Trustee Donates to Senior Center
•March 8, 2017• On Thursday, March 2, Tyler Graven, Sullivan Township Trustee, presented the Mid-Illinois Senior Center with a $500 donation – his salary for the year. Graven said, “I made the decision to return my salary to the taxpayers, specifically to four charities in Sullivan. The first one I thought of was the Senior Center because of all the services they provide to seniors.” In addition to presenting the check Tyler spent some time in the center answering questions about his job and the work of the township. He explained that the trustees are basically auditors and make sure … Read More
NAMI Learns About Stress Related Disorders
•March 8, 2017• The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Effingham County held its monthly support group meeting featuring Dr., Monica Uddin. Dr. Uddin is a U of I professor of psychology who spoke on her research into stress related mental health disorders with an emphasis on PTSD. … Read More
New Aerial Photographs Offered County Municipalities
•March 8, 2017• Aerial photographs taken for property tax assessment and e911 will be shared with county municipalities if a recommendation from the Moultrie County GIS streering committee receives county board approval. Committee chair Kevin McReynolds reported Sullivan, Dalton City, Arthur and Allenville had partial ownership with the county of original aerial photos taken in 2002 for the supervisor of assessment’s office. “Sullivan has used the GIS, but the other communities have gotten little use,” McReynolds said, noting any changes in the past required each village’s approval. … Read More
Letters to the Editor 3-8-2015
Concerned About Equality Among Extracurricular Activities Dear Editor, I completely agree that we should be proud of the rich history of our show choirs, our girls’ basketball teams, our state champion swimmer, and our track champions, amongst others. I am bothered, however, that people still believe that show choir should be treated differently and get special attention. In this school year alone we had a golfer advance to state, our cross country team advance to sectionals, and our scholastic bowl team went undefeated in regular season and conference tournament play. I seriously doubt that we had any school administrators on hand for … Read More
Understanding Illinois: A Simple Pill To Say Goodbye
•March 8, 2017• By Jim Nowlan NP Guest Columnist The topic for the week is only a little less depressing than the Illinois budget impasse—the end of life. My hometown friend Archie, 90, has been a widower for decades. One of his two daughters lives a million miles away; the other passed away some years ago. I sometimes bump into Archie at the nearby McDonald’s at lunch, alone, chewing absent-mindedly on a hamburger, looking forlornly out the window. To add injury to insult, at present Archie is suffering a bedeviling case of eczema over much of his body. “I’m ready … Read More
CIPT is Making Sure No One is Left Behind
Grant Helps Cover Costs •March 8, 2017• By Ellen Ferrera for the News Progress Central Illinois Public Transit (CIPT) has received a $1,000 grant from the Moultrie County Interagency Group. This returning grant will be used to help cover transportation costs for seniors over 60 and people with disabilities. Kathi Shackles, Exec. Dir. of the Senior Center, is surveying seniors for suggestions on trips or other services they need. Some ideas include a trip to Moonshine, Scovill Zoo, or Effingham for a performance. Jennifer Moore, Mobility Manager of CIPT, emphasized that transportation services are not just for the elderly and … Read More
Lovington Man Shoots Himself
•March 8, 2017• Moultrie County Sheriff’s department was called to a Lovington residence on Friday evening where a 30 year old man had died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Sheriff Chris Sims reported the man was staying in his parents’ house while they were on a trip. When they arrived home on Friday, he was discovered in the basement of the home. … Read More
Council Discusses Ordinances Regarding Cannabis and Curfew
•March 8, 2017• By Ariana Cherry for the News Progress City council members discussed ordinances regarding cannabis and city curfew hours at the last meeting. Illinois law on marijuana possession changed in 2016. It is now a civil offense for individuals who are caught with 10 grams or less of cannabis. The fine will cost such persons $200. The new law makes this punishable by fines – but not by jail time. The council discussed whether they should pass a city ordinance creating a policy and setting fines. Presently the county has an ordinance; otherwise, it is a state citation. … Read More