C.E.F.S. Announces the Start of the Energy Assistance Program

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•August 17, 2022• The C.E.F.S. Economic Opportunity Corporation, as administrator of the Home Energy Assistance Program in Christian, Clay, Effingham, Fayette, Montgomery, Moultrie, and Shelby counties, is pleased to announce that funds are available to assist income-eligible households with their natural gas, propane and electric bills and furnace assistance. The program will begin September 1, 2022, for all income-eligible households. Applications will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis through May 31, 2023. There will be no priority groups this program year. Households in need are encouraged to apply. Households must be at or below 200% of the federal poverty … Read More

Remembering Krista Lewin: a Friend and Mentor

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•August 17, 2022• By Scott Lockwood Special to the News-Progress Back in the fall of 2008, I was longing for an opportunity to show what I could do as a full-time sportswriter. After putting in applications all over the country, I was digging a hole to install a new irrigation system at my job near the beach when my phone rang with a 217 area code. It was a welcome break from the searing Sarasota, Florida heat. On the other end of the call was a warm, jovial personality that was drawn to some of the auto-racing related stories that … Read More

I’m Your Vehicle, Baby

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•August 17, 2022• By Jim Baumann NP Guest Writer From the opening explosion by the horn section and Berwyn’s own Jim Peterik growling behind the microphone, you knew The Ides of March’s “Vehicle” was going to be a hit. I did, and I was just shy of my eighth birthday when it started getting radio play in March 1970. That song, like the friendly stranger in the black sedan who sings it, takes you anywhere you want to go. At my tender age, I read it as a cautionary tale. This was probably about the time my parents were warning … Read More

Remember When? 8-17-2022

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25 Years Ago This Week State Rep. Julie Curry and State Sen. Penny Severns received a briefing on the construction project to shore up Bethany’s collapsing streets. Deteriorating storm sewers had led to the collapse of portions of street in Bethany in the recent years at one point creating a hole as big as a car. A $1.5 million infrastructure project was planned to renovate storm sewers and streets in Bethany. Carrell Barrett, owner of Barrett Appliance, was retiring after 33 years in business. … Read More

ARPA Fund Applications Available

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•August 17, 2022• Moultrie County, along with counties and municipalities all over the country, is a recipient of funds from the American Rescue Plan Act. Moultrie County to date has received approximately $2.8 million from the US Treasury. The Moultrie County board assembled a bi-partisan ad hoc committee made up of members representing the villages and towns around the county. … Read More

County Board Approves Fencing and Concrete Repairs

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•August 17, 2022• by Crystal Reed NP Writer The Moultrie County Board met on Thursday, August 11, and approved two motions in regard to fencing around courthouse electric service and concrete repairs. Chairman Billy Voyles reported there are electric panels open around the outside of the courthouse, and they want to protect any children who may be playing on the lawn at any point. A chain link fence will be installed. The approved motion was for $3,400 for fencing around the electric service. The second motion approved was $13,450 in concrete repairs. Voyles said there are substantial repairs that need … Read More