The following article was written on his 80th Birthday:
Dive-Rescue Team Fish Fisherman from Lake Shelbyville
Photo by RR Best
First responders from Moultrie County Dive-Rescue, Fire and Ambulance and IDNR were called to fish a fisherman out of Lake Shelbyville Sunday.
•March 1, 2017•
A 41 year Taylorville man suffered severe hypothermia after falling into Lake Shelbyville from his fishing boat Sunday morning.
Moultrie County ESDA Dive-Rescue Team commander Clay Brush received the call at 10:41a.m. Feb. 26.
The fisherman had to cling to a tree while in the water for half an hour. Wind had blown his boat too close to the shoreline where the tree that he was clinging to for life knocked him into the water. Read More
County Schools to Share Proposed Sales Tax Revenue
•March 1, 2017•
By Mike Brothers
Sullivan Community Unit District 300 school board is hoping that collecting a one percent sales tax could generate funds for the schools of Moultrie County.
David Pistorius of First Midstate, Inc. explained during a January meeting that the sales tax revenue generated could be used toward facility use and or construction. Not eligible are operational costs, salaries, moveable equipment, or computers.
The one percent maximum level could produce as much as one million dollars revenue for the county schools. Read More
Fire Destroys Rural Home
Photo by RR Best
Fire Destroys Rural Home
Fire destroyed the Matt Knight home in rural Bethany Sunday, Feb. 26 with Findlay firefighters the first to respond to a blaze which required assistance from six additional departments. Findlay Fire Chief Ed Voltenburg said the call came into the department at 5:30 p.m. from the Knight’s daughter Baylee who was home.“The daughter was upstairs and said she heard what she thought was hail,” Voltenburg explained. “When she got downstairs, the front entry was on fire.” The chief explained Baylee gathered the family pets and escaped the burning house and made the 911 call. Her parents were at a movie in Decatur when the fire occurred and returned to the scene as firefighters battled the blaze. Voltenburg extended thanks to responding departments from Bethany, Sullivan, Assumption, Moweaqua, Shelbyville and Strasburg. The chief noted the investigation into the cause of the fire is incomplete with the house a total loss. Firefighters were on scene for five hours. The fire damage was primarily to the second floor and roof with the first floor damaged mostly by water and smoke. Red Cross was called to assist the family who lost most of their clothing and personal belongings in the blaze. Red Cross offered temporary assistance. A clothing collection effort is underway.
He noted that while the department was fighting the Knight blaze, a brush fire was reported in the Johnson bottoms area which required diverting some firefighters.
Family Donates Cheerful Pillowcases
Photo furnished
Family Donates Cheerful Pillowcases
Sarah Bush Lincoln Volunteer Services recently received a donation of hand-sewn pillowcases to help bring a smile and a little cheer to children having surgery. Young patients are given a fun, brightly colored pillowcase to use during recovery from a surgical procedure and then get to take the pillowcase home. The pillowcases were made by Anieta Trame and her grandchildren, who each made their own pillowcase to donate to the cause. Pictured with their donation are (l-r) are Ryan, Ellie, Lucy, Anieta, and Gracie Trame. Anyone who sews may learn more about this project by contacting Colleen Stoner, SBL Volunteer Services at cstoner@sblhs.org or (217) 258-2500.
$1000 Grant from VFW
Photo by E. Kenney
$1000 Grant from VFW
The Sullivan V.F.W. recently presented $1000 to the Wyman Park Community Park Grant, Youth Program 2017. Presenting the check: (left to right) VFW #6410 Commander Russell Craig, Park Commissioner Mike Mossman, Melissa and Jake Haegen Youth Program Coordinators, Harry Woolen.
New Sign for Oldest Bank
Photo by Mike Brothers
New Sign for Oldest Bank
First Community Bank signs went up at all former First National Bank and Hardware State Bank facilities last week as the oldest bank in the county got a new name. Seth and Sean from Monitor Sign Service owned by Bryan Cornell of Mattoon made Sullivan changes.
Agri-Fab Moves Toward Healthier Workforce
Photo by Mike Brothers
Moultrie County Counseling Executive Director Dave Cole, AgriFab Director of Human Relations Lori Foreman, and IPS Employment Specialist Jeremy Nolen.
•February 22, 2017•
Agri-Fab’s ability to employ 60% of its workforce locally and implement an employee friendly environment is the result of efforts to change the work environment over the past two years.
Director of Human Relations Lori Foreman told the Individual Placement & Support (IPS) of Moultrie County Counseling Center’s quarterly meeting about some changes that are helping retain employees at the 42 year old lawn equipment manufacturer in Sullivan.
“The six families who saved the company did so because they wanted to live here and keep jobs in the community,” Foreman said of Agri-Fab’s commitment to the area, noting the president of the company started out as a welder on the factory floor.
Besides making strides within the factory walls by reducing turnover with comprehensive benefits and better hiring practices, Agri-Fab is making strides with retaining employees by helping them stay healthier.
As part of the newly implemented health and wellness program the company provided a Fitbit for every employee and their spouse, Foreman said, noting the impact has been tremendous since being introduced during the summer. Read More
Harlem Wizards at SHS
Photo by Cole Denton
Harlem Wizards at SHS
When the Sullivan High School boys’ basketball team hosted the Harlem Wizards for an exhibition fundraising event putting Sullivan teachers and coaches against the nationally known “Clowns of the Court” Wednesday, Feb. 15 Cassie Becker had no idea she would get a chance to dunk the ball in front of hundreds of fans.
Sullivan School Board Proposes Property Tax Abatement
•February 22, 2017•
By Mike Brothers
The Sullivan CUSD #300 school board proposed a $250,000 annual tax abatement at the Feb 15, district board of education meeting.
The proposed abatement could save Moultrie County property tax payers from $23 to $131 on annual tax bills.
Property tax relief would come for Moultrie, Coles, and Shelby county taxpayers in the event the County School Facility Occupation Tax is approved at the consolidated election Tuesday, April 4, 2017.
“The commitment by the board to abate taxes speaks for the integrity of everyone serving,” Supt. Brad Tuttle said following the unanimous approval of the resolution.
Tuttle explained funds generated from the proposed sales tax will help retire bonds and interest issued to replace the roof and HVAC systems last summer. Read More