Author Archives:

Warriors Take Down Redskins Despite Hot Start

News Progress Posted on by

•December 7, 2016•

Kirk Whitaker
NP Sports

After starting the first six minutes of the game on a 13-4 run, featuring three 3-pointers from Addison Darush, it looked as if the Lady Redskins basketball team was going to keep its foot on the gas and get a big CIC win.

But it was not meant to be.

Turnovers plagued Sullivan, and Tuscola beat the Lady Redskins down the floor several times throughout the game for easy layups in transition, taking the game 65-54.

After Tuscola stole a Sullivan pass and took it the other way for a layup, Darush hit two of her game high six triples.  Read More

Police Searching for Potential Predator

News Progress Posted on by

•December 7, 2016•

Sullivan police are investigating two reported incidents involving a potential sexual predator operating in the city. The latest incident occurred  during the day over the weekend.

Police Chief Jim Waggoner said police were called to a Saturday afternoon incident in the northwest part of the city where a man in a small white pickup truck approached a nine year old boy.

“We responded to the neighborhood report immediately and added additional patrols over the weekend,” Waggoner said, explaining citizens should be on the alert for suspicious behavior in neighborhoods.

Waggoner stated two separate incidents in the general area of the city were reported and that each occurred during daylight hours on weekends. Read More

Visit with Santa at Lake Shelbyville

News Progress Posted on by

•December 7, 2016•

Santa Claus is coming Saturday, December 10 from 9 a.m. to noon to the Lake Shelbyville Visitor Center. Children of all ages and their families are welcome to stop in and see Santa.

All who attend will receive a free photo print with Santa as well as some water safety items from Bobber the Water Safety Dog. Photos will also be made available for download on the Lake Shelbyville U.S. Army Corps of Engineersfacebook page following the event.

New on display this year, is a spectacular poinsettia tree in the visitor center lobby, courtesy of Shelby County Community Services.

The visit with Santa is provided free of charge by the Lake Volunteers Association, in cooperation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. For additional information, contact the Lake Shelbyville Project Office at (217)774-3951 X 2.

Obituaries 12-7-2016: John Hunter

News Progress Posted on by

John Hunter

John David Hunter, 62, of Glasgow, Ky., formerly of Burkesville and Tompkinsville, Ky., died Monday, Nov. 28, 2016 in T.J. Samson Community Hospital in Glasgow.

A graveside service was held at 3:30 p.m. Dec. 1 in Shorts Chapel Cemetery in Burkesville. Ballou & Stotts Funeral Home in Burkesville handled arrangements. Read More

Mo Co Illinois State Scholars

News Progress Posted on by

•December 7, 2016•

ISAC has recognized the following area high school students who have been named 2017-18 State Scholars for their outstanding academic achievement.

Brianna Creviston, Sydney Hagerman, and Madison Uhlrich of Okaw Valley High School.

Luke DeLong, Shelby Freeman, Charles Goss, Anne Hogan, Grace Mauck, Austin Schomhe and Maxwell Todd of Sullivan High School.

Live Nativity

News Progress Posted on by

•December 7, 2016•

Lovington First Church of God is having a live nativity event, “O Come Let Us Adore Him” 5-6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11.

Held in the Family Life Center at 305 West State St. in Lovington visitors will have a chance to experience the true meaning of Christmas by taking a stroll through the live nativity scenes depicting the birth of the Savior.

The church welcomes everyone to come and share in the experience of the nativity story, featuring character portrayals and a stable full of animals.

Free hot chocolate, coffee, and cookies will be served, and children will get to make a Christmas keepsake.

Remember When? 12-7-2016

News Progress Posted on by

Compiled by Bekki Ferguson-Stevens

25 Years Ago This Week

Lovington returns three starters and five lettermen from the 1990-91 squad which finished last season 12-13. Four seniors lead the lineup with 6-foot-2 Brian McGregor the most experienced. The Panthers point guard will be senior Heath Wilson who went out for high school basketball for the first time last year and came on strong for the team toward the end of the season. Also experienced is off-guard Justin Mechling who saw playing time in his sophomore year and started last season.

Bethany lost three lettermen but returns nine players coach Brent Philips feels comfortable he can play and rely on. “We’re small, but we are very quick. If we play tough defense, I think we can overcome our height problems,” said Phillips about the 1991-92 Mustang squad. Seniors Sean Harshman, Ben Osman, Chris Smith, Dave Snyder, Ryan Martin and Steve VanLoon and juniors Phillip Dickens, Ben Yarnell and Justin Ozee are expected to lead the Mustangs. They are joined by more talent in seniors Greg Dickens and Wes Russell and junior Rob Trussell. Read More

Moultrie Moment of the Week

News Progress Posted on by
Pictured above is the Moultrie County Courthouse in 1937. The dome was being repaired due to leaks. It had been discussed to remove the dome but ultimately decided to repair it at a cost of $7,429. Leaks continued to haunt the dome into the 1990’s when the decision was made to seal the dome. Some think the dome has a green patina. Not true. It is sealant applied to stop leakage. Everything was covered - even some of the windows. Source: “M.C. Courthouse Centennial Celebration” published by the MCHGS. 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.

Pictured above is the Moultrie County Courthouse in 1937. The dome was being repaired due to leaks. It had been discussed to remove the dome but ultimately decided to repair it at a cost of $7,429. Leaks continued to haunt the dome into the 1990’s when the decision was made to seal the dome. Some think the dome has a green patina. Not true. It is sealant applied to stop leakage. Everything was covered - even some of the windows. Source: “M.C. Courthouse Centennial Celebration” published by the MCHGS. 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.

Moultrie County Secret Santa’s Happiest Time of the Year

News Progress Posted on by
Photo by Mike Brothers Sullivan IGA manager Pat Stinson (right) presents $500 check to Moultrie County Secret Santa representatives Police Chief Jim Waggoner and Greg Foster.

Photo by Mike Brothers
Sullivan IGA manager Pat Stinson (right) presents $500 check to Moultrie County Secret Santa representatives Police Chief Jim Waggoner and Greg Foster.

•December 7, 2016•

Through the generosity of Moultrie County Secret Santa some 200 kids will have a better Christmas this year. Last weekend secret shoppers went to work and gift wrapping is Dec. 17.

IGA manager Pat Stinson presented police chief Jim Waggoner and Secret Santa council chair Greg Foster with a donation last week as the number of applications for Secret Santa’s help reached 200.

Stinson explained the $500 donation was raised partially from the IGA annual golf outing with additional donations from the Sullivan IGA store.

“IGA is always there for the community,” Foster said, explaining they are also a big help during the annual Jeepin’ for Jessi Secret Santa fund-raiser held at the Toy Bar in July.

This is December and the time for children to reap the benefits of Secret Santa’s annual efforts. Read More

Get Your Flu Shot During National Influenza Vaccination Week And Stay Healthy For The Holidays

News Progress Posted on by

•December 7, 2016•

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) urges anyone who has not yet received a flu shot to get one as soon as possible. December 4-10 is National Influenza Vaccination Week, a national observance to highlight the importance of influenza vaccination. While many people typically get the flu vaccine in early fall, flu activity usually peaks between December and March, a time when people are with families and out in their communities.

“During the holidays, friends and families often come together to celebrate,” said IDPH Director Nirav D. Shah, M.D., J.D. “Although you may be in good health, people around you, like young children and grandparents, may be at higher risk of suffering serious complications from the flu. A flu vaccine is the best defense against getting the flu. If you don’t get the vaccine to protect yourself, do it to protect the loved ones around you.” Read More