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Remember When? 12-28-2016

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Compiled by Bekki Ferguson-Stevens

25 Years Ago This Week

Sullivan native Roger Martin lives a world of champagne tastes and caviar dreams. As manager of the Chanel Boutique in Costa Mesa, Cal., his customers include some of the richest people in the world. The son of George and Sylvia Martin, he is the only male manager in the company’s world-wide chain and has had an extraordinary year since he opened the store in 1990.

Carrina Elder shot the ball for 10 points and had 13 rebounds during Sullivan’s 59-46 victory over Warrensburg-Latham Monday night. The Lady Redskins will put their undefeated record on the line Thursday when they face a strong Monticello team.

Stronger defense and quicker offense gave the Bethany Mustangs a decided advantage Friday night as they avenged a Turkey Tourney loss to Lovington by defeating the Panthers 81-63. The Mustangs were led by a 20 point effort from junior Ben Yarnell, while Heath Wilson led Lovington with 26.

Four first place awards were given in the second annual “Light Up Sullivan” Contest sponsored by the Sullivan Area Chamber of Commerce. Mr. and Mrs. Bob Hess took first place for best residential display, Mike and Jeri Booker took first place for most humorous display, Lynn Maxedon took first place for best use of motion and The Cheese Shed took first place for best commercial display in the contest which was expanded this year. Read More

SNAP Pilot Program Promotes Job Training

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•December 28, 2016•

The Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) and Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) today announced openings are still available for the Employment Opportunities, Personalized Services, Individualized Training, and Career Planning (EPIC) pilot program. This new pilot program is designed to provide SNAP recipients with valuable training and skills to help them gain meaningful employment.

“Working through innovative programs like EPIC, Illinoisans receiving food assistance can gain the education and skills they need on their journey toward self-sufficiency,” DCEO Acting Director Sean McCarthy said. “We hope that this program can serve as a launching point for broader engagement of SNAP participants as we support them in their movement toward independence.” Read More

Sullivan Redskins Take Two Hits at St. T

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•December 28, 2016•

The Sullivan boys’ basketball team dropped two games in the Team Soy Capital Christmas Tournament at Decatur St. Teresa High School this past week.

Thursday night, Sullivan lost to LSA 72-44.

LSA jumped out to a 21-8 first quarter lead then extended that lead to eight by halftime. Read More

Holiday Deadlines

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•December 28, 2016•

The offices of the News Progress will be observing holiday deadline schedules for the New Year’s weekend.

Advertising and news deadlines are 5:00 p.m. December 30 for the January 4, 2017 edition.

Understanding Illinois: Illinois Held Hostage—Year Three and Counting

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Nowlan•December 28, 2016•

By Jim Nowlan
NP Guest Columnist

At the risk of tiring readers (so what’s new, they muse) at holiday time, I turn yet again to the Illinois state budget impasse, the most important visible problem facing the state.

I continue flummoxed in efforts to understand the efficacy of the strategy(ies) Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner is employing in his all-out war to force nemesis House Speaker Mike Madigan to knuckle under, so the guv can figuratively plant his booted foot in triumph on the breast plate of a prostrate Madigan.

For two years, Rauner has been holding a state budget solution hostage, as if it were somehow akin to Madigan’s first-born, demanding that Madigan accede to a “turnaround agenda” of popular, business-friendly changes.

That might otherwise make sense, except that Madigan obviously cares more about his political power than about Illinois.

Insiders say Rauner’s real strategy is to play a multi-election “long game” aimed at taking control of the Illinois General Assembly.

That is sure a legitimate political objective, yet not one a budget resolution can await.

I worry that Rauner as well as most lawmakers and certainly the Illinois public all fail to appreciate the staggering magnitude of what will be necessary to straighten out the state’s finances.
Read More

New Illinois Laws for the New Year

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As citizens throughout the state of Illinois ring in the New Year, nearly 200 laws will take effect. A significant number of the new laws target crime, make changes to the criminal justice system, seek to assist law enforcement, and advance safety provisions for Illinois motorists.

