Police Searching for Potential Predator

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•December 7, 2016•

Sullivan police are investigating two reported incidents involving a potential sexual predator operating in the city. The latest incident occurred  during the day over the weekend.

Police Chief Jim Waggoner said police were called to a Saturday afternoon incident in the northwest part of the city where a man in a small white pickup truck approached a nine year old boy.

“We responded to the neighborhood report immediately and added additional patrols over the weekend,” Waggoner said, explaining citizens should be on the alert for suspicious behavior in neighborhoods.

Waggoner stated two separate incidents in the general area of the city were reported and that each occurred during daylight hours on weekends. Read More

Moultrie County Secret Santa’s Happiest Time of the Year

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Photo by Mike Brothers Sullivan IGA manager Pat Stinson (right) presents $500 check to Moultrie County Secret Santa representatives Police Chief Jim Waggoner and Greg Foster.

Photo by Mike Brothers
Sullivan IGA manager Pat Stinson (right) presents $500 check to Moultrie County Secret Santa representatives Police Chief Jim Waggoner and Greg Foster.

•December 7, 2016•

Through the generosity of Moultrie County Secret Santa some 200 kids will have a better Christmas this year. Last weekend secret shoppers went to work and gift wrapping is Dec. 17.

IGA manager Pat Stinson presented police chief Jim Waggoner and Secret Santa council chair Greg Foster with a donation last week as the number of applications for Secret Santa’s help reached 200.

Stinson explained the $500 donation was raised partially from the IGA annual golf outing with additional donations from the Sullivan IGA store.

“IGA is always there for the community,” Foster said, explaining they are also a big help during the annual Jeepin’ for Jessi Secret Santa fund-raiser held at the Toy Bar in July.

This is December and the time for children to reap the benefits of Secret Santa’s annual efforts. Read More

Moultrie County Board Reorganizes

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•December 7, 2016•

The Moultrie County Board reorganized December 1 following oaths administered to newly elected members.

County Clerk Georgia England presided over the new board, reminding county board members they have been elected to serve the best interests of all 15,000 citizens of the county.

She also encouraged each board member to visit every county office, encouraging their involvement in all aspects of county government. Read More

Risley Fills Commissioner Vacancy

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•December 7, 2016•

By Ariana Cherry
for the News Progress

After returning from their closed session meeting, Sullivan City Council voted to have Jerry Risley fill the position as the street commissioner after Ken Johnson stepped down recently.

Risley begins serving as commissioner December 12 after a new resolution has been passed. He serves until the next election in April 2017.

Mayor Ann Short shared a letter with council members that stated Clem Uptmor would be retiring from his position as director at Elizabeth Titus Memorial Library. Michelle Nolen, who has been the children’s librarian, will be the new director starting January 1, 2017.

Other news that was discussed or acted upon:

(at the two previous November meetings) Read More

Parkland Hosts FFA Agronomy CDE

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Photo furnished Parkland Hosts FFA Agronomy CDE Members of the Windsor FFA Chapter attended the Section 16 FFA Agronomy CDE at Parkland Community College November 15. The members were tasked with identifying different species of crops and weeds, reading maps of soil types, and judging groups of crops. As a team, the Windsor FFA Chapter placed fourth overall. Tristan Boehm placed in the top 10 in Section 16 as an individual. Members of the team include Kendra Reed, Hannah Morlen, Gage Sattler, Mason Campbell, Tristan Boehm, Brandon Milligan, Whitney Pepperdine, and Colby Kidwell.

Photo furnished
Parkland Hosts FFA Agronomy CDE
Members of the Windsor FFA Chapter attended the Section 16 FFA Agronomy CDE at Parkland Community College November 15. The members were tasked with identifying different species of crops and weeds, reading maps of soil types, and judging groups of crops. As a team, the Windsor FFA Chapter placed fourth overall. Tristan Boehm placed in the top 10 in Section 16 as an individual. Members of the team include Kendra Reed, Hannah Morlen, Gage Sattler, Mason Campbell, Tristan Boehm, Brandon Milligan, Whitney Pepperdine, and Colby Kidwell.

