News Progress

Photo by Mike Brothers
The Moultrie County Board reorganized after the election with the first meeting held Dec. 15. Pictured from left: Kevin McReynolds, Arlene Aschermann, Gary Smith, vice chair Ron White, Mike Barringer, County Clerk Georgia England, board chair Dave McCabe, Bill Voyles, Tim Rose and Todd Maxedon.

•December 21, 2016•

The reorganized Moultrie County Board met Dec. 15 appointing Lori Barringer supervisor of assessments.

On a motion by new personnel committee chairman Bill Voyles, Barringer was appointed to a term from December 16, 2016 to December 16, 2020 increasing her salary to $50,000.

County board member Gary Smith questioned the second salary increase since October since it was different than the originally approved motion.

Barringer, who was appointed interim supervisor of assessments Oct. 5 following Cindy Kidwell’s death, was originally slated to fulfill Kidwell’s unexpired term through Feb 28, 2017.

Board chairman Dave McCabe explained the interim appointment for 60 days would expire before the Feb 28 date, which prompted the recommended change by the personnel committee. Read More

•December 21, 2016•

By Sam L. Clemons
for the News Progress

Elizabeth Titus Memorial Library ushers in more than a new year on January 1, 2017. That’s when Director Clemens Uptmor retires and Michelle Nolen takes on those duties.

The city library has long been one of Sullivan’s best kept secrets. Although serving a small community, Elizabeth Titus gives it patrons services many larger libraries lack.

For example no other library in the area offers a 3D printer. Elizabeth Titus Library purchased one in September 2014 for public use which has been utilized for many student projects and is open for public use.

“Many of the services offered by the library were in place before I was director,” Uptmor said, explaining program expansions and creations were brought about by staff getting together responding to requests from the patrons. Read More

•December 14, 2016•

The Lovington Village Board met December 12 to discuss holiday bonuses, schedule changes and requests for an additional opening hour New Year’s Eve for Shooters Bar and the East  End Tavern.

Board members voted to amend the village liquor ordinance in November. Unanimously approved was the reduction from three liquor licenses to two.

According to the new meeting schedule the village board next meets on Monday, January 9 with meetings moved from the first Monday to the second Monday of the month.

During the November village board meeting action was taken on participation in the Illinois Municipal League Risk Management insurance program. Trustee Pam Anklam moved the village select the one installment pay option of $41,882.94 with trustee Jim McMahan seconding and board voting unanimously to approve.  Read More