Extension Programs: Helping People Help Themselves
•July 6, 2016• By Emily Stutzman For the New Progress University of Illinois Extension is about helping people help themselves.” This is how Cheri Burcham, Family Life Educator with the University of Illinois Extension, describes her job in a nutshell. Burcham has worked with Extension since 1998 and says that the chance to reach people of all ages, empowering them and assisting them in attaining a better quality of life, is what makes her career so worthwhile. Burcham covers the five counties of Coles, Douglas, Moultrie, Cumberland, and Shelby and is one of the six Family Life Educators in the … Read More
Critical Response, Safety Programs at IEMA , Move Forward With Funds
•July 6, 2016• Illinois Emergency Management Agency continue its mission to protect the residents of Illinois from a variety of hazards and respond to disasters throughout the state following the state’s funding approval. “This spending plan is good news for IEMA and our many local public safety partners,” said IEMA Director James K. Joseph. “We sincerely appreciate the efforts of the governor and the General Assembly in ensuring that these critical public safety programs can continue, and we look forward to passage of a balanced budget with structural reforms in the near future.” SB 2047 will allow IEMA to allocate … Read More
Director Leaves, Economic Development Moves Forward
Sullivan Honors McMahon •July 6, 2016• By Mike Brothers Sullivan Chamber and Economic Development improved the city in the 13 years Stepheny McMahon served as director; times are changing though. The first director’s last day is Friday, July 8 as she moves on to First Mid Illinois Bank, and Laurrie Minor is interim director during the search. Members of the economic development committee gathered at Cathrine’s Gallery Gifts & More last week to reflect on economic development’s role since the committee started 13 years ago. Before Ann Short was mayor she was among the founding members of the city’s Economic … Read More
Understanding Illinois: Redistricting Reform Hangs on Court Action
•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
•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
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
July Corn
Little Theatre Campaign Aims for Movie Return
•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
•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