•March 20, 2019•
Okaw Valley CUSD #302 is hosting an open house for the public to view the newly constructed agricultural complex, science labs and sports complex.
The event is 4:00-7:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 27 at the facilities on the Okaw Valley High School campus.
Testing After Spring Break
By Mike Brothers
Sullivan Community Unit District #300 school board met March 11 voting to continue existing sports cooperative programs.
The football coop between Okaw Valley and Sullivan and the swimming coop between Shelbyville, Okaw Valley and Sullivan were approved for two years.
Supt. Ted Walk recommended changes to the kindergarten screening tool and report card. He explained kindergarten teachers had collaborated with first grade teachers to improve the transition by giving teachers a better gauge of progress.
Ali Elzy, senior in Cami Badman’s AP language and composition class, read her NPR radio “This I Believe” contest winning essay to the board. Read More
Sullivan, Village of Bethany, Lovington and Windsor plus School Board elections are Tuesday, April 2, 2019
•March 20, 2019•
City Mayor
Ann Short
I am Ann Short and I am running for re-election as Mayor of Sullivan. I am married to my husband Bob. We have two children, Scott and Tracy, and two grandchildren.
I grew up in Arthur, attended Millikin University, and came to Sullivan when we married.
I started working in the City Treasurer’s office in 1961. I was appointed City Treasurer in 1975 and served there until I retired in 1999.
My term as Mayor started in 2003. Sullivan is a unique community because of our $27M budget, owning our own utilities, and offering the many services that we all enjoy.
I am qualified to provide the leadership needed to advance our community based on my understanding of municipal finances, Tax Increment Financing and the many rules and regulations imposed upon municipalities. Read More
Sophie Woolen
Sophie Woolen, 82, of Shelbyville passed away Thursday, March 14, 2019 in Decatur Memorial Hospital.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. today (Wednesday, March 20) at McMullin-Young Funeral Home in Sullivan. Burial was in Greenhill Cemetery in Sullivan.
Sophie was born February 6, 1937 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, a daughter of Wasyl and Anastasia Haveskewicz Yaworski. She married H.C. “Chuck” Woolen, Jr. February 15, 1985, in Mattoon, and he survives. Read More
•March 20, 2019•
By Ariana Cherry
For the News Progress
The Sullivan City Council approved the use of TIF funds to help Elizabeth Titus Memorial Library purchase new LED sign
“We need to inform the people in Sullivan what the library does,” library director Michelle Nolen explained to the members of the council. “We have more than just books.”
Along with members from the library board sitting in support, Director Nolen presented a quote and information about a new LED sign for Elizabeth Titus Memorial Library.
She noted the sign was not the “whole puzzle” but was a way to tell people in Sullivan what the library has scheduled on specific days. The library board decided on a double-sided LED sign with a quote of $24,700 which includes installation. It also has wifi capabilities which allows it to be controlled wirelessly. There was also some discussion about renting the sign to organizations or businesses that could go towards paying for the sign maintenance. Read More
Sophie Woolen
Sophie Woolen, 82, of Shelbyville passed away Thursday, March 14, 2019, at Decatur Memorial Hospital.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 20, 2019, at McMullin-Young Funeral Home, Sullivan. Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Greenhill Cemetery, Sullivan. Memorials may be made in memory of Sophie to the Lake Land College Foundation: 5001 Lake Land Boulevard, Mattoon, IL 61938.
Sophie was born February 6, 1937, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada; the daughter of Wasyl and Anastasia (Haveskewicz) Yaworski. She married H.C. “Chuck” Woolen, Jr. on February 15, 1985, in Mattoon; he survives. She was a lifelong L.A. Dodgers fan. Sophie was proud of her long career at Lake Land College, where she began one year before the Campus was built.
Sophie is survived by her husband, H.C. “Chuck” Woolen, Jr. of Shelbyville; daughters, Pam (Curt) Rincker of Shelbyville, and Linda (John) Yurkovich of Mt. Olive; step-children, Hobie Woolen of Decatur, Kim Henderson of Evington, VA, and Everett Woolen of Fort Valley, GA. She is also survived by four grandchildren, one great-grandchild and five step-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, two sisters and one step-grandchild.
Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mcmullinyoung.com
Battle of the Badges 2019
Photo by R.R. Best
The Battle of the Badges basketball game took place March 14 at the Sullivan High School with law enforcement winning the game. More photos can be viewed at www.sullfire.org
Photo furnished
Madalyne McPheeters, Kylie Stauder, Karlie Stauder and Danae Nave 800-relay team.
•March 13, 2019•
The Okaw Valley girls’ track team competed with teams from all over the state in the Charleston Invitational Saturday.
Kylie Stauder took fourth place in pole vault at 8 feet 6 inches, and Madalyne McPheeters ran the 200 dash in 28.99 for eight place.
The 800-relay team of McPheeters, Kylie Stauder, Karlie Staude and Danae Nave placed seventh with a time of 1:58.2.
The Timberwolves are scheduled to compete in a Mt. Zion Mini-meet Thursday, March 14.
Photo furnished Front row (l-r) Kalie Reed, Miaya Lehman, and Amelia Landreth Middle row (l-r) Madalyne McFedders, Kailey George, Bella Benning, and Kami Landreth Back row (l-r) Grace Bunfill, Kailyn Walker, Kate Jeffers, Madison Vogel, and Paige Coleman
•March 13, 2019•
By Jason Brown
NP Sports Editor
After losing Little Okaw Valley Conference Northwest first-team all-conference infielders Grace Harlin and Natalie Jeffers to graduation, Okaw Valley softball coach Dave Benning will have to adjust from last year’s line-drive and power hitter to a more traditional offense.
“I think we have good team speed, possibly better than last year’s team,” said Dave Benning. “I foresee us playing more traditional softball by bunting more and stealing bases. In previous seasons we had more line drive hitters with home run power.”
OV returns eight players from last year’s 14-13 squad.
In his 10th year as head coach, Benning returns 2018 second-team all-LOVC infielder senior Bella Benning and sophomore catcher Grace Bunfill. Read More
•March 13, 2019•
The 17th annual benefit auction and Haystack Supper is Friday, March 15 at the Otto Center south of Arthur.
The Haystack Supper is from 4-8 p.m with the auction beginning at 6 p.m.
In addition ice cream, soft pretzels and popcorn will be available as well as bake sale items and books.
Auction items will include furniture, quilts, tools, crafts, new items and gift certificates. Those interested in making donations may contact Lewis Otto 217-962-0596; Loyd Gingerich 217-273-0751 or Wayne Schrock 217-620-4267.
The event is sponsored by the Gospel Echoes Team Prison Ministry with proceeds going toward prison Bible studies.