News Progress

Coles-Moultrie 911 is Complete

•June 21, 2017•

By Mike Brothers

Moultrie County Board offered a life insurance benefit to employees and approved the state’s attorney as the county’s ethics advisor at the June 15 meeting.

County board chair Dave McCabe recommended approval of Cincinnati Life Insurance Company to offer a payroll deductible guaranteed life insurance benefit up to $100,000. McCabe noted every employee would be contacted and would need to approve or opt out of the program. The board unanimously agreed to offer the life insurance program.

With the county board in non-compliance with state ethics changes, Chairman McCabe recommended the state’s attorney’s office be ethics advisor for the county. He explained a three person ethics committee would also need to be appointed along with an ethics ordinance update.

Road and bridge committee chair Kevin McReynolds recommended accepting the low bid of $136,098.10 from Microsurfacing Contractors LLC for a section of County Highway 13 in Marrowbone Township. The board approved unanimously. Read More

•June 14, 2017•

By Ellen Ferrera
for the News Progress

Indeed, researchers estimate this story to be at least 4,000 years old with its origins in the Greek myth of Cupid and Psyche. Written in 1740 by Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve, the original story had no Gaston or talking furniture - these are figments of Disney’s imagination.

In the 1700’s marriages were still arranged and this story was specifically intended to prepare young French girls for such a marriage.

Almost every country has a variant folktale of Beauty and the Beast, and it has been adapted for film (three times), stage, TV, opera and even a ballet.

That said, I can’t gush enough stars for this stellar production, its incredibly talented cast and especially the set and stage crew.

A narrator begins the prologue of how the Prince is turned into the Beast as the Prince, Beggar Woman and the Enchantress pantomime the action on stage. The curtain descends and rises again on a breathtaking French square as the villagers colorful costumes and carrying wonderful props bring the town to life. Belle (played by Samantha Matthews - she of the translucent skin and sterling voice) enters as does her father Maurice (Pat Swearington) and their loving and devoted relationship is revealed in the song “No Matter What”. Maurice has invented a clever wood shopping contraption for the science fair. Pat Swearington in both voice and mannerisms makes a most believable, devoted father. Read More

•June 14, 2017•

Coles-Moultrie county enhanced  9-1-1 is completed and in operation, Director Bernie Buttram told members of the Moultrie County Health and Safety Committee June 7.

Buttram noted that although coordinating the various land line carriers was a challenge, the diligence of Deb Prather at INdigital Telecom along with address accuracy in Moultrie County from Kelly Lockhart and the staff at Coles County Regional Planning paid off.

“It has been a long time coming,” Buttram said of the months of delays. “Now everything is moving, and we are the first consolidated 9-1-1 completed in the state.”

In addition board member Kevin McReynolds reported that the new aerial photos of the county were completed and would be available to enhance the 9-1-1 mapping system. Read More