Newly Elected County Officials

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Photo by Mike Brothers Newly Elected County Officials Judge Dan L. Flannell administered the oaths of office to Moultrie County officials December 1. They were elected during the November 8, 2016 election. Pictured above from left: Republican county board members Tim Rose, Kevin McReynolds, Mike Barringer and Ron White. Democrat Moultrie County circuit clerk Cindy Braden, Republican coroner Lynn Reed, Republican state’s attorney Jeremy Richey and Judge Flannell who administered his final oaths as Chief Judge of the Sixth Judicial Circuit.

Photo by Mike Brothers
Newly Elected County Officials
Judge Dan L. Flannell administered the oaths of office to Moultrie County officials December 1. They were elected during the November 8, 2016 election. Pictured above from left: Republican county board members Tim Rose, Kevin McReynolds, Mike Barringer and Ron White. Democrat Moultrie County circuit clerk Cindy Braden, Republican coroner Lynn Reed, Republican state’s attorney Jeremy Richey and Judge Flannell who administered his final oaths as Chief Judge of the Sixth Judicial Circuit.

Under Pressure

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Photo by RR Best Under Pressure Timberwolves Connor Cloyd is under pressure from Shelbyville defender during the 55-32 Okaw Valley High School loss to Shelbyville December 2.

Photo by RR Best
Under Pressure
Timberwolves Connor Cloyd is under pressure from Shelbyville defender during the 55-32 Okaw Valley High School loss to Shelbyville December 2.

OVHS U.S. Corp of Engineers Coop.

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Photo furnished The Okaw Valley High School U.S. Corp of Engineers Cooperative continued last week as students planted trees as part of the environmental restoration phase. Back row left to right: Brody Bland, AnthonyWeekly, Zared Ledbetter, Matthew Buxton, Conner Cloyd, J.T. Bland, and Tanner Coleman. Front row left to right: Cody Hinkle, Cody Drake, Ethan Macklin, Jesse Robinson, Wes Wise

Photo furnished
The Okaw Valley High School U.S. Corp of Engineers Cooperative continued last week as students planted trees as part of the environmental restoration phase. Back row left to right: Brody Bland, AnthonyWeekly, Zared Ledbetter, Matthew Buxton, Conner Cloyd, J.T. Bland, and Tanner Coleman. Front row left to right: Cody Hinkle, Cody Drake, Ethan Macklin, Jesse Robinson, Wes Wise

New City Administrator is a Familiar Face

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Photo by Mike Brothers Sullivan City Adminstrator Dan L. Flannell assumes new duties after retiring as Chief Judge of the Sixth Judicial Circuit in January.

Photo by Mike Brothers
Sullivan City Adminstrator Dan L. Flannell assumes new duties after retiring as Chief Judge of the Sixth Judicial Circuit in January.

•November 30, 2016•

By Mike Brothers

When Dan Flannell becomes Sullivan city administrator January 16, 2017 he leaves a 28 year career as Moultrie County Circuit Judge to walk across the street for a new challenge.

On November 21 the Sullivan City Council ended a long search for a city administrator when they chose retiring Judge Flannell to coordinate the city’s day to day operations.

“I knew when I stepped down from the bench, I didn’t want to retire,” Flannell said, noting when he learned of the city’s search for an administrator in the spring it interested him.

Appointed Chief Judge of the Sixth Circuit in 2012, following the illness of Judge John Shonkwiller in Piatt County, Flannell found himself enjoying the administrative duties involved in balancing court operations in rural counties such as Moultrie and Douglas as well as two metro centers in Champaign and Decatur.

Thinking the city administrator position might be a unique match for his skills, he applied and was considered along with other professional applicants.

“I know there were several applicants, and I am grateful to the city council for choosing me,” he said.

“I realize it’s a lot different than being a judge, but I intend to start learning as much as possible.” Read More