•August 22, 2018•
Okaw Valley’s Case Crawford has started his senior year with three medalist honors in his first three golf matches.
This past week, OV split a pair of matches, defeating Pana but losing to Villa Grove.
Last Thursday, the Timberwolves lost to Villa Grove 203-198 at Eagle Creek.
Crawford was medalist with a low score of 40. Read More
•August 22, 2018•
Due to the Monday, September 3 observance of Labor Day the Moultrie County News Progress and The Fish Wrap deadlines for display and classified advertising are noon Friday, August 31 for the Wednesday Sept. 5 and Thursday, Sept. 6 editions of the News Progress and Fish Wrap. Thank you and salute to labor that made America strong.
•August 22, 2018•
Sullivan Street Machine Association’s annual Cruise Night on the Square in Sullivan is Saturday, September 1.
All makes, models and years of vehicles are welcomed to this 39th annual event. Registration begins at 4 p.m. and more than $1500 in door prizes will be awarded during the event.
Dash plaques are given to the first 100 registered.
For the young drivers ages three to nine, a Power Wheels Demo Derby starts at 6 p.m.
Bounce houses and a dunk tank are located along the cruise route.
Musical entertainment is by Shovelhead and free popcorn courtesy of Boy Scout Troup #39. AmBuCs and Wood Real Estate Insurance are the primary sponsors.
•August 22, 2018•
By Jason Brown
NP Sports Editor
In his first year as Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond head football coach, Ryan Jefferson believes the 2018 squad can take the next step from last season’s 3-6 record into making the playoffs this fall.
In 2017, the Knights lost two games by a combined nine points, and with the experience and returning letter winners, Jefferson believes his team can win those games and potentially be playoff eligible at 5-4 or better.
“I believe we have a playoff-caliber team because of the combination of talent, experience, and leadership going for us,” he said, “but I also realize that we are in a challenging conference with a lot of other teams who bring back experienced and talented kids who are going to give their best effort on Friday nights.”
The Knights return six seniors and 13 letter winners, including the entire interior offensive and defensive line.
“We return a lot of speed,” Jefferson said, “and overall the team will have a lot of experience from the upperclassmen since most of them have started on varsity since they were freshmen.”
In practice, he has been working on HEART, which is what he defines as the team’s focus and effort. Read More
Photo furnished
SOV coach Jeff Myers has 15 returning lettermen.
•August 22, 2018•
By Jason Brown
NP Sports Editor
Usually, a high school football coach does not return youth and experience in the same year.
But that was exactly what Sullivan-Okaw Valley football coach Jeff Myers inherited in his first year as head coach.
Myers returns 15 lettermen but only six seniors.
This leaves the Redskins little room for injury this season.
“Without question the biggest weakness we have is depth,” said Myers. “Staying healthy will be a key to our success.”
Even with a young squad that has learned three offense and defenses in the last three years, Myers believes his varsity experience will help provide a balanced offense in terms of run to pass.
His expectations are pretty simple.
“We expect to win football games,” he said, “compete for a CIC championship and be a playoff team.”
For this to happen, the Redskins’ quarterback Luke Harlin will have to play a huge role for the offense to be successful.
“We require a lot of the quarterback in this system” said Myers. “He has to be a thrower, a runner, a leader, an orchestrator, and a coach on the field. This far Luke has exceeded my expectations in all those areas, and I am really excited to see what kind of season he puts together.” Read More
•August 22, 2018•
Drier weather this month has caused declining soil moisture, especially in central Illinois, according to Jennie Atkins, Water and Atmospheric Resources Monitoring (WARM) Program manager at the Illinois State Water Survey, University of Illinois.
Illinois has received 1.28 inches of rain so far in August, 0.63 inches below the long-term average. Lower than normal rainfall occurred in most of the state, causing drier soils. Overall soil moisture levels have decreased 11 percent at depths of 2 inches.
The largest declines were in the central region where moisture levels were down in mid-August by 30 percent in the east and 35 percent in the west from the beginning of the month. The north, however, saw a 17 percent increase of soil moisture. Read More
•August 22, 2018•
The Cowden Free Methodist Church Camp is offering a meal and concert Saturday, Sept. 8, from 10 a.m. through 3 p.m.
Featured entertainers at Celebrate America Family Style are The Lesters and The Chosen Ones.
Tickets are available by calling 217/433-1014. Concert only and meal with concert tickets are available. The camp is located at 174N 1550 East Rd., Beecher City.
•August 22, 2018•
The North Lake Community Development Foundation, Inc. filed articles of incorporation with the Moultrie County Clerk and Recorders office August 16.
The not for profit corporation formed under the umbrella of Sullivan Chamber and Economic Development allows tax deductible donations under section 501c or 501d with the purpose stated as promoting the development, establishment, or expansion of industries.
Chamber executive director Laurrie Minor is the registered agent with the three board of directors: Dan Flannell of Sullivan, Dave McCabe of Bethany and Zak Horn of Sullivan named in the filing.
Photo by Mike Brothers
Bus Stop
Schools all over Moultrie County are back in session. During this busy time of finding classes, getting to classes and getting to school it is important to remember students are getting on and off buses and drivers around the schools and buses should use extreme caution as the cargo is precious.
25 Years Ago This Week
Sullivan Alum Derik Eaton was hired to teach driver education and as head track coach. He succeeds Cliff Dobbs as driver ed teacher. Dobbs opted for early retirement.
Wes Bland of Virginia, MN caught a 16-pound catfish while fishing in the Little Okaw River with his grandfather, C.L. Bland of Bethany.
One of the Bethany summer league baseball teams came home champions after winning the Bronco Division of the 1993 Okaw Tournament. Members of the team include Joe Gaither, Ryan McCabe, Adam Rutherford, Lindsey Grebien, Shane Simmons, Brandon Stollard, Brandon Patrick, Dustin Bone, Dustin Haile, Randy Lancaster, Blake Manhart, Deriek Shride and K.R. Baker. The team was coached by Marion Haile and Kevin Grebien. Read More