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Emergency Management Officials Urge Caution When Temps Rise

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•July 8, 2015•

The hottest days of summer are just around the corner, and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) and local emergency management agencies are offering heat safety tips to help people play it safe when temperatures rise.
“Warm weather is a welcomed relief after the long, cold winter we endured this year,” said IEMA Director James K. Joseph. “But summertime comes with its own hazards, many related to excessive heat. We want to help people avoid these risks and enjoy a fun, safe summer.”
Joseph said one of the most important safety tips when temperatures rise is to never leave children, elderly people, disabled adults or pets in parked cars, even for a short time. Temperatures inside a parked vehicle can rapidly rise to dangerous levels even if the windows are slightly open, and can lead to brain damage or death. The effects can be more severe on children because their bodies warm at a faster rate than adults. Read More

Understanding Illinois: The Fiscal Mess in Chicago

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Nowlan•July 8, 2015•

By Jim Nowlan
NP Guest
Columnist

We are in the lull before the storm in Springfield, as politicos watch intently—and rather helplessly—as the longstanding alpha male (Speaker Mike Madigan) is challenged for dominance of the pride by newcomer Gov. Bruce Rauner.
When the tussle is over, be assured that state taxes will have gone back up toward recent levels. The big question is whether the governor will achieve much or any of his business-friendly “turnaround agenda.”
Meanwhile, Chicago’s major local governments are struggling with fiscal messes that may be even worse than those in Springfield.
The problems facing Chicago, its public schools and the surrounding county of Cook mirror those of the state of Illinois—inexcusable myopia by careerist elected officials in putting off today’s budget problems until tomorrow, which has arrived. Read More

Sullivan Teacher Dies After Being Struck by Vehicle

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Christina Sanders, 30, pronounced dead Thurs.

•July 8, 2015•

by Keith Stewart
keith@newsprogress.com

A Sullivan elementary school teacher was pronounced dead last Thursday evening after being struck by a vehicle the Tuesday prior.
According to the Moultrie County sheriff’s department, Christina Sanders, 30, of Sullivan was pronounced dead at Carle Hospital at 5:33 p.m. Thursday.
Shortly before 7:13 p.m. Tuesday, June 30 Sanders was struck by an automobile while jogging along county road 850E just north of the Bruce-Findlay road according to the sheriff’s department.
The release further adds that the automobile was being driven by Kali Forsyth, 18, of Sullivan.
Sanders, who was a first grade teacher for the Sullivan school district, was taken by a Life Flight helicopter to Carle Hospital Tuesday evening where as of Wednesday morning she was in critical condition prior to her passing Thursday.
According to a report by WCIA-3, Sanders’ was an organ donor. Read More

Talking Education

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Submitted Talking Education A group of local educators recently met with State Sen. Chapin Rose (R-Mahomet) to discuss education issues in the state. Pictured, inside Sen. Rose’s Capitol office are (back row, left to right): John Harwood, Dan Allen (Sullivan H.S. teacher), and Ted Walk (Sullivan H.S. assistant principal). Front row: Sen. Chapin Rose (R-Mahomet), Steve Poland, Brad Tuttle (Sullivan superintendent), and Erik Young (Sullivan H.S. principal).

Submitted
Talking Education
A group of local educators recently met with State Sen. Chapin Rose (R-Mahomet) to discuss education issues in the state. Pictured, inside Sen. Rose’s Capitol office are (back row, left to right): John Harwood, Dan Allen (Sullivan H.S. teacher), and Ted Walk (Sullivan H.S. assistant principal). Front row: Sen. Chapin Rose (R-Mahomet), Steve Poland, Brad Tuttle (Sullivan superintendent), and Erik Young (Sullivan H.S. principal).

Mo-Co Places All Teams In Top Four At State

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Submitted Mo-Co Places All Teams In Top Four At State The 2014 season saw the Mo-Co Rush enjoy one of their most successful trips to the NSA State Tournament with four of five teams placing in the top five. The three 2015 teams bested that by all finishing in the top four at this year’s tournament in East Peoria. Both the 18U and 12U finished in third place, while the 10U finished in fourth place. The 10U had a shot to make it three for three in the top three, but let a 4-1 lead slip away in the final inning. Regardless all three teams played at an extremely high level and it was a momentum builder heading into the final three tournaments of the season. The 12U has a record of 46-20-1 on the season, while the 10U has a spring/summer record of 29-20 and 31-27 overall. Tryouts for the 2016 season are scheduled for August 1 and 2. For more information on the Rush and their upcoming tryouts go to www.mocorush.com. Pictured above are the 10U: L-R: Ryli Kauffman, Mia Harris, Mikaela Moore, Kinley Hill, Keira Hohlbauch, Bailey Bennett, Katie Honchell, Kayla Schippel, Mackenzie Condill, Alaina Moore, Alisha Frederick, and Charley Condill.

Submitted
Mo-Co Places All Teams In Top Four At State
The 2014 season saw the Mo-Co Rush enjoy one of their most successful trips to the NSA State Tournament with four of five teams placing in the top five. The three 2015 teams bested that by all finishing in the top four at this year’s tournament in East Peoria. Both the 18U and 12U finished in third place, while the 10U finished in fourth place. The 10U had a shot to make it three for three in the top three, but let a 4-1 lead slip away in the final inning. Regardless all three teams played at an extremely high level and it was a momentum builder heading into the final three tournaments of the season. The 12U has a record of 46-20-1 on the season, while the 10U has a spring/summer record of 29-20 and 31-27 overall. Tryouts for the 2016 season are scheduled for August 1 and 2. For more information on the Rush and their upcoming tryouts go to www.mocorush.com. Pictured above are the 10U: L-R: Ryli Kauffman, Mia Harris, Mikaela Moore, Kinley Hill, Keira Hohlbauch, Bailey Bennett, Katie Honchell, Kayla Schippel, Mackenzie Condill, Alaina Moore, Alisha Frederick, and Charley Condill.

