SMS Softball Information
•July 22, 2015• Prior to the start of the Sullivan Middle School softball season, a conditioning camp will be held 9-11 a.m. the week of July 27 at the north diamond at Wyman park for seventh and eighth graders. … Read More
June Jobs in Illinois Decrease -7,500
•July 22, 2015• The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced today that Illinois’ unemployment rate in June declined to 5.9 percent and nonfarm payroll employment shed -7,500 jobs, based on preliminary data released by the Department and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The state’s unemployment rate is higher than the national unemployment rate reported for June, which fell from the prior month to 5.3 percent. On a county level, the most current unemployment data is for May, during which Moultrie recorded a rate of 3.8 percent, up two-tenths a percent from April, but down 1.5 percent from … Read More
Wet Soil Conditions Continue Throughout Ill.
•July 22, 2015• Soil conditions throughout Illinois remain wet as most of the state experienced higher than normal rainfall in the first two weeks of July, according to Jennie Atkins, Water and Atmospheric Resources Monitoring (WARM) Program Manager at the Illinois State Water Survey, Prairie Research Institute, University of Illinois. Rainfall across the Illinois Climate Network averaged 3.36 inches the first two weeks of July, only 0.03 inches below the long-term average for July. Three of the network’s stations – Dixon Springs (Pope County), Monmouth (Warren County), and Stelle (Ford County) – measured totals over five inches. Soil moisture levels … Read More
Illinois Releases Final State Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy
•July 22, 2015• Illinois EPA Director Lisa Bonnett and Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Philip Nelson announced Tuesday the release of a finalized statewide strategy designed to improve water quality in Illinois and the Gulf of Mexico. The Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy (the Strategy) is the culmination of more than a year of work by a policy working group as well as public input. The Strategy does not call for new regulations for either point or non-point sources; however, it does rely on the latest science and best available technologies to guide statewide efforts to reduce phosphorus and nitrogen … Read More
Free Mulch
•July 22, 2015• The city of Mattoon has an abundance of ground mulch to be given away to any persons requesting bulk quantities. City workers will be on site to load bulk mulch quantities. Call 235-5171 for more information or to schedule a loading date. … Read More
Lake Shelbyville Dove Hunt Applications Available
•July 22, 2015• The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Lake Shelbyville conduct a dove hunt on opening day of dove season, Tuesday September 1 at Whitley Creek and South Sand Creek Dove Fields. On September 1, two hunts will take place, one in the morning (6-11 a.m.) and one in the afternoon (2-7 p.m.). A permit is required to participate in the hunt on opening day. Permit applications may be picked up at the Lake Shelbyville Project Office Monday through 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday or obtained online at www.tinyurl.com/LakeShelbyville-Hunting. … Read More
4-H Project Auction a Success
•July 22, 2015• The Moultrie Douglas Extension Foundation held a 4-H project auction July 8 during the Moultrie Douglas County Fair. The evening was a little damp with the occasional rain shower, but the 4-Hers and bidders weren’t bothered by it. More than 50 bidders along with friends and family came out to see the hard work of some of the 4-Hers that was available for sale. After some opening comments from foundation officers Sarah Reedy, auction chairperson/treasurer, Charla Coombe, foundation president and Moultrie Douglas Fair Board president Lyle Dorjhan, the ring was handed over to the auctioneers Larry Plank … Read More
Hummingbird Festival at Okaw Valley Orchard Sunday
•July 23, 2015• The Okaw Valley Orchard will be the site for a Hummingbird Festival scheduled for Sunday, July 26 from 1-4 p.m. In years past dozens of hummingbirds have been present to “wow” Festival visitors. Vernon Kleen, a licensed hummingbird bander and volunteer from Springfield associated with the Lincoln Land Association of Bird Banders, will begin the festival at 1 p.m. with a short discussion about hummingbirds and explain why they are banded. After the discussion, hummingbirds will be captured and banded. … Read More
Sullivan Man Formally Charged with Child Pornography Offenses
•July 22, 2015• Jim Lewis, U.S. Attorney for the Central District of Illinois, announced today that a federal grand jury in Peoria has returned an indictment charging Justen W. Troxell, 30, of the 400 block of South Worth Street, Sullivan, Ill., with distribution and possession of child pornography. The indictment alleges that in June 2015, Troxell distributed and possessed images and videos of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. The indictment also seeks forfeiture of computers and related materials allegedly used to commit or promote the offenses. … Read More