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Commissioner LeCrone Makes One Last Council Appearance Before Johnson Steps In

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Sullivan Police Department also given go-ahead to purchase new squad car

May 6, 2015

by Ariana Cherry & Keith Stewart
keith@newsprogress.com

At the regular city council meeting last week, streets and public improvements commissioner Monty LeCrone announced that it would be his last time attending.
“Thanks for all of your cooperation,” he said. “I hope we got everything in good shape in the last four years.”
LeCrone did not seek re-election earlier this year. He is to be replaced by former county board member Ken Johnson who ran unopposed.
LeCrone noted that one of the things he felt still need completed were improvements to the streets on the square; in particular, that they needed tilled up and redone at some point. This was a concern before the council in April of 2014, but a proposal by LeCrone for the project was ultimately postponed after concerns were raised about the bid specs. The project also saw frustrations and tempers flare in a special April meeting. Read More

Obituaries 5-6-2015: June Bennett

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DaisyJuneBennettobitJune Bennett

A funeral service honoring the life of Daisy “June” Bennett, 97, was held Sunday, May 3, at Joines Funeral Home in Newman with Pastor Ben Williamson officiating. Burial was in Fairfield Cemetery north of Newman. She passed away Thursday April 30, 2015 in Newman Rehabilitation and Health Care Center with family at her side.

June Bennett was born June 12, 1917 in Brocton, a daughter of Wilbur and Nellie Burrell Howe. She married Dale Bennett March 15, 1944, and he preceded her in death.

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Stewart Signs with Parkland Softball

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Photo by Keith Stewart Sullivan senior and softball player Elissa Stewart signed her letter of intent committing to play softball at Parkland in a ceremony held January 28. Pictured, front row, from left to right: brother Blake, mother Amy, Elissa, and father John. Back row: Sullivan head softball coach Ben Richter and Parkland head softball coach Chuck Clutts.

Photo by Keith Stewart
Sullivan senior and softball player Elissa Stewart signed her letter of intent committing to play softball at Parkland in a ceremony held January 28. Pictured, front row, from left to right: brother Blake, mother Amy, Elissa, and father John. Back row: Sullivan head softball coach Ben Richter and Parkland head softball coach Chuck Clutts.

Sullivan senior will play as Cobra beginning this fall

May 6, 2015

by Keith Stewart
keith@newsprogress.com

Amy Stewart still recalls one of her daughter’s earliest tests on the ball diamond.
Just five years old at the time, Elissa Stewart was participating in an instructional league in her hometown of Hoopeston when she was on the receiving end of the ball.
“She got hit, and you could tell she was hurt, but she picked up the ball and made the out,” recalled her mother Amy. “She didn’t cry. She made the play and went on.”
These days, the Sullivan shortstop is, if ever, not without a smile streaked across her face regardless of whether she is leaping high in the air with the audacity for the catch or off to the races after laying down a bunt. But this past January, that smile was perhaps a little wider as she signed her letter of intent, committing to play softball as a Cobra come next fall. Read More

Understanding Illinois: What’s Brewing Under the State Capitol Dome?

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NowlanMay 6, 2015

By Jim Nowlan
Outside Columnist

As the physical symbol of a state that contributed A. Lincoln, 285,000 soldiers (35,000 died) and immense provender for the triumphant Union cause, the Illinois Capitol was built to generate “shock and awe” among visitors, as state archivist David Joens puts it.
And it does to this day. Started in 1867 and completed two decades later, the capitol’s dome rises 361 feet, higher than the U.S. Capitol. The inner dome soars 233 feet above the first floor.
Visitors risk vertigo as they crane their necks upward toward the 9,000 pieces of stained glass that are embedded in the captivating, illuminated dome, which is capped by a five-foot rendition of the state seal.
But for those who are plying their trade of state politics and government during the present hectic legislative session, there is no time to admire the fancywork. Read More

Area Special Olympics Athletes to Compete in 2015 Spring Games

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May 6, 2015

Families, volunteers and spectators will be cheering on men and women, boys and girls – all Special Olympics athletes - as they compete in the largest area event of the year for Special Olympics Illinois Central/Area 10. The annual Spring Games take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 9 at Warrensburg-Latham High School in Warrensburg. The public is invited to watch the competition and experience the joy of achievement by Special Olympics athletes. Central/Area 10 is composed of Christian, Logan, Mason and Moultrie counties. Read More

Suspicious Fire Damages Abandoned House in Bethany

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Photo Submitted by Kade Grimm Flames are seen engulfing the exterior of an abandoned house located at 409 N. Washington Street in Bethany Friday.

Photo Submitted by Kade Grimm
Flames are seen engulfing the exterior of an abandoned house located at 409 N. Washington Street in Bethany Friday.

