Senior Peace Meal
For additional information or for reservations, please call 1-800-543-1770
Monday, February 25 - Chicken and noodles, mashed potatoes, brussels sprouts, whole grain wheat (1), apricots
Tuesday, February 26 - Shepherd’s pie w/veggies, creamy cole slaw, dinner roll, warm fruit crisp
Wednesday, February 27 - Pork chop sandwich, buttered baby baker potatoes, Mexi corn, bun, fruit juice
Thursday, February 28 - Beefy vegetable & lentil soup, sliced pears, peanut butter cup, crackers, oatmeal raisin cookie
Friday, March 1 - Mushroom crusted chicken breast, potato casserole, venetian blend vegetables, dinner roll, fresh fruit
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More Requirements for Early SHS Graduates
•February 20, 2019•
By Mike Brothers
Sullivan students wishing to graduate early have a few more requirements following the February school board meeting.
Supt. Ted Walk explained the grade point averages and most requirements for graduation at the end of the seventh semester remain the same.
The new guidelines seek more information on why the students want to graduate early. G.P.A. of 3.0 at the end of the sixth semester and a 95% or better attendance rate are required.
Applications made by June 15 prior to the senior year must now include a five-page summary of future goals and career aspirations and four letters of reference. Read More
Sullivan Mayoral Candidates Participate in Meet and Greet
Photo by Ellen Ferrera
Sullivan Mayoral candidates Bill Burger, Incumbent Mayor Ann Short and Richard Glazebrook visited the Senior Center in Sullivan last week.
•February 20, 2019•
By Ellen Ferrera
for the News Progress
Mayoral candidates were guest speakers at a free luncheon provided by Mason Point at the Senior Center in Sullivan on February 15.
Current mayor Ann Short introduced herself to the 65 seniors in attendance and recalled that after moving to Sullivan, “I began my career in the treasurer’s office, and in 1975 when the office became vacant, I was voted the first woman treasurer of Sullivan.” She retired as treasurer in 2003 but was asked to run for mayor—an office she has held for the past 16 years.
Short stressed that government is a “we” thing. There are five commissioners, and they all work together really well.
She admitted to bein
g “old school” but really loves being mayor of Sullivan and would like to continue serving the community.
William “Bill” Burger spoke next, and he is running on a platform of “Change and Transparency”. He has spent the past two years researching, in particular, the rate of Sullivan’s population to the appropriations and also the TIF districts. Read More
Senior Services and Courtyard Host 11th Valentine Poetry Contest
•February 20, 2019•
By Cupid Valentine
for the News Progress
The Courtyard’s dining room and lobby were filled to capacity as more than 150 red clad seniors gathered for the 11th annual Valentine Poetry Contest and luncheon on February 8.
This year’s event was so successful that many had to be turned away.
The tables were decorated with red covers, clusters of red balloons and heart dishes filled with candies. Ellen Ferrera provided love-themed piano music prior to the lunch.
Courtyard’s popular and traditional meal of beef tips, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans and roll was served. Their famous made-from-scratch strawberry pie was a much- anticipated dessert; although, there were also choices of coconut and chocolate cream pies. Read More
OV Elementary Exceed Goal in Valentines for Heroes
•February 20, 2019•
By Ellen Ferrera
for the News Progress
Like many other congressmen Representative John Shimkus participates in the annual program of Valentines for Heroes. Each February in Illinois Boy and Girl Scouts, 4-H groups, church youth groups and elementary school children create over 10,000 valentines for military veterans.
OVES set a goal of 500 valentines, but with two days to go they were below their goal.
“I just got goosebumps when I saw these children put their hearts into creating 805 valentines to exceed their goal,” school counselor Paula Coffer said. “The big, red paper thermometer to measure their progress blew through the top, and the students were so excited. The challenge was a good experience for them.”
To reward the students, Mike Hall, Regional Director for Rep. John Shimkus, made a trip to the school to collect the big, red box containing the OVES collection of colorful Valentines. Read More
SES Gold Slip Winners
•February 20, 2019•
The Gold Slip winners at Sullivan Elementary School for the month of February are Cali Szabo, who once again, showed her kindness when she jumped in to help another student. A young boy had dropped a lot of things in the hallway. Without hesitation, Cali knelt down by him and helped him pick up everything he dropped.
Molly Owens waited on an adult who had trouble walking into the school by holding the door open. She followed the adult into the building to open the second door so they could come into the office.
Liam Coil had the special privilege of being first and leading the line of students because he was the “Student of the Week.” As he was leading the line, he spotted a younger student in the hallway who had dropped everything he was carrying. Liam immediately bent down to help. This caused Liam to lose his line leading position.
