News Progress

Photo by Mike Brothers
Gifted Gardeners
Community gardeners brought out the tools following a heavy rain at the garden north of Mason Point. These neighbors have been planting, weeding and are now starting to harvest fruits of their labors. Taking a break from their community gardening tasks are standing from left: Judith and Weldon Brow, Gene Bryant and Robin Terschner; seated Jean Dulik and Ellen Ferrera.

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

In 2004 when the first duplexes were being built at Mason Point Jack Harris and Max Pennington tilled up the soil for the first community garden.
At the same time new residents, Weldon and Judith Brown, began planting their first garden. In 2014 Robin Terschner began a second garden near the main building as a diversion for his mother and brother who were Mason Point residents. Four years ago, Jean Dulik and yours truly put down roots, so to speak, in sub-plots and a truly community endeavor was created and continues to date.
“The garden has been a blessing during this time of isolation,” Dulik explained. “We all gather at the garden to socialize, share growing tips and help each other with the crops. It has brought us closer together as friends and a community.”
Weldon has a gas tiller and has helped to till the rows. Jean often waters the neighboring gardens and contributed a large sunflower sculpture painted in red, white and blue. Robin is always around with stakes, tomato cages and helpful advice. My contribution was a bale of straw to share as mulch. Read More

•July 23, 2020•
The Moultrie County Health Department (MCHD) has confirmed four more cases of the novel coronavirus-2019 (COVID-19) in Moultrie County. The individuals range in age from 30s to 80s and all are recovering at home in isolation. Public health officials have been notifying all close contacts. To date, 1,681 Moultrie County residents have been tested for COVID-19. Of those tests, 41 have been confirmed positive for COVID-19 and 28 are no longer in isolation. It is important for all individuals to self-monitor for possible COVID-19 symptoms which may include fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle aches, headache, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion, runny nose, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea It is also possible to be infected with the virus and have no symptoms. For this reason, the CDC recommends physical distancing and masks to help reduce the risk of transmission. To minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission, the health department is asking everyone use the three basic Ws:  Watch physical distance and keep six feet from others.  Wear a mask when in public places.  Wash hands routinely. 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. Information on area testing sites can be found at https://dph.illinois.gov/testing. 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