Author Archives:

Facts for Families: I want it my way: Appoint a Power of Attorney to help

News Progress Posted on by

•October 18, 2023•

By Cheri Burcham

Family Life Educator

A very important topic but one that no one really likes to talk about is assigning a power of attorney. I would like to share this great article by Kathy Sweedler that addresses why this topic is so important and how to proceed with it. Kathy says: On a good day, I wonder if my family hears what I say or if all they hear is “blah, blah, blah!” However, when I talk about what I want to happen if I’m in an accident, hospitalized, or die, I’m SURE some of my family completely block my words. That’s why I think it’s so important that I write down how I want my health and my property handled if I can’t talk for myself.

Luckily, we have legal documents that we can use to communicate our wishes. Writing down what’s important to us helps:

· communicate exactly what we want, and

· reminds people of our wishes in stressful times. Read More

Courtyard Estates 15th Anniversary

News Progress Posted on by

photo by Crystal Reed
Courtyard Estates Celebrates 15th Anniversary
Courtyard Estates celebrated their 15th Anniversary with inflatables for children, refreshments, Bessie Bingo, a 50/50 drawing on Saturday, October 14.

photo by Crystal Reed
Playing on the Inflatables
Presley Van Loon enjoys the slide on one of the inflatables at Courtyard Estates on Saturday, October 14 during their 15th Anniversary Celebration.

Decorate a Festive Pie for Halloween Party Fun

News Progress Posted on by

•October 18, 2023•

Candy may be a mainstay of Halloween celebrations, but other desserts also can make festivities even more enjoyable — especially when those desserts coordinate with the Halloween theme. 

The word “chibi” means “short and chubby” in Japanese, but it also has expanded to refer to characters with especially cute, babylike features. The chibi style lends itself well to jack-o’-lantern designs, which many people find cute, short and chubby. Making a jack-o’-lantern themed pie is even easier when pumpkin — which is an especially popular flavor this time of year — is the pie of choice.  Read More

Redskins Volleyball Go 2-1 on the Week; Face Evenly Matched Opponent

News Progress Posted on by

•October 18, 2023•

by E. Scott England

After taking a few days off, the Sullivan Redskins looked to continue their momentum from the conclusion of the previous week’s conference tournament.

They got to work first against the Clinton Maroons, a non-conference opponent. Clinton is one of Sullivan’s most equal adversaries of the season, boasting similar records and team makeup. This clearly showed as Sullivan had to battle to win the match in two sets; 26-24, 25-21. The Redskins out attacked with 25 kills compared to the Maroons 19. Tessa Seeley led the team with seven. Aeralyn Thrasher contributed with six while Mayci Strauf had five. Emily Miller stayed sharp behind the serving line leading the team with four aces. Kendall Penberthy had the other ace. Read More

SMS XC Teams Compete at IESA State Meet

News Progress Posted on by

•October 18, 2023•

by E. Scott England

The Sullivan Middle School Cross Country team capped off their season with both teams earning a spot in the state meet. The culminating meet featuring some of the best middle school runners in the state was held last Saturday at Maxwell Park in Normal, Illinois. Brimfield took home first in state for girls while El Paso-Gridley was the top team for the boys. Read More

Avoid the Urge to Swerve During Deer Mating Season

News Progress Posted on by

•October 18, 2023•

Fall in Illinois includes high school football, spectacular scenery as the leaves change colors and... the arrival of deer mating season. The Illinois Department of Transportation and Illinois Department of Natural Resources are reminding motorists to be alert for deer, which are entering their peak active season, especially at dawn and dusk now through December.

“While your natural instinct is to steer quickly out of the way when you see a deer, remember to not veer suddenly because you could lose control of your vehicle and swerve into another lane or off the road,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. “Always prepare for the unexpected. A deer might stop in the middle of the road or double back. They also frequently travel in groups so when you see one there likely are others nearby.” Read More

Schmohe Named to Men’s Swimming and Diving Team 

News Progress Posted on by

•October 18, 2023•

Ethan Schmohe from Bethany, who is studying Biology at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, has earned a roster spot on the Warhawk men’s swimming and diving team for the 2023-24 season. The Warhawks finished fourth at last year’s Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Championships. UW-Whitewater is coached by Elise Knoche, who enters her sixth season at the helm of the program. The team garnered the College Swimming Coaches Association of America Scholar All-America Award for the third straight season in 2022-23.

Sullivan XC Closes Out Regular Season; Will Host Regional Meet

News Progress Posted on by

photo submitted
Davis Diepholz rounds a corner chasing down the runner ahead of him while trying to stay warm at Saturday’s frigid and wet invitational.

•October 18, 2023•

by E. Scott England

The Sullivan Redskins Cross Country team traveled to Effingham last Saturday for their last meet of the regular season. St. Anthony hosted their annual Bulldog Classic XC Invitational which featured 17 teams. Effingham captured first place for the girls while St. Teresa was the top team for the boys. Read More

SOV Gets Running Clock at Half; Trounces Titans to Improve to 8-0

News Progress Posted on by

photo by Greg Floyd
Kyle Corkill (2) looks downfield as he completes his 67 yard touchdown reception during the Friday, October 13 game against Tri-County.

•October 18, 2023•

by E. Scott England

Though the temperatures were warmer, the field conditions were wet and muddy as the Tri-County Titans came to Sullivan in search of their first win of the season. That elusive win wouldn’t be found at Victory Field for the Titans as the Redskins cruised to an easy victory playing without several key players.

Sullivan/Okaw Valley wasted no time getting to work in the first quarter. After receiving the opening kickoff, the Redskins only needed two plays for Cooper Christensen to go deep to senior Aiden Ballinger for a 60 yard touchdown pass with just a minute off the clock. On SOV’s next possession, Christensen connected with junior Seth Forlines for a 36 yard reception. Christensen connected with Ballinger on the next play for a 17 yard touchdown pass. Ballinger finished the game with 96 yards receiving. Christensen capped off the first quarter scoring frenzy with a 38 yard rushing touchdown. The junior quarterback had 55 yards rushing in the first half. Read More

Preview: ALAH Knights vs. SOV Redskins; Gridiron Battle for Conference Title

News Progress Posted on by

•October 18, 2023•

by E. Scott England

It would be hard to script a regular season finale as perfect as this one. Heading into week nine of the football season, two undefeated powerhouses, separated by only 11 miles, will clash for four quarters and 48 minutes to determine who the conference champion will be.

Undefeated and Playoff Experience

Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond officially became ALAH for the 2014-2015 season. While they haven’t had an undefeated regular season in that time, they have made the playoffs four times, including the last two years. Knights head coach Ryan Jefferson says he “believes that [playoff] experience, for a lot of our kids who will be playing, will be helpful” when it comes to facing off against the Redskins. The last time an undefeated season was recorded for the Knights, it was when it was just Arthur-Lovington, guided by head coach Dale Schuering who led the team to back-to-back undefeated regular seasons in 2003-2004 and 2004-2005. Read More