Pictured above is an old photo of the Lovington Township school being partially dismantled in preparation of its move to its new location on State St. in 1908. 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.
•February 27 2019•
By Ariana Cherry
for the News Progress
Superintendent Kenny Schwengel stated that the balance of all the district’s funds currently is $6,955,732.69. The Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond school district received one transportation payment of $136,000 in January.
He noted that the second payment has been disbursed but has not been received. About $396,000 were paid in bills.
The board discussed raising the salary for substitute teachers. On average most districts pay $90 per day, and ALAH is set at $85. ALAH principals commented that several of their substitutes come out of town from Decatur, Sullivan, Bethany and Mt. Zion to teach. Principal Sage Hale mentioned that currently, aides are getting difficult to find. Ed Miller moved that the board increase the pay to $90 a day. It was seconded and passed unanimously by the board. Supt. Schwengel mentioned that the board can revisit the issue before next August to see whether the pay would need to be raised again when compared with other school districts. Read More
•February 27 2019•
Faith Family fellowship in Lovington is hosting the Rev. Tim Brown to minister for a three-night revival at 6:30 p.m. Friday, March 8-Sunday, March 10. Read More
•February 27 2019•
By Jim Nowlan
NP Guest Columnist
Based on what I hear from atop my perch in rural central Illinois, I worry that my farmer friends may become but serfs to Big Agriculture. That is, farmers provide the labor, soils and risk in service to a very few global chemical and other ag companies. The farmers must buy their inputs from these few companies, yet the companies call most of the shots and reap the rewards, it seems.
I grew up a “town boy” in a tiny farm town; never knew much about ag, still don’t. After a career away, I moved back to my hometown. I love my farmer friends and appreciate the bounty of American agriculture, so I yearn to be proved wrong about all this.
The following is what I observe and also hear from my farmer friends at the back table at Connie’s Country Kitchen in my town.
The farmers buy seeds, but don’t own them; they cannot plant with seed they have harvested. They used to own and work on their equipment; now farmers often lease, because it’s too expensive to buy.
Well, you say, at least farmers can decide what crops they want to plant. Yes, to paraphrase Henry Ford, they may plant any crops they want so long as they are corn and beans. That is because nothing much else is protected by subsidized government crop insurance, which includes some price protection. Thus, the bankers who hold the loans on land and for spring planting needs insist that the farmers buy this insurance, which also indirectly protects Big Ag. Read More
•February 27 2019•
The 8th Annual Sullivan FFA / Sullivan FFA Alumni Auction is Saturday, March 2 in the Sullivan High School gym.
A complimentary meal is provided by the Sullivan FFA Alumni and Terry Warren Catering starting at 4:30 p.m. A raffle auction will begin at 4:30 p.m. with a live auction conducted by Rudy Huber at 6 p.m.
A sale bill is updated daily on the Sullivan School District website at https://www.sullivan.k12.il.us/
Photo by Ellen Ferrera
Aspen Creek strives for homelike feel.
•February 27 2019•
By Ellen Ferrera
for the News Progress
Aspen Creek held a treat-filled open house Feb. 22-23 to showcase six new resident rooms, an exercise room, luxury spa and second living/dining area. Founder Teresa Crawford and Marketing Director Kathy Albin welcomed visitors and conducted a tour of the new additions.
Aspen Creek was founded in 2009 by Teresa and Brian Crawford of Sullivan and has two facilities in Troy, Illinois in addition to the Sullivan location.
Teresa was inspired by her grandmother Madge and knew at an early age that her calling would be in health care for the elderly.
She pursued a degree in health care administration and was a past administrator at Mason Point.
When a supervisor in another job told her that she cared too much for the patients, she knew God was calling her to something greater and more rewarding. Read More
Photo courtesy Luis Saravia
Show Choir Invitational
Sullivan Singers Jr. entertained visitors during the two-day Show Choir Invitational. Seven middle school groups competed on Friday, and 17 high school groups competed on Sat. bringing large crowds from surrounding communities to Sullivan. Sullivan Singers Boosters noted the Invitational’s success was made possible through support from the Sullivan School District #300 administration, maintenance and kitchen staff, Sullivan Police and Fire Departments, Sullivan Singers Alumni Association, Sullivan Singers parents and grandparents and numerous community sponsors.
Photo furnished
OVFFA Hosts Petting Zoo
The Okaw Valley High School FFA put on a petting zoo in the new ag complex recently. Students and teachers from the elementary visited throughout the day, and the students participated in a variety of activities. The FFA will end the week by going on a ski trip on Friday to Paoli Peaks.
•February 27 2019•
Lincoln Scroggins competed in the IKWF (Illinois Kids Wrestling Federation) Central Regionals over the weekend. He placed second and will advance to IKWF Central Sectionals in Springfield Saturday, March 2. Scroggins wrestles for Mattoon Youth Wrestling Club and attends Lovington Elementary School. His record so far this year is 21-5.
Brady Foster competed in the Freshman Sophomore IWCOA (Illinois Wrestling Coaches & Officials Association) Central Regionals. He was the Regional Champion and will advance to Sectionals in Heyworth Sunday, March 3. Foster, who attends ALAH, is a coach for Mattoon Youth Wrestling Club and a national wrestling competitor.
Photo by Ellen Ferrera
Post 68 Commander Bob Sims displays one of the Walk of Honor brick prototypes planned for the flag pole area at the Sullivan American Legion Post.
•February 27 2019•
By Ellen Ferrera
for the News Progress
The Sullivan American Legion Post #68 kicked off its 100th anniversary celebration with plans for a Walk of Honor.
Legion Commander Bob Sims revealed plans for the major Post 68 fundraiser. “We are now landscaping and building a brick Walk of Honor for the flag pole area. Post 68 is taking orders for memorial bricks to be included in the walk to honor loved ones who served,” he said.
Don’t fret if you missed this delicious meal that included fried potatoes and cornbread for there are other benefits being planned throughout the year.
On March 5 the Legion will host a lasagna dinner to not only give the community a chance to enjoy a great meal but to help with fundraising efforts for the Walk of Honor project. Read More