Criminal justice reforms poised to take effect

One measure to allow greater flexibility in granting probation for certain non-violent offenders with no prior conviction for a violent crime is set to take effect on Jan. 1. Senate Bill 3164 is part of a bipartisan package of legislative reforms to Illinois’ criminal justice system, and was introduced at the recommendation of the Governor’s Illinois State Commission on Criminal Justice and Sentencing Reform.

The commission was charged with identifying policy changes to reduce recidivism and make significant reductions to the state’s prison population, which had increased by more than 500 percent in the last forty years. Senate Bill 3164 is one measure that seeks to reduce the number of non-violent offenders in Illinois’ correctional facilities—which are operating at roughly 150 percent of recommended capacity.  Read More

Menus 12-28-2016

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Senior Peace Meal
For additional information or for reservations, please call 1-800-543-1770
Monday, Jan. 1 - Closed
Tuesday, Jan. 2- Swished beef pattie w/green pepper, onions and tomatoes, brussels sprouts, macaroni & cheese, whole grain wheat, applesauce.
Wednesday, Jan. 3 - Saucy ham loaf, creamed peas, baked squash, whole grain wheat, strawberry oatmeal bar.
Thursday, Jan. 4  - Settlers beef & beans, corn, roll, warm sliced pears w/raisins.
Friday, Jan. 5 - Beef tips in gravy, mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables, roll, graham crackers, fresh fruit.

Sullivan Pre-School Breakfast
Monday, Jan. 1 - Closed
Tuesday, Jan. 2 - Waffles, peach juice, milk.
Wednesday, Jan. 3 - Granola bars, peach juice, milk.
Thursday, Jan. 4  - Warm apples, Ritz crackers, milk.
Friday, Jan. 5 - Pancakes, peach juice, milk.

Sullivan Pre-School Lunch
Monday, Jan. 1 - Closed
Tuesday, Jan. 2 - Burritos/cheese, lettuce, pears, milk.
Wednesday, Jan. 3 - Chicken nuggets, peas, peaches, bread & butter, milk.
Thursday, Jan. 4  - Cheese  puffs, carrots, pineapple, milk.
Friday, Jan. 5 - Corn dogs, tater tots, mixed fruit, milk.

IDNR Reminding Anglers of Ice Fishing Safety

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Being prepared could save your life

•December 28, 2016•

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is reminding anglers that heading to their favorite frozen fishing holes comes with risks this time of year. As the temperatures drop in Illinois, those who enjoy year-round fishing may start heading to their favorite location to participate in ice fishing.

“The IDNR cannot stress enough the importance of safety when ice fishing. Ice fishing can be a great and fun time but can change into a dangerous situation in just seconds. Being prepared and ready for anything can save your life,” said IDNR Conservation Police Chief Rafael Gutierrez. Read More

Growing Up In Sullivan: The Christmas Season of Today

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GintherBy Jerry L. Ginther
NP Columnist

Most folks think of Christmas as a season rather than a single day because the spirit of Christmas spans several weeks with the decorating, shopping and celebration.

Nevertheless, there are so many enjoyable activities to attend, both secular and sacred, that the time passes in a whirlwind. The song, The Twelve Days of Christmas, doesn’t come close to covering the season anymore. The preparations start earlier each year. It has been said for many years now that the day after Thanksgiving Day is the busiest shopping day of the season.

Notwithstanding, we see the stores preparing for sales several weeks prior to that. Frosty the snowman, Rudolph and Santa Claus are already appearing in advertisements in catalogs and magazines before Halloween. As a matter of fact, as I write this article our local stores are already stocking Christmas décor and gift items, and it’s a month before Halloween.

The excitement in the air and on the faces of busy shoppers as the shopping season kicks off spreads throughout the country. If we have some snow on or before Christmas Eve, it seems to fuel wintry thoughts of the season even more.  Read More