Understanding Illinois: Redistricting Reform Hangs on Court Action

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•July 6, 2016• By Jim Nowlan NP Guest Columnist Only the Illinois Supreme Court stands between voters and the opportunity to strike back, constructively, at a state political system that has hung a huge pension albatross round our necks, brought us budget gridlock and, many think, has the state circling the drain. The state election board has said the petition drive for a redistricting reform initiative has passed muster. The issue is now before the state courts as to whether the proposal is constitutional. The 1970 state constitution provision for redistricting has not worked. The process has become highly political, … Read More

United Way Donations Return Home

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•July 6, 2016• by Mike Brothers Nine Moultrie County partner agencies with United Way received $37,965 for programs helping people in Moultrie County last year. Stan Parks, resource development associate for United Way of Decatur and Mid-Illinois, is Moutlrie County’s representative and emphasized all the money raised in Moultrie County stays in Moultrie County. “The beauty of United Way partnerships is all the locally raised funds stay in the area,” Park began, explaining a Moultrie County volunteer board annually determines where United Way funds raised in the county are spent. In 2015 that included nine partner agencies: American Red Cross, … Read More

Remember When? 7-6-2016

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Compiled by Bekki Ferguson Stevens 25 Years Ago This Week Five Illinois State University students from Moultrie County have joined a total of 1,514 students who have been included on the dean’s list of their respective colleges for the spring semester. They are John Leo Vander Burgh of Bethany and Sullivan residents, Richard P. Barker, Rodger DeGarmo, Carol E. Elzy and Tonya Moody. Lake Land College students from Bethany and Sullivan were recognized for their achievements and activities this past school year at a recent student recognition banquet. Teresa Sweeney of Bethany was recognized for earning a 4. grade point average. … Read More

Little Theatre Campaign Aims for Movie Return

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•July 6, 2016• By Mike Brothers As the 60th anniversary of the Little Theatre on the Square in Sullivan approaches motion pictures will return. “This theatre opened to silent movies in 1928 so adding movies to the live performance schedule brings us back to our heritage,” John Stephens, Little Theatre executive director began. Adding blockbuster movies to the existing live show season will help the theatre operate 52 weeks a year. “We are excited about the possibility of adding a new revenue stream to help sustain the theatre through the year,” Stephens said, noting the five month three week season … Read More

Long Road to Achieve City Wide Clean Up

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•July 6, 2016• Citywide clean up is a Sullivan City Council commitment: How to accomplish it quickly is the hovering question? At the June 27 meeting public health and safety commissioner Bill Hagen recommended putting the money from recycling toward citywide clean up. Mayor Ann Short noted city clerk Monte Johnson had pursued outside bids, and Area Disposal of Peoria could do the clean up in September or October for $2300 per truck load (four to nine truck estimate). Mayor Short noted appliances, electronics, and tires wouldn’t be accepted; construction items bundled and mattresses wrapped in plastic were among Area … Read More

“Chicago” Razzle Dazzles Sullivan

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•July 6, 2016• By Cheryl Murphy For the News Progress “ A story of murder, greed, corruption, violence, exploitation, adultery, and treachery – all those things we all hold near and dear to our hearts,” announced executive producer at The Little Theatre on the Square John Stephens. Yes, John, “Chicago” was a rip-roaring 20’s good time! Not your average Good VS Evil show, or was it? I found the audience cheering over and over again for the two main characters – murderesses in fact. But it was the 1920s in Chicago when everyone wanted to perform their own lives. Everything … Read More

Mo-Do 4-H Set For Auction

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•July 6, 2016• The Moultrie-Douglas 4-H auction is set for Wednesday, July 13 at the Mo-Do fairgrounds livestock building in Arthur, IL. Sponsored by the Moultrie-Douglas Extension Foundation, 4-Hers from all over the area will be represented. Registration and meal is from 5:00 to 5:45 p.m. For more information contact Sarah Reedy at 840-7873 or Sarah Breen at 621-1212 … Read More

Obituaries 7-6-2016: Carol Fidroeff

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Carol Fidroeff Carol Annette Horsman Fidroeff, age 58, died at her home Saturday, January 23, 2016 with her husband Wil at her side. Carol, a very brave woman, decided to go home and forgo futile aggressive cancer treatment when it was discovered that she had advanced stage 4 cancer. A “scattering of the ashes” memorial service will be held at 6 p.m. Saturday, July 9, Carol’s birthday, at Wil and Sunny’s dome home located four miles east of Sullivan at 1331 CR 1470 E. Arrangements are by Reed Funeral Home in Sullivan. Carol was born July 9, 1957 in Shelbyville, … Read More

Obituaries 7-6-2016: Kenny Cap

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Kenny Cap Walter Kenneth ‘Kenny’ Cap, 71, of Sullivan passed away at 7:35 a.m. Friday, July 1, 2016 in his residence. Celebration of Life Services were at 3 p.m. Sunday in Reed Funeral Home in Sullivan with Pastor Grant Wade officiating. Kenny was born March 11, 1945 in Jackson, Mississippi, a son of Walter Andrew and Mavis Phillips Cap. He retired from the Chicago Police Department in 2000. He was the highest decorated police officer in the department. Kenny loved fishing and camping with his many friends. He was a member of the Good Sams Prairielander Camping Club. He married … Read More