Illinois Releases Final State Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy

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•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

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•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

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•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

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•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

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•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

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•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

Post 429 Splits Two Games to Open District Tourney

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Advanced to Tuesday’s must-win game •July 22, 2015• By Matt Kracht NP Sports Reporter Moultrie Douglas Legion ball took a disappointing 14-2 loss versus Shelby County Saturday in the first game of the district tournament. However, the team rebounded thanks to a double elimination format, beating Macon County 9-4 Sunday advancing to Tuesday night’s matchup versus the loser of Mattoon and tournament host Rantoul. … Read More

Remember When? 7.22.15

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25 Years Ago This Week Tim Williamson and Jeremy Phelps, both of Sullivan, Toby Bolsen of Lovington and Dave Peadro of Sullivan recently competed at state as members of the Moultrie County 4-H livestock judging team. Lindsay Patrick demonstrated an Orange Julius and Paige Clark talked about taking pictures with various types of cameras during a recent meeting of the Marrowbone Merry Makers 4-H Club at the Christian Church in Bethany. Kenneth Armstrong was selected as Mr. AmBuC for the past year by the Sullivan AmBuC Club, and Tom Elder was named the top project chairman for his effort in … Read More

Understanding Illinois: Health Care Costs Overwhelming Budgets

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•July 22, 2015• By Jim Nowlan NP Guest Columnist The overtime budget battles going on right now in Illinois and many other states are largely caused by relentless increases in health care costs that for decades have been growing faster than the tax revenues to pay for them. And it is only going to get worse, as the Baby Boom Generation moves into old age, where they will devour health care. As a child in about 1950, I recall coming home from grade school with a flyer that encouraged my parents to buy health insurance for me at $1 per … Read More

Moultrie County Farm Bureau Update

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•July 22, 2015• By Tyler Harvey Mo-Do Farm Bureau Manager As of Sunday, July 19, the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) had Illinois corn condition at 55 percent good or excellent. This compares with 45 percent of the corn crop at poor or fair condition. Silking for the corn is at 75 percent which is slightly lower than the five year average of 77 percent. Soybeans are at 56 percent blooming with 16 percent setting pods. This compares with soybean condition of 47 percent in good or excellent condition and 46 percent in poor or fair condition. In county news, … Read More