SHS Students Work with Community to Support Deployed Graduates

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•February 26, 2020•
By Ariana Cherry
for the News Progress

Sullivan High School Principal Daniel Allen told the school board about a new program where high school students and the community are working together to support graduates who are being deployed.
The group is especially focused on members of the National Guard 130th infantry and 82nd airborne the principal emphasized.
Melissa Nichol’s art students created a powerful display honoring all of them. It is displayed on the office door.
Rebecca Lawson and her students are coordinating with community groups to gather items to be shipped overseas to support former students.
On January 25 at 8:00 am, a special meeting of the school board was held to discuss some of the current needs of the schools in District 300.
Elementary School Principal, Heather Ethell discussed enrollment, class sizes, staffing, literary curriculum, and building needs that included a preschool playground, flooring and restroom upgrades. Read More

Early Voting is an Advantage for Moultrie County Citizens

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Photo by Mike Brothers
Lovington voter Barry Morgan took a few minutes to vote early for March 17 primary election candidates. Early voting is 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. at the Moultrie County Clerk’s office.

•February 26, 2020•
Early voting is an advantage for Moultrie County citizens, allowing them to choose when to cast their ballots.
Through March 16 voters can vote from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at the County Clerk’s office in the Moultrie County Courthouse, Sullivan.
County Clerk Georgia England pointed out early voting allows the voter to choose when to vote. Early voting is a convenient way to avoid unpredictable weather and the polling places on primary election day Tuesday, March 17. Read More

The Titus Home is Coming Down

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•February 26, 2020•
By Mike Brothers

The Winifred Titus home is coming down.
The Sullivan City County unanimously authorized demolition of the Titus Home and carriage house at the Feb. 24 regular meeting.
Preparation was also made to allow interior items to be salvaged prior to demolition.
The council also approved entering into a TIF agreement with the Sullivan Fire and Ambulance District for a lump sum payment of $211.198.
In a special Sullivan City Council study session on strategic planning held Feb. 20 the reason’s to demolish the century old structure were discussed.
Mayor Richard Glazebrook introduced discussion on the Winifred Titus home, noting the recent $1.4 million estimate to renovate the home into commercial property might be money spent better elsewhere.
“I feel it should come down,” Mayor Glazebrook said of the century old home. “It is a burden and will continue to deteriorate. It would be a shame to watch it decay.” Read More

Four-way Stop Ahead for Howie’s Intersection

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Photo by Mike Brothers
Deadly intersection on Route 32 south of Sullivan at Findlay/Bruce Rd (Howie’s intersection) was the scene of a deadly crash in 2019. IDOT has approved a four way stop for the intersection.

•February 26, 2020•
After conducting a detailed study of safety issues and past accidents at the intersection of Illinois 32 and Bruce-Findlay Road, IDOT has agreed to convert the intersection to a 4-way stop.
IDOT officials have released the results of Rural Safety Assessment (RSA) on the intersection of Illinois 32 and Bruce-Findlay Road (Moultrie County Road 800 N).
The study was conducted in response to local leaders concerns about the safety of the intersection, including a September 2019 accident when a 56-year-old woman and a 5-year-old child were killed when an SUV hit a school bus.
After the completion of the study, IDOT has agreed to build a 4-way stop at the intersection. Read More

Burning Palms

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Burning Palms
St. Columcille PSR students witnessed the Burning of the Palms which occurred Sunday morning, February 23rd, at Immaculate Conception Church. Fr John Titus burned last years palms which were blessed on Palm Sunday. The ashes from these palms will be used on Ash Wednesday, February 26th, a day of universal fast and abstinence in the Catholic Church. It is the beginning of the forty days of Lent which leads us to the fifty days of the Easter Season.

Top County Speller

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Photo furnished Top County Speller The Moultrie County Bee was held Feb. 19th at the Little Theater on the Square in Sullivan. This county bee was won by Max Boddy of Lovington with the word “depot”. His alternate will be Alex Fultz of Sullivan who got out on the word “pamphlet”. Max will go on to compete March 21st at the Regional Bee in Decatur, IL.

Special Present

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Special Present
Bryce Badman had his 6th birthday party but instead of gifts he asked for donations for the animal shelter. His mother Cami Badman contacted Moultrie County PAWS and they delivered loads of needed items to the shelter donated on behalf of Bryce’s special day. Great idea for a great cause. Happy birthday Bryce!

Dual Directors Appointed for Sullivan Civic Center

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Photo by Ellen Ferrera
From left Melissa Krieger new Aquatic Director and Wendy Elzy new Director for the Sullivan Civic Center.

•February 19, 2020•
By Ellen Ferrera
for The News Progress

Wendy Elzy was recently appointed Director of the Sullivan Civic Center and Melissa Krieger was promoted to Aquatic and Program Director.
Elzy grew up in Shelbyville and she and her husband moved to Sullivan following his military service.
Eight years ago, former Director, Sue Weaver, asked Elzy to be an assistant.
“Customer service has always been my forte and interacting with the members has been the best part of my job,” Elzy explained.
Melissa is Sue Weaver’s daughter and began working at the Civic Center when she was 14 year old.
“I really wanted the aquatic job,” Krieger said. “I love teaching the swimming classes and working with the little kids. Everyday here is different and I enjoy those challenges.” Read More

County Moves Ahead with Corrections Software Upgrades

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•February 19, 2020•
By Mike Brothers

Moultrie County Board approved reserve funds to upgrade sheriff’s office corrections software at the Feb. 13 meeting.
Moultrie County Sheriff Chris Sims explained the Phoenix Corrections Management Software is an upgrade to the booking system which communicates with the statewide system.
County board chairman Dave McCabe recommended the sheriff negotiate a lump sum payment for the software upgrade rather than continue payments over five years to participate in the state booking system.
In the motion to transfer $70,000 from reserves McCabe said the lump sum payment negotiated by Sheriff Sims saved the county some $50,000 over the five years.
Sims also reported new state law requires Animal Control adoptions to include spay and neuter fees. Cost to adopt a pet is $20 plus those veterinary fees. Read More

Kiss The Pig Contest Livens Mason Point’s Valentine Party

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Photo by Ellen Ferrera
Ansley Titus brought forth the piglet wrapped in a blanket ready for a kiss from Mason Point Administrator Darin Wall.

•February 19, 2020•
By Ellen Ferrera
for The News Progress

Mason Point’s activity and medical staffs orchestrated a lovely Valentine’s Day program in the Knight’s Building on February 14.
Nearly 70 residents were seated at the red, pink and white tables while they were entertained by Cindy McClelland Rhodes of Cindy’s Kareoke.
Cindy has been performing her show for some 15 years for nursing homes and at American Legions. Her programs are mostly Country/Western and include such favorites as “Coal Miner’s Daughter”, “Coat of Many Colors”, “This Ole House”, and ‘’What a Friend We Have in Jesus”.
Her musical program brought several couples to the dance floor including Mason Point Administrator Darin Wall and his mom, Virginia.
“This is the best Valentine Day ever.” Long-time resident, Jackie Grace said. “We have had so much fun this week.”
The dining room staff featured decorated Valentine cookies, cups of strawberry mousse and sparkling punch. Each lady guest received a carnation.
Penny and Dan Moschenrose brought their Valentine Day gift – a little puppy named Baby Buttons all dressed up in a big red bow for the festivities. Read More