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Remember When? 3-13-2019

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25 Years Ago This Week

Ana Endara, an exchange student from Panama who officially graduated from a private school in Panama in December, came to the United States to earn her second diploma. She is staying with host family Homer and Joyce Russell. In Panama she eats rice, meat, potatoes and some spicy foods. Ana said while in Sullivan she ate fast food at least four times a week. She has enjoyed basketball season, and she also enjoys studying and listening to music. Her favorite classes are U.S. History and Advanced Biology.
Pennies for the Potties has paid off. The Little Theatre-On the Square will begin its renovation of its restrooms soon. The board also has plans for moving the doors and constructing a new concession stand. Read More

Sullivan’s Brynna Sentel Swims in National Championships

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Photo furnished
Brynna Sentel is pictured with Swimmer of the Year plaque.

•March 13, 2019•

By Jason Brown
NP Sports Editor

In her freshman year on the Franklin women’s swimming and diving team, Brynna Sentel was one second away in the 100-yard backstroke from qualifying to the NCAA Division III Swimming and Diving National Championships.
Sentel, a Sullivan High School graduate, took that experience, as well as advice from her coaches, and channeled it into a new goal.
“My goal this year was to make it in the 500 freestyle because all throughout last year I focused on that so much it seemed like something that was going to be more realistic for me to make it in,” Sentel said. “And even through this season, my coach was like, ‘I think the 500 free is your best shot’ so I was constantly working toward that.”
During her sophomore year swimming for Franklin, Sentel racked up several awards.
She broke Franklin’s record and the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference’s (HCAC) record in the 500 freestyle (4:54.99) and 200 freestyle (4:54.99) and earned HCAC championships in those events in Terre Haute Feb. 14-16.
She also won the 100-yard backstroke in 57.66 for the championships trifecta and was twice named HCAC Swimmer of the Week.
“We have a mid-season taper,” said Sentel. “I knew with the time I had then that I had a chance at swimming at nationals, but I didn’t know until I swam at our conference meet (that she qualified for nationals). When I swam the time I got, I knew I had a pretty good chance at getting in.” Read More

Sullivan Student is Top Ten State Essayist

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•March 13, 2019•

Sullivan high school language and composition student Ally Elzy is a top ten state winner in the NPR “This I Believe” competition.
According to NPR Illinois, “This I Believe” Illinois is an annual essay program for Illinois high school seniors, an expression of where their minds are as they prepare to enter the adult world. Starting as a five minute radio program hosted by Edward R. Murrow in 1951, “This I Believe” gave contributors the chance to write a short essay articulating what they believe. Since then, the idea has been adopted by NPR Illinois.” Read More

Moultrie Moment of the Week

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Pictured above is White & Ingram Law Office in Sullivan in 1967. It is now a vacant lot across from the Heritage Center. This old house had a long history starting shortly after the Civil War. It was known as the Birchfield Hotel & Boarding House then. Please submit photos to the News Progress for future consideration. Originals will be saved for return or forwarded to Moultrie County Historical Society. If you have any other information, please contact the Moultrie County Historical Society at 217-728- 4085.

Lovington Board Sets Easter Egg Hunt

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•March 13, 2019•

Lovington Village Board met Feb 11 in regular session and Feb. 21 for a special board meeting.
At the 6 p.m. special meeting president Roger Walker and trustees Doug Smith, Brenda Wood, Pam Anklam, Dennis Garmon, Gary Clem and clerk Alma Fair attended.
Following a one hour executive session, Anklam made a motion to lay off one full time city employee, citing lack of work and budgetary concerns. Vote was unanimous. Read More

Superintendent-Y Stuff: A Walk with Mr. Walk

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•March 13, 2019•

By Ted Walk
Supt. Sullivan CUSD #300

Sullivan High School has recently enjoyed several successes in the area of academic contests.
Our scholastic bowl team placed 2nd in the Central Illinois Conference this year. They also won the Scholastic Bowl Regional Competition and advanced to the Sectional contest. Read More

Obituaries 3-13-2019: Hal Harshman

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Hal Harshman

Hal R. Harshman, 85, of Sullivan, passed away at 1:44 p.m. Monday March 4, 2019 in Aspen Creek in Sullivan.
Celebration of Life services were at 11 a.m. Sunday in Elim Springs Church of Jesus Christ with Vanessa Patient and Brigham Hagerman officiating. Reed Funeral Home in Sullivan handled arrangements. Burial was in Greenhill Cemetery in Sullivan. Read More

Mobile Home Tax Bills Mailed in March

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•March 13, 2019•

Moultrie County 2019 Mobile Home Privilege Tax bills will be mailed March 15 and are due May 15, 2019. Taxes may be mailed to Moultrie County Collector, 10 South Main, Suite 10, Sullivan, IL 61951.
Taxes may also be paid at all Moultrie County Banks: Scott State Bank Bethany/Dalton City/Sullivan, State Bank of Arthur a Division of Morton Community Bank, Arthur Community Bank, First National Bank of Arthur, First Community Bank of Moultrie County in Sullivan and Lovington and First Mid-Illinois Bank Sullivan. Read More

Five from Sullivan All-Conference CIC

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•March 13, 2019•

The Central Illinois Conference announced its girls’ 2018-19 all-conference teams last week.
Sullivan packed the teams with five players, more than any other team in the CIC.
Senior Esther Miller was a unanimous choice for all-conference first team honors. Read More

Obituaries 3-13-2019: Chester Betzer

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Chester Betzer

Chester R. Betzer, 82, of Sullivan, passed away at 3:16 p.m. Thursday, March 7, 2019 in Decatur Memorial Hospital.
Celebration of Life Services were at 11 a.m. Monday in Reed Funeral Home with Pastor Marge Overlot officiating. Burial will be at a later date. Read More