Photo submitted
State Scholars
The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) has recognized Illinois High School students scholastic achievements for 2016-17. Okaw Valley High School had five students named Illinois State Scholars based on outstanding academic achievement. Those students are Gretchen Macklin, Nicole Miller, Charli Uhlrich, Nick Tipsword and Alex Martin.
Photo furnished
Windsor High School Homecoming Court
Windsor High School will host homecoming December 12 at the high school. Coronation will begin at 7:30 p.m., and the dance will take place from 8-11 p.m. The theme is Adventures in Wonderland.
Pictured is the homecoming court. Above: Back row (L to R): Sophomore attendant Brad Farmer, king candidates Todd Elliott, Mitchell Haddock, Tyler Kemper, junior attendant Travis Fox, and freshman attendant Beau Bennett.
Front row (L to R): Sophomore attendant Mikayla Haddock, queen candidates Breana Wiltermood, Mercedez Austin, Kristen Morlen, junior attendant Kaitlyn Armes, and freshman attendant Carson Cole
Photo by Mike Brothers
Toys for Tots
Toys for Tots is growing in Moultrie County with collection sites such as the one at Los Potros on the square in Sullivan. Los Potros manager Honorio is taking donations and displaying Toys for Tots trains with donors’ names around the counter. Local chapter coordinator Ric Kenney (pictured right) explained folks may make donations at several locations around Moultrie County including EK Petro, Sullivan VFW, Red Apple Restaurant, Monical’s Pizza, Subway, Dolllar General Store, First National Bank, Scott State Bank and First Mid Illinois Bank & Trust. Toys for Tots works with Secret Santa in Sullivan and Sparrows in Lovington to help with their individual toy drives.
•December 9, 2015•
By Mike Brothers
A motion to allow Michael Yost an evaluation to see whether he is fit for trial was granted by Judge Dan L. Flannell in Moultrie County court Monday.
Yost, 41, is accused of the March 4 murder of Sheri L Randall in Sullivan.
He was represented in court by public defender Bradford Rau, who presented the motion.
“Our expert exam for fitness focuses on medical issues that could make Mr. Yost unfit for trial,” Rau told Judge Flannell.
State’s Attorney Jeremy Richey explained that he felt there was no reason to doubt Yost’s fitness for trial, but it was the public defender’s right to make the request.
Richey did emphasize the defendant’s right to a speedy trail within 120 days would not be met with the additional time required for an exam. Read More
•December 9, 2015•
By Stu D. Baker
For the News Progress
Moultrie County’s updated Animal Control Ordinance will allow easier enforcement of violations.
State’s Attorney Jeremy Richey presented the changes to the Public Health and Safety committee last week explaining the changes clarify what procedures the sheriff’s department must follow to issue citations.
Sheriff Chris Sims explained that most of the calls of this nature involve neighbor disputes over dogs running at large. Citation violations still carry a $75 fine to the dog owner.
Animals running at large is an issue that has improved over the past few years with animal control director Rick Matthews pointing out that from 2008 through 2013 the animal shelter population was around 136-137 every year.
By 2014 the annual processing number for both dogs and cats at Moultrie County Animal Control dropped to 92, and Matthews said this year 59 is a new low for the annual population.
Matthews explained that Moultrie Animal Control polices stray and animals running at large in the rural areas of the county.
Lovington has an animal control officer for the village with Dalton City and Bethany using the police department to bring strays to the county shelter. Read More
Photo by RR Best
Sullivan Christmas Parade
Kylee Ragsdale stays wrapped up for the cool ride in the Sullivan Hometown Christmas Parade last Saturday. Kylee encouraged the parade goers to brave the cold as she tossed candy to the crowd.
Photo By RR Best
Santa Arrives
It was a frosty arrival by horse drawn carriage for Santa Claus to the annual Sullivan Hometown Christmas Parade on December 5. Sponsored by Petersen Health Care the parade kicked off from the high school parking lot at noon and ended with Santa taking children’s Christmas requests at the Sullivan American Legion Post 68 . Faith Lutheran Church/ Thrivent Financial sold dog and cat treats in front of Little Theatre to raise money for Homeward Bound Animal Shelter. First Christian Church gave away hot chocolate and coffee on the south side of the square.
Jobs Program Grows
•December 9, 2015•
by Mike Brothers
Moultrie County’s board is putting money on the success of No Job Left Behind.
Members of the county board budget and finance committee voted to recommend increasing the contribution to Sullivan Chamber & Economic Development from $5000 to $7500.
County board chairman Dave McCabe recommended the increase explaining No Job Left Behind has grown expanding into Okaw Valley schools to make it a countywide program.
“The money we invest is earmarked for No Job Left Behind,” Chairman McCabe told the committee, who voted unanimously to recommend the increase in the budget for Economic Development to the full county board.
“I’m very grateful Moultrie County is investing in the No Job Left Behind initiative,” Sullivan Chamber and Economic Development Director Stepheny McMahon said.
Over 150 businesses, educators,community members and workforce development professionals are working together to address the growing shortage of skilled workers in east central Illinois.
“We just completed our 2016 Skills Gap Survey,” McMahon said of the continued progress. Read More
Photo Submitted
Boy Scout Troop 39 and Cub Scout Pack 39 held their annual scouting for food event. More than 3,560 pounds of food were collected.
•December 2, 2015•
By Ariana Cherry
For the News Progress
There are quite a few unpaid cemetery plots and the Sullivan City Council took action at the regular meeting.
“There are about $15,000 worth of unpaid cemetery lots,” informed mayor Ann Short. The city is taking action by mailing out letters to all of those who still have lots but have yet to pay. “Action will be taken. If they do not respond in two weeks, plots will be resold,” said Short. One plot has already been presumably “filled” and is not paid for. Further action will be taken on the outstanding bill if it isn’t paid though, according to Short.
Other news that was discussed or acted upon:
- -Commissioner Bill Hagen reported that on the last days of the recycling program that so much trash was left on the ground that another dumpster had to be brought in.
“It was pretty bad,” he noted. “We are still waiting on the paperwork from those who still would like to have a recycling program. It will be presented at the next meeting he stated.
- -Commissioner Mike Kirk reported the city was selling a 1970 Toyota gasoline FG20. “It is old, but it still works,” he said. The city received five bids with the highest one at $1,030. Read More