Read More
•August 20, 2020•
Sometimes the enemy is closer than one thinks. The Moultrie County Health Department (MCHD) has received notice of a COVID-19 exposure in its office. For the safety of those the department serves and to reduce the risk of further COVID-19 transmission, the MCHD building will be closed to the public through Thursday, August 27, 2020. Until then, the health department will remain partially staffed and available for calls during regular business hours. Due to concerns about potential identification, additional information about the case/exposure is not being released.
“It is essential that we continue to serve our county to the best of our ability during this critical period,” said Moultrie County Health Department Administer Angela Hogan, RN, MSPH. “Staff and services will remain available as feasible by phone, Mon.-Fri., 8:30 a.m. - noon and 1- 4:30 p.m. Please call our office at 217-728-4114 if you need to schedule an appointment or to obtain immunization records, information or other assistance.”
Hogan noted that cases of COVID-19 are on the rise in Moultrie County and asks that all individuals join the department in reducing the transmission of the COVID-19 virus. She expressed confidence in our ability to achieve this reduction and reiterated the following four steps:
Wear a mask when in public or with anyone who is not a household member;
Watch physical distance from others in social situations and gatherings;
Wash hands frequently;
Stay home if ill or experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19.
Hogan goes on to say, “To every person in Moultrie County, the MCHD Staff greatly appreciates your patience and understanding during this challenging time. We are in this battle together, and our staff will continue to do our part to assist you in every way possible. Please do your part to protect each other and reduce the burden which COVID-19 places on our residents, schools, businesses and communities.”
For more information on the Moultrie County Health Department’s news, events and services and COVID-19 updates, please visit www.moultriehealth.org and follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/moultriecountyhealth.
Sincerely,
Glenda Plunkett
Moultrie County Public Health Department
Public Health Services Coordinator
202 S. Main St. l Sullivan, IL 61951
Office: (217) 728-4114 l Fax: (217) 728-2650
Photo by R.R. Best
Luke and Melanie Beyers sunflower field in rural Sullivan. Luke plants the flowers every year to feed the birds. Sunflowers can grow to 120 inches or more.