What Brought Me to Sullivan and the Moultrie County News Progress…

News Progress Posted on by

•February 28, 2024•

by Crystal Reed

Hi, my name is Crystal Reed and I have been the Writer for the Moultrie County News Progress since late July 2020. I have recently decided to resign my position at the publication and my last day will be Friday, March 1. When I made this decision, I weighed my options and did a lot of thinking about what I should ultimately do. In the 3 years and 7 months or so that I have served in this role, I have met many people and learned so much about the communities in Moultrie County.

However let’s back up and go back to 2020 for a minute. Some people are not aware of the circumstances of how I ended up in Sullivan and at the News Progress. Shortly after the State of Illinois was shut down in 2020, I was furloughed from my employer in Effingham. I can’t express to you how difficult that was for me, it was the first time since I got out of college that I was unemployed for longer than a few months or so.  Read More

Drive Your Tractor To School Day 2024

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photo by Crystal Reed
Drive Your Tractor To School Day
Sullivan FFA members with a few of the tractors that were driven to school on Thursday, February 22. To celebrate FFA week Sullivan FFA had dress up days including Camo Day, American Day, PJ Day, Blue and Gold and Red vs. Green. Students could also pay an amount to wear a hat to school for a day or the whole week. 

photo by Crystal Reed
The Smallest Tractor
Pictured is the smallest tractor that was brought for Sullivan High School FFA’s Drive Your Tractor to School Day.

photo by Crystal Reed
Petting the Animals
Bella Purcell (left) pets a rabbit that Lexi Mashaw (right) is holding.

photo by Crystal Reed
Okaw Valley FFA Petting Zoo
As part of their FFA Week activities the OV FFA had a petting zoo on Wednesday, February 21. Students from OVES were able to come over and see a rabbit, goats, a horse, piglets and a calf that had been born on Monday, February 19 around 9 pm. Pictured is Bo Neal (left) brushing a horse while Gracie Plummer holds the animal still.

ALAH School Board Approves Check to Solicit Bids for Roof Work at AHGS and Pavement Work at LGS

News Progress Posted on by

•February 28, 2024•

by Ariana R. Cherry 

The ALAH School district continues to focus on the needs of its facilities. There are some places on the roof of the AHGS that have significant leaks. Superintendent Shannon Cheek had noted at January’s Board of Education meeting that he wanted to get ahead of things before they became a problem. At the meeting on February 21, the Board of Education approved Cheek to go ahead and solicit bids for roof work to be completed for summer 2024. The cost estimated could be anywhere from $200,000 to $240,000. The Lovington Grade School is also in need of pavement work, in which the board also approved Cheek to solicit bids. The estimate of cost for that is $410,000. Principal Andrew Peralta and his students at the Arthur Grade School are beginning to get excited for restroom repairs as some of the classrooms have already begun their plans for moving class until the renovations have been completed.  Read More

City of Sullivan Receives Another Grant to be Used for Park Improvements

News Progress Posted on by

photo furnished
A concept drawing of what the splash pad project will look like after it is built.

•February 28, 2024•

by Crystal Reed

The City of Sullivan was recently notified that they received another Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grant from the State of Illinois. According to a press release from the State of Illinois, nearly $55 million in state grants are being awarded for 111 local park projects throughout Illinois to help communities acquire land and develop recreational opportunities. The grants also want the recipients to make sure that the facilities they develop are accessible.  

The first OSLAD project total is $763,000. It is considered a matching grant and the city contributes 50% of that amount through mileage and man hours. “I am aware that the park is not an income generating department,” City Commissioner Abbey Sherwood said “that’s why it’s important to find other resources like grants.” Read More

Moultrie County Republicans Hold Lincoln Day Brunch 2024

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photo by Crystal Reed
Moultrie County Republicans Hold Lincoln Day Brunch
The Moultrie County Republican held their Lincoln Day brunch on Saturday, February 17. The event was attended by current local officials and board members as well as those running for office in the upcoming primary on March 19. Those that addressed the crowd included both candidates for State Rep in the 107th district: Marsha Webb and Brad Halbrook, State Senator for the 54th District Steve McClure, State Representative for District 101 Chris Miller, Lynn Reed, coroner running for re-election, Tracy Weaver, State’s Attorney running for re-election, Christa Helmuth, Circuit Clerk running for re-election and current county board member Travis Phelps. Pictured are Moultrie County Republicans with State Rep Brad Halbrook and State Representative Chris Miller.

Homeschool Program at Library Teaches About Beekeeping

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Aubrie Payne (left) models a bee suit while assisting Lisa Spracklen who presented on beekeeping to the homeschool program that meets at the Elizabeth Titus Memorial Library during the school year. Spracklen was also assisted by Cheryl Cribbett.

•February 21, 2024•

by Crystal Reed

The Elizabeth Titus Memorial Library had their first guest presenter on Thursday, February 8. According to Children’s Librarian Laura Davison, it was the first time having someone come in and present to the group that was created in the last five years. She continued on to say that the program averages about 20 kids though it varies on the day.  Read More

Local Girl Scout Troops Selling Cookies

News Progress Posted on by

photo by Crystal Reed
Local Girl Scout Troops Selling Cookies
It’s that time of year again, it’s Girl Scout cookie sales time. Briar Woods and Haley Woods were spotted this past weekend selling cookies at the Sullivan American Legion. Briar is a member of Troop 3087. Troop 3087 is lead by Kim Jones.

VFW Post 6410 Patriot’s Pen

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VFW Post 6410 Patriot’s Pen
The VFW Post 6410 recently sponsored the Patriot’s Pen and Voice of Democracy essay contests. All three local winners of the Patriot’s Pen contest were from Okaw Valley. They were first place-Benjamin Engler, second place-Jonnie Hart and third place-Magdalene Patient. Engler went on to win second place at the District 11 judging. They are pictured with Jennifer Hobbs.

Assistant States Attorney Addresses Lawsuit from Zillow During Board Meeting

News Progress Posted on by

•February 21, 2024•

by Crystal Reed

The Moultrie County Assistant States Attorney Elizabeth Dobson spoke during the regular meeting of the County Board on February 15 about a lawsuit that has been brought up against the Moultrie County Office of Assessments. Dobson said that the case is a public case and open file that anyone can look at. The case number in Piatt County is 2021-MR-37. She said it is a lawsuit under the Freedom of Information Act that started in August of 2021. “The Zillow company retained a law firm from Springfield, that specializes in FOIA lawsuits,” she said “Make no mistake that Moultrie County is being targeted here.” 

Dobson said that if anyone has questions about this lawsuit or the Assessment Office, Lori Barringer cannot answer questions at this time because the lawsuit is still pending. She said that she has seen many things on social media in regards to the case and questions regarding it. Dobson said the attorney’s filed the lawsuit against Moultrie County and the Assessment Office.  Read More