Frying Fish

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Photo by Darian Hays Frying Fish Pictured are Steve Fleming(left) and Ralph Zancha (right) frying pollock during the annual Lovington fish fry held June 26 in Tom Conn Park. According to Carol Smith of the Community Club, which sponsored the fish fry, approximately 140 pounds of fish were cooked, 200 people served, and $800 raised.

Photo by Darian Hays
Frying Fish
Pictured are Steve Fleming(left) and Ralph Zancha (right) frying pollock during the annual Lovington fish fry held June 26 in Tom Conn Park. According to Carol Smith of the Community Club, which sponsored the fish fry, approximately 140 pounds of fish were cooked, 200 people served, and $800 raised.

Sullivan Woman Hit While Riding Bicycle

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No life threatening injuries sustained

•July 8, 2015•

by Keith Stewart
keith@newsprogress.com

A Sullivan woman was struck while riding her bicycle in town the evening of Tuesday, June 30.
According to Sullivan police, Addie Comanse, 55, was riding her bicycle at approximately 5:45 p.m. southbound on Hamilton Street June 30 when she was struck by a vehicle driven by Victoria Clark, 20, of Assumption. Read More

What’s the Hurry?

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Photo by Keith Stewart Sullivan resident Tyler Wagey stands in front of a newly installed 4-way stop-sign at the intersection of Washington and Blackwood after he went to the city council with concerns about vehicles speeding throughout the neighborhood.

Photo by Keith Stewart
Sullivan resident Tyler Wagey stands in front of a newly installed 4-way stop-sign at the intersection of Washington and Blackwood after he went to the city council with concerns about vehicles speeding throughout the neighborhood.

Sullivan residents concerned about speeding in neighborhoods

•July 8, 2015•

by Ariana Cherry
Arthur/Sullivan Reporter

There seems to be a rush in Sullivan, but nobody knows what the hurry is. Speeding around the square, Sullivan Civic Center and in neighboring areas has been noticed lately by residents and drivers, including Tyler Wagey, who lives on N. Washington Street.
“We need to look out for those who can’t look out for themselves- the kids. They can’t go to the city and tell people that they need to slow down,” he said. “There are several kids who are on my block throughout the day. Safety is my first issue. It comes first before anything else. How are we supposed to be able to teach our kids to be safe?”
Wagey hasn’t been the only one to notice the speeding problem in Sullivan. Speeding cars have been an issue for other parents and residents too.
“I’m his neighbor, and we definitely have noticed a problem with speeding. My dog was hit coming back across the street when he was chasing after a ball,”  said Sullivan resident Cassie Heselton.
“The speeding and reckless driving in Sullivan are horrible. We moved back here in 2011 and after only being here three months, I had the city put up a ‘slow, children playing’ sign,” shared Krista Brandeberry. “Of course, it didn’t really work on our road. Even the big trucks go down Worth Street faster than I think they should.” Read More

Salute to Farmer Veterans

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Submitted Salute to Farmer Veterans More than 100 farmers and ranchers who previously served in the U.S. military and their respective homegrown products were celebrated at a Salute to Farmer Veterans reception at the Cannon House building in Washington D.C. June 2 hosted by the House Agriculture Committee and sponsored by the Farm Credit Council. The Illinois delegation at the Salute to Farmer Veterans reception featured (from left to right): Gene and Sandy Garver, Macon County farmers; Congresswoman Cheri Bustos; Sina Ringhausen, Jersey County farmer; Dale Crawford, Farm Credit Illinois Director and Moultrie County farmer; Alan Ringhausen, Jersey County farmer, Congressman Mike Bost; Joe Ringhausen, Jersey County farmer; and Beth Bolger, Farm Credit Illinois.

Submitted
Salute to Farmer Veterans
More than 100 farmers and ranchers who previously served in the U.S. military and their respective homegrown products were celebrated at a Salute to Farmer Veterans reception at the Cannon House building in Washington D.C. June 2 hosted by the House Agriculture Committee and sponsored by the Farm Credit Council. The Illinois delegation at the Salute to Farmer Veterans reception featured (from left to right): Gene and Sandy Garver, Macon County farmers; Congresswoman Cheri Bustos; Sina Ringhausen, Jersey County farmer; Dale Crawford, Farm Credit Illinois Director and Moultrie County farmer; Alan Ringhausen, Jersey County farmer, Congressman Mike Bost; Joe Ringhausen, Jersey County farmer; and Beth Bolger, Farm Credit Illinois.

UPDATE: Sullivan Teacher Dies After Being Struck by Vehicle

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Christina Sanders, 30, pronounced dead Thursday

July 3, 2015

by Keith Stewart
keith@newsprogress.com
A Sullivan elementary school teacher was pronounced dead Thursday evening after being struck by a vehicle Tuesday.

According to the Moultrie County sheriff's department, Christina Sanders, 30, of Sullivan was pronounced dead at Carle Hospital at 5:33 p.m. Thursday.

Shortly before 7:13 p.m. Tuesday, Sanders was struck by an automobile while jogging along county road 850E just north of the Bruce-Findlay road according to the sheriff’s department.
The release further adds that the automobile was being driven by Kali Forsyth, 18, of Sullivan. Read More