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June Rains Aid in Growth of Produce and Weeds

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KimForColumnJuly 1, 2015

by Kim Riedel
N•P Columnist

This past month has kept me very busy with all the rain that we have had. Not only are the weeds racing to outgrow my garden plants by three times, the rain has also been trying to take over my basement and shop. The rain has been a full time job trying to stay on top of let alone everything else going on in my life. Although the rain has put me behind in some of the outdoor jobs that need to be done and loaded me up with a lot of unnecessary work that I really didn’t need, it has been great for the garden (a little over- doing it at times) and the plants have really grown.
In particular, June was wonderful with all the black raspberries. It made my day to go down along the outside of my fence and pick a tray full of berries. What a way to start the day. Lots of them went into our freezer to enjoy later in the year, though just as many were eaten fresh, in smoothies, and with ice cream! It has been a bit slower with the gold and purple raspberries, and the red ones were so fragile they crumbled as they were carefully coaxed off their stem...but they were all so good that many of them were eaten before even leaving the garden. Read More

Aikman Wildlife Pulls Special Use Permit

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Organizers now looking for another site

July 1, 2015

by Keith Stewart
keith@newsprogress.com

A special use permit filed in May for a zoo near Arthur has been withdrawn.
According to the Moultrie County planning and zoning officer Jan Haegan, James Aikman’s application for a special use permit for his wildlife park was withdrawn Monday afternoon.
Shortly thereafter, a post on the Facebook page Aikman Wildlife Adventure, which James Aikman confirmed as the project’s official page, explained the decision to withdrawal the application, citing the last zoning board of appeals meeting, which concluded with its members not recommending a permit for the zoo.
“The last meeting made it very apparent by the objectors that no matter what we do, nothing will ever be good enough,” read the post. Read More

July Lovington Public Library Events

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July 1, 2015

Ancestry and Genealogy Workshop

The Lovington Public Library District has just subscribed to ancestry.com for a year and is offering a “Ancestry & Genealogy Workshop” on Friday July 17 from 1-3 p.m. The class is free but pre-registration is required by calling the library at 873-4468. Basic genealogy tips and web resources will be presented by Kaye Webb.

Bob Ross Painting

Jim Rhode will be offering the Bob Ross Painting class on Saturday July 18 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. There is a $35 charge that includes the canvas and paints needed. Each participant is asked to bring a light lunch and a roll of paper towels to the class. Pre-registration is required by calling the Lovington Public Library at 873-4468 by Thursday July 16. Read More

Scrambler Results 7.1.15

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July 1, 2015

Competing at Timberlake Golf Course Monday, June 23, the team of Adam Dillard, Clint Marshall, Bill Hubbartt and Steve Effner finished first with an 8-under par. Taking second with a 5-under par was the team of Chad Palmer, Steve Nickerson, Kevin Elder and Gage Elder.

Sullivan Natives Make Dean’s List

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July 1, 2015

Benedictine University at Springfield recently announced its Dean’s Recognized List, which includes part-time students who achieve a 3.5 grade point average or above. Making the list included Kari Marie Burnett of Lovington and Amanda J. Dickens-Montgomery of Sullivan.

Lake Shelbyville Set to Welcome Holiday Weekend Visitors

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July 1, 2015

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Lake Shelbyville anticipates a very busy upcoming Fourth of July holiday celebration. The lake is open for all visitors to enjoy and should have plenty of water.
As of June 29, and with no additional rainfall, the lake is projected to crest on Monday, July 3 at 610.6 feet above sea level (referenced to the National Geodetic Vertical Datum (NGVD)). On June 29, at 7 a.m., the lake level was 609.59 feet above sea level NGVD, which is 9.89 feet above normal summer pool (599.7 feet above sea level NGVD). Read More

Remember When? 7.1.15

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25 Years Ago This Week

Shannon Phillips and Ryan Nettles were the recipients of Lovington American Legion Post 429’s outstanding eighth grade student awards. Runners up were Rachel Casteel and Jeremy Tarr. The awards were presented by Don Bell during the eighth grade promotional program May 24.
Randol Protz received a bachelor of science degree in math May 20 from MacMurray College in Jacksonville. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. William Protz of Sullivan.
Pitcher Brett Robinson has been moved up to AA baseball and pitched 8 2/3 innings last Sunday in Knoxville, Tenn., not giving up a run until the eighth. Robinson, who was moved up to another Chicago Cubs farm team, the Charlotte Knights in North Carolina May 21, has pitched three games and led them to a 6-2 victory Sunday over Knoxville.
Five young Sullivan bowlers recently earned state champion honors after competing in the Young American Bowling Alliance Prep Mixed Division state tournament. They are David Montague, Keith Trussell, Amanda Foster, Valerie Denier and Matt Dyer. Read More

Obituaries 7-1-2015: Harold England

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HaroldEnglandHarold England

Harold C. England, 95, of St. Charles, Mo., formerly of Sullivan, died 7:31 a.m. Monday, June 29, 2015 in Barnes Hospital in St Peters, Mo.

Celebration of Life services will be 11 a.m. Monday in Reed Funeral Home in Sullivan with Pastor Tim Henderson officiating. Burial will be in Prairie Home Cemetery in Moweaqua. Visitation will be one hour before the funeral.

Read More

Fireworks Pose Safety Hazard

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July 1, 2015

With the upcoming Fourth of July holiday, the Office of the State Fire Marshal reminds Illinois residents to leave fireworks to the experts. Many injuries and fires occur each year from these devices and therefore should be used only by trained professionals.
Fireworks pose a danger to users and bystanders of all ages. As the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) explains, fireworks were responsible for an estimated 11,400 injuries and eight deaths in 2013. Injuries typically result from the user playing with lit fireworks or igniting fireworks while holding the device. Injuries can also be sustained from device malfunctions, such as errant flight paths, devices that tip over and blowouts. Read More