Local Farm Brings Professional Equestrianism to Moultrie County

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November 5, 2014 One of just a few in central Illinois by Derek Pope Reporting Near Dunn Tucked away between Bethany and Sullivan in a pristine slice of rural Illinois, one can find a farm not quite like the many others that surround it. That farm, M&M Farm, is home to more than just agriculture. It houses one of the few dressage training establishments in all of central Illinois, aptly named Freedom of Movement. Dressage, which is one of only three equestrian sports that horseback riders may compete in at the international Olympics, is more precisely a choreographed routine of … Read More

Letters to the Editor: 11.5.14

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Glad Sullivan Has Kept Halloween Tradition I was so excited to see in the October 22 paper, which I just got in Oregon, that Sullivan still allows more than one day for trick or treating. In the 1940’s and ‘50’s we always went out more than one night, and then there was also the parade. Halloween was a very big deal in those days. … Read More

Remembering and Looking Forward

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November 5, 2014 Veterans memorial rededicated, time capsule opened and new one planned by Barry Featheringill Sullivan Reporter On November 11, 1989 the Sullivan Veterans Memorial was dedicated to all those who have served the country starting with the Revolutionary War. Along with the dedication a time capsule was placed to be opened in 25 years. Doris Cazel’s first grade class collected items to be included in the capsule. “Al Golden, who envisioned the veteran memorial, came to me about doing a time capsule,” explained Cazel. “He came to the class and told the children about it.” … Read More

Obituaries 11-5-2014: Pam Buckalew

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Pam Buckalew A funeral service for Pamela Jo Buckalew, 44, of Monticello was held at 10 a.m. Monday in First Christian Church of Monticello with Pastor Bryan Morrow officiating. Mackey-Wright Funeral Home in Monticello assisted with arrangements. She passed away at 12:50 a.m., Thursday, October 30, 2014 in Carle Hospital in Urbana. Pamela was born July 16, 1970 in Mattoon, the daughter of Joseph Allen and Donna Eversole Whitaker. She married Brent Jon Buckalew September 5, 1992 at the Eagle Creek Resort. … Read More

SOV Runners Unable to Surpass Top Talent

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November 5, 2014 Decatur sectional proves to be one of the toughest in class 1A by Keith Stewart keith@newsprogress.com As announcer Matt Piescinski described at the beginning of Saturday’s sectional cross country meet, Decatur is very much the focal point of the sport in Illinois, with several of the state’s top teams, particularly in class 1A, all within range. That was certainly the case Saturday as eight teams between girls and boys ranked in the top 10 were on display including St. Teresa, Monticello, Shelbyville, Tolono-Unity, and St. Joseph-Ogden. Trying to make a bid for state either as a team … Read More

School Facility Sales Tax Fails

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November 5, 2014 57 % of voters say “no” by Keith Stewart keith@newsprogress.com The voters of Moultrie County voted down a referendum proposing to increase the local sales tax by 1 percent Tuesday. The county school facility occupation tax measure, which would have raised funds for Moultrie County school districts to use towards building upgrades and other school facility related expenses, failed with 2563 voters saying “no” while 1947 voted in favor. Superintendent of Sullivan schools Brad Tuttle had previously cited particular building needs such as a new HVAC system and roof in certain areas of buildings. It was estimated … Read More

Arthur Man Dies After Being Hit on Bike Friday

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November 5, 2014 Car strikes man while passing another bike by Keith Stewart keith@newsprogress.com An Arthur man was struck while riding his bike to work last Friday and was later pronounced dead at the scene. According to Moultrie County coroner Lynn Reed, 54-year-old Velvon J. Schrock was traveling south on county road 1800 north to work around 7 a.m. last Friday when he was struck head on by a car that was attempting to go around another bike that was heading north. Reed said that preliminarily it appeared that the driver had been focused on the bike he was passing … Read More

Obituaries 11-5-2014: James Kracht

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James Kracht James M. “Matt” Kracht, 87, of Franklin Grove, passed away at 8:05 a.m., Monday, November 3, 2014, in his home with his family members present. Visitation will be 3–5 p.m. Thursday in Preston-Schilling Funeral Home in Dixon, followed by a 5:30 p.m. funeral service. Burial of cremains will be at a later date in Eagle River, Wisc. … Read More

Obituaries 11-5-2014: Terry Kingery

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Terry Kingery Terry Lee Kingery, 68, of Sullivan passed away at 12:39 p.m. Saturday, November 1, 2014 in St. Mary’s Hospital in Decatur. Funeral services honoring his life will begin at 10 a.m. Friday in Schilling Funeral Home, 1301 Charleston Avenue in Mattoon. Burial with military rites will follow in Smyser Cemetery. Visitation for family and friends will be from 5-8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Masonic rites will begin at 7:30 p.m. … Read More