Addison Hullum saw that another student had spilled his milk and walked away. Addison saw the spill and cleaned it up without anyone telling him to.
Nathan Bishop, day after day, may be seen taking time to show respect for his classroom. He works neatly but also helps clean up after others. This is always with a big, bright smile!
Ryder Saul noticed that several children threw their lunch trays up into the dishwasher window in the wrong direction. Ryder fixed them all without being asked, even though they were covered in food.
Natalie Stinson shows great leadership at school. She serves as a role model for others in her behavior, actions, academics, and attitude! Natalie is very responsible and easy to rely on. Often, she sees that something needs to be done and takes care of it before, or without, being asked.
Kinlee Agney has been a great help to classmates who need extra help understanding their assignments and completing them successfully. She is very calm and patient.
From a Scare in the Hay Loft to Cantankerous Hogs
•February 20, 2019•
By Evelyn Burtcheard
NP Guest Columnist
One morning Dad sent Donny to the hayloft to throw down a bale of hay. Danny of course followed Donny running as fast as they could go. It wasn’t long before the bale of hay fell to the ground.
I was to put the hay in the hay bunk for the calves to learn to eat and the cows would finish later. Donny stood in the hayloft door surveying his domain. I soon heard the boys talking in low anxious voices. Then Danny began to cry, and Donny started to yell for Dad - Danny had followed Donny up into the loft and was afraid to come down.
I was terrified that the little guy would fall, and I started yelling for him to stay back. Dad came running to the barn from hitching a team and down the hallway to where the ruckus was. He climbed the ladder to the top and helped Danny to get one leg over the edge. Then he and Danny started back down the ladder. Danny felt safe with Dad’s arms on either side as he was given time for each little hand to grip and release coming down. Dad kept telling him to not look down, to look at the top of the barn as they were climbing down. Read More
Remember When? 2-20-2019
25 Years Ago This Week
Tim Uphoff of Findlay delivered his own baby girl, Taylor Alyssa, in their home when his wife went into labor. Uphoff said his wife woke him up, and they began timing the contractions. Her water broke, and Tim called the ambulance. Two minutes later he delivered the baby. The ambulance arrived five minutes later and took the family to St. Mary’s Hospital. Pauline Briney, former mayor of Findlay, says she doesn’t remember the last time a baby was born at home in the village.
A fundraiser was held for J.E. Miller, Republican candidate for State Representative, at the Sullivan Masonic Temple. Among the 50 persons attending the event were State Rep. Duane Noland and Judge Robert J. Steigmann.
A Valentine’s Dinner Show was held February 11 in the Bethany High School gym. The show featured entertainment by The BHS Jazz Choir, Forte and the big band sounds of the Kingsmen. Jazz choir members are Luke Bland, Robert Disney, Angela Duncan, Lindsay Patrick, Brandy Caldwell, Wendy Munch, Jodi Armer, Nicole Gibbons, Leslie Patient, Allison Patrick, Haley Rowe, Steven Shain, Robert Miller, Deacon Patient, Scott Ray and Mike Schwartz. Forte quartet members are Lindsay Patrick, Angie Duncan, Martne McCabe and Jessika Gaither. Read More
Okaw Valley Schools Plan Major Building Improvements
Photo by Mike Brothers
Tom Caldwell from Stifel Investments explained financing during the public information session.
•February 20, 2019•
By Mike Brothers
Okaw Valley School District #302 plans for major improvements were unveiled before a crowd of interested citizens Feb. 13.
Parents and civic leaders filled the high school cafeteria as Supt. Kent Stauder gave background on the proposed $6.5 million project which includes a new high school gym, secured entry improvements at the high school and middle school in Findlay plus new playground equipment for the elementary school.
“We are investing in future generations’ memories,” Stauder said. He pointed out when the existing gym was built in 1937-38, some said it didn’t make sense, but that gymnasium has provided more than 80 years of memories for the students who passed through it.
“We want our kids to have the best experience they can have,” he continued, emphasizing the recently completed erg facility and the athletic complex illustrate the commitment of the community and school board to provide Okaw Valley students a well-rounded education.
Stauder explained administrators including high school principal Matt Schoaff, middle school principal Russ Forlines and elementary principal Heidi Vander Burgh were crucial to the success of the #YnotOV philosophy and would be on hand to help answer questions.
Members of the OVHS student council were escorts for the evening as the group was divided. Damien Schlitt of BLDD Architects went over the schematics of the construction in the new biology room with Tom Crabtree of Stifel Investments, the bond seller, explaining the financial side in the new chemistry room. Read More
Moultrie Moment of the Week
Pictured above is Hoot’s Clothing Store in Lovington in 1905. The store was located next to Hardware State Bank and is now the one story addition to the bank since the fire. 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.