Popular farm bill conservation program seeks producer participation The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is opening theConservation Stewardship Program (CSP) for new enrollments for federal fiscal year 2014. Producers interested in participating in the program may submit applications to NRCS through Feb. 7. … Read More
Due to the bad weather and very cold temperatures, the executive board of the Moultrie County Historical and Genealogical Society has decided to cancel their January 16 general Meeting. In addition, it is the policy of the Historical Society to close the Heritage Center in the event of hazardous or extreme cold weather. Call 217-728-4085, Mary Storm at 217-728-4149 or Pat Cribbet at 217-728-2456 in the event of bad weather to be sure the Heritage Center is open before making the trip. … Read More
Incident leaves kitchen and exterior badly damaged by Keith Stewart keith@newsprogress.com The Casey’s General Store in Sullivan was the victim of a hit and run December 28, which in turn left the business badly damaged on both the interior and exterior. Jermel D Barlow, 24, of Decatur was arrested by Sullivan police at 10:35 p.m. shortly after the incident. According to the crash report, for reasons yet to be determined, Barlow allegedly accelerated, jumping the curb before then colliding with the south side storefront of Casey’s. Barlow then backed out and fled the scene but was stopped a few blocks … Read More
Congressman John Shimkus (R, Illinois-15) is again asking constituents for participation in his “Valentines for Heroes” program. “Thousands of Valentines have come into my offices every year since we began Valentines for Heroes,” Shimkus said. “Constituents have been overwhelmingly generous and supportive of our military men and women, past and present.” … Read More
by Angela Hogan RN MSPH Administrator, Mo. Co. Health Dept. Now that we are two weeks into the New Year, how is your New Year’s Resolution working? Most people will consider at least one possible New Year’s Resolution, but the number of folks who actually attempt it falls off from there, and for good reason. Researchers estimate that among individuals who make a resolution, one-half will abandon the resolution before the end of January! Since most resolutions consist of one or more goals for self-improvement, we need to find better ways to stick to them. … Read More
The Sullivan Senior Club will hold their monthly meeting and potluck at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, January 21 in the Sullivan Senior Center. For more information, contact the center at 728-8521. … Read More
The Miss Moultrie-Douglas pageant committee has organized a prom dress sale for Friday-Sunday, January 24-26 but is also seeking dresses that are in need of new owners. … Read More
By Jim Nowlan Outside Columnist When I was a boy, unschooled local justices of the peace were infamous for working with small-town cops to set up speed traps to fleece unsuspecting motorists. Not a very reassuring introduction to our state’s justice system. Things have improved much since then, yet vigilance and some changes are still warranted. In 1969, two Illinois supreme court justices were forced to resign for accepting stock in a new bank at bargain-basement prices from a fellow who at the same time was receiving a favorable court ruling from these same justices. … Read More
Guillory connects with local reader, homeowner, and subject by Florence Hallford Lovington Reporter “Houses are museums…they are archives of our life.” Or so Dan Guillory explained Saturday during a presentation of his book “House Poems: Structures and Their Inhabitants.” The presentation, Historic Homes and Their Untold Stories, was held in the Lovington Public Library with a purpose to awaken society on the importance of maintaining homes through restoration and preservation. In the poem “Deconstructing an Old House”, Guillory’s thoughts on tearing down broken homes are clear. … Read More
by Florence Hallford Lovington Reporter Streets and alleys department worker Chris Gillis submitted his resignation by letter at the Lovington Village Board meeting Monday night. The resignation was to take effect on January 10. Gillis has been with the village of Lovington for eight years. The position is now open, with applicants needing a class B CDL, ability to operate heavy equipment and mechanical knowledge of equipment. A committee was formed to select a new employee, and applications will be accepted until noon January 17. … Read More