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Thinking About Health: What You Need To Know About Choosing Health Insurance

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TrudyLieberman-Photo•November 30, 2016•

By Trudy Lieberman,
Rural Health News Service

Even though the election is over and Republicans are in a position to repeal and replace Obamacare as they’ve been vowing to do for several years that doesn’t mean you should avoid signing up for 2017 insurance coverage.

If you’re eligible and need insurance, the state shopping exchanges are open for business even if options this year are limited in many counties, particularly in rural areas. More than 40 percent of the counties where residents may buy an Obamacare policy have just one insurer selling them. That’s not a lot of choice, and policies that are offered are likely to have high premiums and limited options for doctors and hospitals.

Still, some careful shopping is in order to minimize any surprise bills. After the election, White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest urged Americans to sign up and announced “the vast majority” of eligible consumers would be able to buy insurance for a monthly premium of $75 or less which has been the administration’s sales pitch.

Assuming the White House math is correct, that doesn’t mean the vast majority should automatically buy a policy with a $75 premium. That strategy can mean expensive trouble later on. Reviewing the basics before wading into the Obamacare marketplace this year is essential. Read More

Civic Women’s Club Learns About Counseling Center

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•November 30, 2016•

The Sullivan Civic Women’s Club met  November 14 in the Moultrie County Senior Center. The guest speaker was Dave Cole, director of Moultrie County Counseling Center. He related that one of the services offered is an employment program to help match people to jobs. They also work with Lake Land College to help people learn trade skills.  Read More

Timberwolves Finish Strong Against Hilltoppers

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•November 30, 2016•

Kirk Whitaker
NP Sports

What in the first half looked as though it would be a close game Nov. 28 got blown out of the water in the second half by host Okaw Valley’s two biggest scorers.

It all started with the Timberwolves down 12-8 in the final seconds of the first quarter. It ended with a 45-27 Okaw Valley win.

Mt. Pulaski had scored with just over six seconds left, looking to take the momentum into the second, but Paige Robinson didn’t get the memo.

Robinson took the inbounds pass and calmly took the rock just over half court before pulling a “Steph Curry” and swishing a shot just inside the half court stripe to cut the deficit to one. Read More

Bethany Legion Poker Tourney

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•November 30, 2016•

American Legion Post 507 in Bethany will host its 11th Poker Tournament Fundraiser Saturday, December 10.

The event will benefit students at Okaw Valley High School through academic scholarships awarded annually.

The Texas Hold’em poker tournament starts at noon and has limited seating so early registration is advised.

Pork burgers and refreshments will be available for purchase at the event. For more information or to pre-register, contact legionpoker@hotmail.com or view on Facebook at “American Legion 507 Poker Group.” Charitable games license #02565.

Strong Second Half Gives Braves Win over Sullivan

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•November 30, 2016•

Sullivan’s Lady Redskin’s strong first half wasn’t enough to keep Mt. Zion from a 49-45 win November 28.

Sullivan outscored the visiting Lady Braves 13-4 in the first quarter and had a 23-14 lead at the half. A third quarter 16-9 effort brought Mt. Zion’s team back as a 19-13 fourth quarter tipped the scales against Sullivan.

“We started the game off well and played great defense the first half, only giving up 14 points,” Sullivan coach Sheri McCain said.

“We were not mentally tough in the second half and had too many unforced turnovers,” she continued, pointing out 47% free throw percentage and hitting two for seven in the fourth quarter cost the game.

Mt. Zion was 10-12 from the free stripe in the fourth quarter. Read More

Knights Win Close Game Over Redskins

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Photo by Mike Brothers Sullivan’s Bryce Farris drives between ALAH defenders Hunter Day and Colton Romine during the Nov. 23 Knights 29-26 win over the Redskins.

Photo by Mike Brothers
Sullivan’s Bryce Farris drives between ALAH defenders Hunter Day and Colton Romine during the Nov. 23 Knights 29-26 win over the Redskins.

•November 30, 2016•

The Sullivan Redskins first home game Nov. 22 was a back and forth, low scoring match with Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond Knights winning 29-26.

