Clarity Sought on Federal Gov’s Greater Enforcement Threat

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•March 8, 2017• President Donald Trump’s administration needs to plainly say if it intends to crack down on the medical marijuana industry in Illinois, State Treasurer Michael Frerichs said. The administration’s comment of “greater enforcement” of laws that could close banks that have a relationship with the legal medical marijuana trade needlessly injects uncertainty into the industry. The ambiguous “greater enforcement” also could be used to shutter legal cultivators, wholesalers and retailers in Illinois. Finally, it is unclear what enforcement action could be taken against doctors who prescribe medical marijuana for patients, especially Veterans and children who struggle with seizures. … Read More

Energy Assistance Funds Still Available

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•March 8, 2017• The C.E.F.S Economic Opportunity Corporation’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) still has energy assistance funding available for winter utility assistance. Any household that has applied as of September 1, 2016 or after would not be eligible to apply again, unless they are being disconnected from their utility service. LIHEAP provides one-time grants to help income eligible households pay for their winter utility expenses. C.E.F.S. began taking LIHEAP applications last September for the current program year 2017. To date in Moultrie county energy benefits totaling $124,583.00 have been approved for 283 households. The average payment per … Read More

An Empty Seat at The Little Theatre

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•March 8, 2017• By Mike Brothers When The Little Theatre on the Square opened its season Friday, founder Guy Little’s seat on the front row was empty except for a rose. Guy Little Jr, the founder the The Little Theatre on the Square in 1957 passed away earlier in the day. He was 82. On opening night Little Theatre Executive Director John Stephens announced the 60th anniversary season will be dedicated to Little. The show  must go on. And in spite of the fact that Guy was not seated on the front row as usual, handing out notes to crew … Read More

Hands Producing Good Works from the Heart in Honduras

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•March 8, 2017• By Jose Libra for the News Progress For the eighth year in a row, 17 members of Hearts and Hands for Honduras  traveled to a remote community in the northeast part of Honduras, near the large town of Tacoa. The mission team from Sullivan First United Methodist Church (FUMC) included members from area churches and communities who brought support and healing medical services to residents of nearby La Ceibita. The small, struggling community’s local Methodist church building was the clinic’s location. These semi-annual treks consist of a medical mission effort in February (just completed) and a trip … Read More

Security Wall Recommended for States Attorney’s Office

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•March 8, 2017• A wall with a security window and magnetic entry door for the state’s attorneys was approved for installation by the Moultrie County Board building and grounds committee March 1. Building and grounds manager Rick Matthews reported the measure to provide increased security to the Moultrie County State’s Attorney Jeremy Richey’s office could be accomplished for about $1000. Matthews noted an eternal bid of $5906 for constructing the security window and wall let him take another look at the project. By utilizing used security glass with a built in speaker, Matthews told the committee he could build the wall … Read More

Titus Opera House-Sullivan’s Musical Past

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•March 8, 2017• By Ellen Ferrera for the News Progress Long before Guy Little, Jr. had a vision for The Little Theatre on the Square, Sullivan enjoyed a storied musical past with the Titus Opera House. It was Sullivan’s cultural center from 1871 to 1910. Joseph Titus moved to Sullivan with his wife, Louise, and their talented daughter, Winifred. Mrs. Titus sang and played piano, sharing that love of music with the community. Mr. and Mrs. Titus became patrons of the arts and built the opera house in 1871 for $30,000. Located on the northeast corner of the square where … Read More

IDNR Biodiversity Field Trip Grants Include SES

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•March 8, 2017• The Sullivan Elementary School first grade has received an $840 IDNR grant for a field trip to Ballard Nature Center in Altamont. Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Director Wayne Rosenthal announced the awarding of more than $98,000 in donated funds from the Illinois Biodiversity Field Trip Grant Program. More than 8,300 students will visit Illinois state parks, museums and other natural resources sites this year to learn about nature and conservation, thanks to grant funding through the 102 field trip grants. “We are pleased to support learning outside the classroom with these grants. This program allows … Read More

Obituaries 3-8-2017: Bill LaCost

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Bill LaCost William “Bill” Everett LaCost, 91, of Bethany, passed away February 26, 2017 in Beaumont, Tex. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday March 11, in McMullin-Young Funeral Home in Bethany. Visitation will be held an hour before the service at the funeral home in Bethany.  … Read More