•March 4, 2020•
Voters may prefer to cast their ballots early rather than risk health issues related to concerns over COVID-19.
“With the big “C” virus we want to encourage early voting,” Moultrie County Clerk Georgia England urged.
“Many people want to avoid large crowds or places where a lot of people pass through…the answer: Early Vote!” she emphasized. Read More
Colored Pencil Art Workshop Offered in Sullivan
•March 4, 2020•
The Sullivan Art Club will kick off its 2020 season with a workshop on Saturday, March 21 at the St. Columcille Church hall located on the east end of the church at the corner of West Jackson and McClellan Streets.
There is a dedicated entrance to the hall adjacent to the parking lot. The workshop will run from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. with an hour break for lunch. Participants may bring a sack lunch or dine at one of the area restaurants. Read More
After 59 years, the News-Progress has New Owners
Photo furnished
Kathy Best and R.R. Best at University of Illinois (Springfield) Alumni Achievement Award presentation to Kathy. The Best family operated the newspaper since 1961 and recently sold to Paddock Publications.
•March 4, 2020•
After 59 years, the News-Progress has New Owners.
Bob and Kathy Best last week sold the paper their family has owned since 1961 to Paddock Publications, an employee-owned newspaper company based in Arlington Heights, Ill. Paddock will continue to publish the News-Progress.
“As we have in other communities, our goal is to continue to honor the legacy of the former longtime owners by doing what we do best: local coverage of the people and institutions that call Sullivan and Moultrie County home,” said Stefanie Anderson, senior vice president/general manager of the community newspapers division for Paddock.
The News-Progress, which can trace its roots back to 1857, will continue doing business out of its offices at 100 W. Monroe in Sullivan. Mike Brothers, Barry Morgan and Rachael Van Dyke are staying with the new ownership.
Bob Best, who has managed the operations of the paper since his father’s death, will help with the transition for a few weeks, but then head off for new ventures. Read More
SHS Academic Challengers
Photo furnished
SHS Academic Challengers
Sullivan finished second as a team in their division at the 2020 regional competition of the Academic Challenge hosted by Lake Land College. Individuals who placed in their respective subjects were as follows: Noah Bates - 1st Engineering Graphics, 3rd Biology; Paul Bates - 3rd Biology; Cooper Browne - 2nd Engineering Graphics; Reagan Crouse - 1st English; Gary Herschberger - 2nd English; Shyanne Hunter - 3rd English; Dasey Swiney-Frederick - 3rd Engineering Graphics; Noah Bates and Reagan Crouse also earned $1,000 tuition waivers from Lake Land College for having one of the top two scores in a given subject out of all competitors at the event.
SHS Students Work with Community to Support Deployed Graduates
•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
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
•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
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
Photo furnished
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
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.