Sullivan was ahead 9-8 following a first quarter dominated by missed shots for both teams’ first encounter of the season.

The Redskins went into the half with a 20-18 lead.

A cold shooting third quarter by Sullivan gave the Knights a 22-20 lead at the end of three.

In the fourth quarter the intensity increased for both teams with Sullivan retaking the lead 24-23 at the 5:15 mark on a couple of free throws from the Redskins Josh Stutzman.

With 4:42 left in the game Knights Kobe Wells forced his way to the lane putting ALAH ahead 25-24.

Marcus Vanausdoll came up with another Knights lay up at 3:41, driving the lead to 27-26 following two points from Sullivan’s Zach Sowers seconds earlier. Read More

Holiday Parade is Saturday

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•November 30, 2016•

Petersen Health Care is sponsoring the annual Hometown Holiday Parade which begins at noon Saturday, Dec. 3. Line up will begin at 10:30 a.m. at Sullivan High School.

A Santa’s Workshop will be hosted by DOVE 10 a.m-3 p.m. in the Sullivan American Legion. Activities include a silent auction, crafting tables and bake sale as well as photos with Santa before and after the parade. Food will be available for purchase.

For parade entries and information contact Lacy Mossman at Eastview Terrace 728-7367 or Erika Piper at Courtyard Estates 728-4300.

Moultrie Moment of the Week

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The Moultrie County News had a fire that destroyed their building and contents in January of 1948. Pictured above are Linotype machines that were destroyed by 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.

The Moultrie County News had a fire that destroyed their building and contents in January of 1948. Pictured above are Linotype machines that were destroyed by 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.

Cathrine’s Keeps Offering Unique Gifts

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elf-cathrines•November 30, 2016•

By Ellen Ferrera
for the News Progress

Cathrine’s and West 5 Coffee and Wine Bar - these two stores in one are most welcoming and delightful. The owner is Cathrine Craig, but this is truly a family business. Husband, JR, is the barrista and her son-in-law does all of the custom framing. But her daughter and mother also put in time to help keep everything running smoothly.

“We felt that Sullivan needed a unique retail shop with a unique shopping experience for those looking for something special not found in the mall shops,” explained Craig. “We have people come from Decatur, Champaign, Chicago and even those on their way to a wedding stop by for a gift that is packaged and all ready to take to the gift table.” Read More

Menus 11-30-2016

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Senior Peace Meal
For additional information or for reservations, please call 1-800-543-1770
Monday, Dec. 5 - Ham & beans, copper carrots, corn bread, purple plum.
Tuesday, Dec. 6 - Taco salad w/meat, lettuce, cheese, beans, tomatoes, sour cream & taco sauce, taco chips, pineapple, orange bread.
Wednesday, Dec. 7 - Stuffed peppers in sauce, corn, Italian green beans, whole grain wheat, brownies.
Thursday, Dec. 8  - Pork loin in gravy, mashed potatoes, spinach, whole grain wheat, cherry cobbler.
Friday, Dec. 9 - Beef stroganoff over noodles, Venetian blend vegetables, spiced apple rings, roll, banana.

Sullivan Pre-School Breakfast
Monday, Dec. 5 - Nutri-grain bar, peach juice, milk.
Tuesday, Dec. 6 - Cream of wheat, peach juice, milk.
Wednesday, Dec. 7 - Strawberries & bananas, Ritz crackers, milk.Thursday, Dec. 8  - Waffles, peach juice, milk.
Friday, Dec. 9 - Granola bar, peach juice, milk.

Sullivan Pre-School Lunch
Monday, Dec. 5 - Ravioli, lettuce salad, pears, garlic bread, milk.
Tuesday, Dec. 6 - Potato soup, bologna & cheese sandwiches, carrots & celery sticks, banana, crackers, milk.
Wednesday, Dec. 7 - Sausage links, mashed potatoes, Mandarin oranges, bread & butter, milk.
Thursday, Dec. 8  - Tater tots casserole, corn, peaches, bread & butter, milk.
Friday, Dec. 9 - Pizza, lettuce salad, mixed fruit, milk.