Ongoing investigation into cause

May 6, 2015

by Keith Stewart
keith@newsprogress.com

A fire that took place Friday evening caused extensive exterior and interior damage to an abandoned house in Bethany.
According to Bethany fire chief Jim McMahan, his department received a call at 9:08 p.m. Friday about a fire at 409 N. Washington. His department was on scene five minutes later. McMahan, who lives near the property, says he could see the fire from his house.
“Flames were shooting up about 30 feet above the house,” he said. Read More

Obituaries 5-6-2015: Vera Smith

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SMith, Vera 001Vera Smith

Mass of Christian burial for Vera Mae Smith, 99, of Lovington was celebrated at 11 a.m. Tuesday in St. Isidore Catholic Church in Bethany. Burial was in St. Isidore Cemetery in Bethany. McMullin-Young Funeral Home in Lovington assisted with arrangements.

She passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, at 6:15 p.m. Friday, May 1, 2015 in Tuscola Health Care Center.

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Neuhauser’s Next Net: Lake Land College

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Photo by Keith Stewart Sullivan senior and basketball player Emily Neuhauser signs her letter of intent committing to play basketball at Lake Land College in an April 8 ceremony. Pictured, front row, left to right: Father John Neuhauser, Emily, mother Barb, and sister Paige. Back row: Sullivan girls’ head coach Sheri McCain, assistant coach Tiffinie Tucker, and Lake Land College girls’ head coach Dave Johnson.

Photo by Keith Stewart
Sullivan senior and basketball player Emily Neuhauser signs her letter of intent committing to play basketball at Lake Land College in an April 8 ceremony. Pictured, front row, left to right: Father John Neuhauser, Emily, mother Barb, and sister Paige. Back row: Sullivan girls’ head coach Sheri McCain, assistant coach Tiffinie Tucker, and Lake Land College girls’ head coach Dave Johnson.

Sullivan senior to become Lady Laker this fall

May 6, 2015

by Keith Stewart
keith@newsprogress.com

There really is something to be said for love of the game. And gained.
Just ask Emily Neuhauser.
The Sullivan senior hoopster last month signed her letter of intent, committing to join Lake Land College’s women’s basketball team come this fall.
“It’s going to be a lot different because it’s the collegiate level,” acknowledged Neuhauser. “I’m excited to see where he (Dave Johnson) puts me on that court. I’ll do whatever he says. I’m ready to see what he has in store for me.”
Neuhauser’s journey actually began with SHS alum Asia Morrison three years ago. Morrison was scouted and ultimately recruited by Lake Land’s head coach Dave Johnson, who says even then, Neuhauser caught his eye. Read More

ALAH Wins Business, Computer Contest

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Submitted ALAH Earns First A group of Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond High School students placed first overall at the annual Business and Computer Contest at Lake Land College. Pictured, left to right: Coach Amanda Romine, Samantha Landers, Christy Allen, Jeremy Plank, Avery Schrock, Beth Lambdin, Elyse Harris, and Brooke Tabb.

Submitted
ALAH Earns First
A group of Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond High School students placed first overall at the annual Business and Computer Contest at Lake Land College. Pictured, left to right: Coach Amanda Romine, Samantha Landers, Christy Allen, Jeremy Plank, Avery Schrock, Beth Lambdin, Elyse Harris, and Brooke Tabb.

May 6, 2015

Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond High School placed first overall in the annual Business and Computer Contest sponsored by the Lake Land College Business Division and Club IT.
Students from area high schools competed in the following categories: accounting, desktop publishing, general business and current events, Internet treasure hunt, keyboard timings, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, proofreading, and web page design. Depending on the category, students either completed a written test or a hands-on test on the computer. First place winners of each contest received a 3-credit-hour tuition waiver from Lake Land College. Read More

Sullivan Softball Edges OV 5-4 in Battle of Aces

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Photo by Keith Stewart Okaw Valley pitcher Amanda McClain chases down a bunt laid down by Sullivan’s Elissa Stewart Saturday.

Photo by Keith Stewart
Okaw Valley pitcher Amanda McClain chases down a bunt laid down by Sullivan’s Elissa Stewart Saturday.

Clements ends game with walk-off

May 6, 2015

By Matt Kracht
NP Sports Reporter

Two of the area’s top prep softball teams went to battle on Saturday for bragging rights on Sullivan’s north diamond. Amanda McClain and Heidi Clements, both all-conference pitchers, dueled it out for seven innings before Clements took matters into her own hands with a walk off game winner.
Sullivan head coach Ben Richter said he was pleasantly surprised by the outcome.
“I am just still trying to figure out how we pulled this one out,” he admitted. “That was a great team that hits the ball well. Amanda McClain is a talented pitcher, but we put the ball in play, putting the pressure on them.”
Asked whether he could put his finger on a play that changed the game, Richter pointed to Brittin Boyer’s two-run triple in the bottom of the fifth. Read More