Groups File Requests for Rehearing in Ameren Transmission Line Case

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MoultrieMap

Courtesy of ATXI
The MCPO route, seen above in turquoise, redirects the transmission line almost entirely outside the county's borders.

Defend Piatt and Douglas Coalition to appeal decision on MCPO line

by Keith Stewart
keith@newsprogress.com

The Illinois Commerce Commission may have approved parts of Ameren’s Illinois Rivers Transmission Project August 20, but various groups opposed to certain segments are fighting back with requests for rehearing.

The 330 mile transmission line that spans from Palmyra, Mo. to Sugar Creek, Ind. was approved, in part, August 20, including a segment proposed by a group of Moultrie County landowners that repositions what originally went through the county, almost entirely outside its borders. But various groups have either already filed or plan to file requests for rehearing, including the Defend Piatt/Douglas Coalition. Read More

Budget Passed for Sullivan Schools Still Sees Deficit Spending

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Still, overall, budget in the black for 13-14

by Keith Stewart
keith@newsprogress.com

The Sullivan School board approved a budget for the 2013-2014 year Monday, September 9 with an estimated deficit of $1,494,373.

However, the budget overall is estimated in the black after considering the beginning fund balances as of July 1, 2013, as well as the $1.4 million in working cash bonds, leaving the district with an estimated $3,688,945 balance across its nine funds come next June. Read More

Skate Park Bench Becomes Hot Topic Monday Night

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Photo by Keith Stewart Pictured is the bench that accompanied the Lovington skate park and that was donated by the American Ramp Company. At Monday night’s village board meeting the bench was the focus of debate as the board tried to conclude whether its presence made the project a memorial, which some argued was against the park’s approval in March.

Photo by Keith Stewart
Pictured is the bench that accompanied the Lovington skate park and that was donated by the American Ramp Company. At Monday night’s village board meeting the bench was the focus of debate as the board tried to conclude whether its presence made the project a memorial, which some argued was against the park’s approval in March.

Distinction of memorial vs. dedication argued

by Florence Hallford
Lovington Reporter

While most of the controversy over the Lovington skate park died back in March when the project was approved, that which was left over flared up during Monday night’s meeting when the issue of a bench accompanying the park and its being removed was discussed.

Candi Bennett, mother of the late Dakota Hoffman, addressed the board Monday asking why they were told to remove a bench that accompanied the skate park equipment. Read More

Drying Soybeans Have Farmers Concerned

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Photo by RR Best Two dry ears of corn rest beside an already harvested plot of farmland Saturday, August 31 just north of Sullivan. The recent dry spell has prompted some farmers to take to their combines a little earlier than expected, while soybeans remain in desperate need of rain.

Photo by RR Best
Two dry ears of corn rest beside an already harvested plot of farmland Saturday, August 31 just north of Sullivan. The recent dry spell has prompted some farmers to take to their combines a little earlier than expected, while soybeans remain in desperate need of rain.

Corn looks to benefit from recent spell, yet likely to see lower market prices

by Ian Murphy
NP Contributor

Wet and dry, cool and hot, up and down.

Inconsistent weather this growing season delayed the planting of corn and soybeans and could draw the crop harvest into late October

Clint Robinson, a member of the Moultrie County Farm Bureau board, said he waited until May 15 to plant corn and waited into June to plant soybeans because of the excess moisture in the soil.

Last year he planted during the last week of March and first week of April. Read More

Council Discusses Sewer and Drain Project Updates

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by Barry Featheringill
Sullivan Reporter

Sullivan’s forthcoming sewer line repair project was reported as one step closer to beginning Monday.

Commissioner Bill Hagen noted that the survey of sewer lines in the northwest part of the city has been completed as well as the process of submitting a grant request for $450,000 to go along with the city’s portion of the $600,000 project. The project itself will involve either relining or replacing current piping, whichever will be the most cost effective for the city.  Read More

Peace Meal Program to Keep Hot Meals

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IDOA reverses decision after investigation, awards funding to SBLHC

by Keith Stewart
keith@newsprogress.com

The ensuing fears over the Peace Meal program and it doing away with hot meals come October 1 were put to rest Tuesday night, as a statement was released explaining that Sarah Bush Lincoln Hospital has now been awarded the funding, thus keeping the Peace Meal program intact. Read More

OV Alum Becomes Kansas State Assistant Coach

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After being a student of Bruce Weber’s at UIUC, Yoder continues to learn at Kansas

Photo Submitted Dustin Yoder (left) is seen here at Kansas State University with close friend Michael Corum. Yoder was recently promoted by Kansas State Men’s Head Basketball Coach Bruce Weber to video coordinator.

Photo Submitted
Dustin Yoder (left) is seen here at Kansas State University with close friend Michael Corum. Yoder was recently promoted by Kansas State Men’s Head Basketball Coach Bruce Weber to video coordinator.

 

by Derek Pope
Bethany Reporter

Dustin Yoder, a graduate of Okaw Valley school system, was recently given an assistant coaching position for Kansas State’s basketball program. The announcement came in late August following a move by head coach, Bruce Weber, which made Drew Speraw the director of basketball operations and Yoder the team’s video coordinator. Prior to receiving the position, Yoder was a graduate assistant during Kansas State’s groundbreaking 2012-2013 season, during which the Wildcats finished with a 27-8 overall record and received their first ever regular season Big 12 championship.

“These are well deserved promotions for both Drew and Dustin,” Weber said in an announcement. “I think staff continuity and chemistry is very important, and both guys were critical to the success we had last season.”  Read More

Crist Family Gathers to Remember Brother, Son

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Tragic Shooting in Georgia Last Week Leaves Family Grieving

by Keith Stewart
keith@newsprogress.com

Following the standoff that left Sullivan resident Joseph E. Crist dead last week in Georgia, family members as far as Phoenix have come back to Sullivan to remember him and to console one another. Read More