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Sullivan Schools Propose Facility Improvements

News Progress Posted on by

•April 13, 2022•
Submitted by Ted Walk
Superintendent of Sullivan CUSD #300

Sullivan Schools recently hosted three facility forums that culminated in Board action on Monday, April 11, to place a referendum on the ballot at the upcoming June 28th election for the replacement of the aging Sullivan Middle School. Formal discussions regarding possible facility improvements have occurred over the past few years. The discussion moved forward with rapidity after recommended architect estimates for repairs to Sullivan Middle School totaled just over $10 million. The Board engaged in a Facility Planning Session in November, and Facility Forums open to the community occurred throughout February and March. These three community meetings allowed for 188 people to give feedback on needs and wants of the future of Sullivan Schools. Read More

Sullivan Community Education Foundation Holds Staff Appreciation Banquet

News Progress Posted on by

•April 13, 2022•
by Crystal Reed
NP Writer

The Sullivan Community Education Foundation held a Staff Appreciation Banquet Thursday, April 7, at Building 1225. During that event, mini and major grants were presented, and staff and retirees were recognized for years of service. Grant Wade, chair of SCEF, presented the grants as well as announced donations that were integral to funding those grants this year.
Wade said last year the foundation received one of its largest donations in the amount of $86,000 from Lloyd and Helen Maurer. A memorial in honor of Gary Emel given by the Emel family made an extra $10,000 in grants possible. This year there were seven mini and eight major grants awarded.
Mini grants this year totaled approximately $4,764.00 while major grants totaled $25,504.45. Mini grants in the amount of $450.00 were awarded to Erin Van Deursen and Nichole Watkins for hands-on learning activities for kindergarten students; Courtney Leach/ Leslie Guyot for a portable public address system for SES staff and students in the amount of $499.00; John Bertetto for 10 licenses for cadaver dissection program for SHS students in Anatomy/Physiology courses in the amount of $510.00; Valerie Kalagian/Lauren Fultz/Rikki Ray for 13 document cameras/microphones for elementary school students in the amount of $742.50; Sarah Camp for a sensory table and materials for early childhood students in the amount of $755.00; Kelsey Elliott for flexible seating for fifth grade students in the amount of $839.00 and Sheri McCain for 21 keyboards for third grade students in the amount of $965.79. Read More

Rotary Club of Sullivan Golf Outing

News Progress Posted on by

•April 13, 2022•

The Rotary Club of Sullivan has announced their annual fundraiser to support two youth programs: One Book One Sullivan and summer trip for Sullivan Middle School. A golf outing is scheduled for Friday, May 13th, at the Sullivan Country Club with a 1130 a.m. shotgun start. A box lunch will be included. Sponsorship levels: Single Golfer $65, Hole Sponsor $150, 4-some with hole Sponsor $300, and Friend of Rotary $75. Signup via email to joe@marvinkeller.com or srauch@mcbeacon.org. Checks may be made out to Rotary Club of Sullivan, P.O. Box 587, Sullivan, IL 61951. Rotary members include Ryan Barrick of Stifel, Garrett Brachbill of Scott State Bank, David Cole of Moultrie County Counseling Center, Bill Highland of Highland Real Estate, Linda & Rudy Huber of Lowman Ray Insurance, Joe Keller of Marvin Keller Trucking Inc, George Levi & Troy Rogers of Edward Jones, Reid Molzen of MOCO Bank, Stan Parks and Susan Rauch of the Moultrie County Beacon, Brad Pullen of First Mid, Lori Shasteen of American Family Insurance, Kurt VanDeursen of ACE Hardware, Ted Walk of Sullivan Schools, Mike Walters of Metro Communications, and Gerry Wood of Wood Insurance.

2022 Kayak Trail Run

News Progress Posted on by

•April 13, 2022•

On Sunday, May 1, Noon, at Sullivan Marina’s upper parking lot, a kayak fundraising event is being held to celebrate the opening of the Kaskaskia Water Trail and to raise new funds to install new signage for another kayak trail down the Okaw River ending at Wilborn Creek. Entry fee is $35 per person and tickets can be purchased at lakeshelbyvillekayakrun.eventbrite.com. Entry fee includes transportation for person and kayak to starting point, welcome gift, water and snacks along route and two optional take-out points along route with transportation back to Sullivan Marina. For more information contact the Sullivan Chamber and Economic Development at 217-728-4223 with any questions.

What is Early Head Start?

News Progress Posted on by

•April 13, 2022•

The C.E.F.S. Head Start 0-5 Program offers an Early Head Start (EHS) program, which serves pregnant women and infants and toddlers under the age of 3. EHS programs enhance children’s physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development, help pregnant women access comprehensive prenatal and postpartum care, support parents’ efforts to fulfill their parental roles, and help parents move toward self-sufficiency. This is accomplished through a weekly 90-minute visit for children 0-3 and a monthly visit for pregnant women. Also, twice per month, the program offers opportunities for parents and children to come together as a group for learning, discussion, and social activity. C.E.F.S. Head Start 0-5 Program enrolls year-round and there is no cost to families to participate in the program. If interested, call/text 217-663-7822.

Easter Egg Hunt

News Progress Posted on by

•April 13, 2022•

A free Community Easter Egg Hunt will be held April 16 at Wyman Park, Sullivan, for ages 2 - 12. There will be scavenger hunt games, prizes, egg dyeing station and the Easter Bunny will be in attendance for pictures.
Activities start at 2 p.m. and the egg hunt starts at 3 p.m. For more info please contact Amanda 217-460-0284 or Lacie 812-698-9948.

Photo ID Correction

News Progress Posted on by

•April 13, 2022•

It has come to our attention that some of the names of those included in the picture of Joann Grove in the March 30 issue were not correct. We regret the error.

Correction

News Progress Posted on by

•April 13, 2022•

In the April 6 issue of the News Progress there was a story about the recent school forum that took place. In the headline it was incorrectly stated that the district would be replacing the high school. What is actually being considered is the replacement of the middle school building which is 107 years old. Also the $10 million mentioned in the article is total project costs not the cost to maintain the building.

Fourth Annual Putting Around the Country

News Progress Posted on by

Photo furnished
Fourth Annual Putting Around the
Country
The fourth annual Putting around the Country was held on Saturday, March 26. Money raised was donated to The Moultrie County Beacon. Pictured is Phil Ozier encouraging support for a fellow putter at the East End in Lovington.

Flying flags for heroes

News Progress Posted on by

Photo furnished
Flying flags for heroes
On Sunday, February 27, a ceremony was held at the monument at the Sullivan American Legion Post 68. It was the laying of a wreath to honor our fallen heroes. Participating were the American Legion Honor Guard, the Sons of the American Legion and the Ladies Auxiliary. The name of the program is Flying Flags for Heroes. The purpose of the program is to lay a million flags at veteran’s graves this year. Please keep a veteran family member or friend in your thoughts and prayers.