•October 16, 2019•
Sullivan Art Club’s final art workshop for it’s 2019 season will be held on Saturday, October 19 at the St. Columcille Church hall located on the east end of the church at the corner of West Jackson and McClellan Streets.
There is a dedicated entrance to the hall adjacent to the parking lot. The workshop will run from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm with an hour break for lunch. Participants may bring a sack lunch or dine at one of the area restaurants. Read More
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Bulldogs Take Home Win Over Redskins
•October 16, 2019•
By Jason Brown
NP Sports Editor
The Sullivan-Okaw Valley football team missed its first win of the season in a 56-6 lost to St. Teresa in Decatur Friday night.
The Bulldogs scored early and often in the blowout.
St. Teresa totaled 35 first quarter points and took a 49-0 lead into the half. Read More
Sullivan Cross Country Teams Run at Invitational
Photo furnished
Katherine Kite runs her last regular season home cross country meet for Sullivan on senior day at Tabor Park last Tuesday.
•October 16, 2019•
By Jason Brown
NP Sports Editor
The Sullivan cross country teams competed in its last home meet of the year at Tabor Park last Tuesday and then entered the Cumberland Invitational Saturday.
The boys team took third, and though the girls did not field a full team, two runners placed in the top three.
For the girls, Katherine Kite was honored on senior night and placed third with a time of 20:57, and Tori Turnbaugh won the meet with a time of 20:48.
For the boys’ team, two runners finished in the top ten. Read More
V-Harmony Matches Returning Veterans with Future Hope
File photo
Major Lynn Lowder was awarded Silver Star for Valor in Vietnam. He knows a little about what it is like to return home after serving in a foreign conflict, now he is committed to helping others.
•October 16, 2019•
By Barry Sadler
For the News Progress
If you have never heard of V-Harmony, you should.
According to founder, Sullivan High School 1964 graduate and retired Marine Corp Maj. Lynn Lowder, V-Harmony matches veterans with business opportunities.
“When WWII veterans returned, 49 percent helped rebuild America by owning or operating a business,” Lowder, a special operations US Marine veteran, said.
“Less than seven percent of all returning Iraq and Afghanistan War veterans are in business for themselves; although 25 percent would like to be.”
Lowder explained that the provisions of the GI bill that helped create the great American middle class are no longer available to returning veterans.
Credit scores and collateral drive business loans which are a detriment to today’s veterans who return to civilian life with no FICO and little collateral.
That’s where V-Harmony comes in. Lowder and partner Dale Eisenburg have established a 501c3 which entitles the Veterans Business Project to help bridge the ownership gap.
Special operations and National Guard have had to return repeatedly since 9/11, stretching the few to their physical and mental limits. Lowder explained the suicide rate among returning veterans continues to escalate.
“Our country trains us to be warriors,” Lowder said, explaining that when a warrior returns from the battlefield, the transition is not easy, and for some, almost impossible due to post traumatic stress from repeated exposure to conflicts overseas. Read More
Dangerous Intersection Discussion set by IDOT
•October 16, 2019•
The intersection of Rte. 32 and CR800 (Findlay Blacktop) was the scene of a recent fatal traffic accident and a meeting involving the Illinois Dept. of Transportation, state lawmakers and local leaders is set.
Moultrie County Sheriff Chris Sims told the county board solutions for the intersection will be discussed by Dept. of Transportation, along with state and local lawmakers along with law enforcement officials during Oct. 28 and 29th sessions at the MCSO. Read More
Boo Bash at Sullivan Dance
•October 16, 2019•
Sullivan Dance Studio’s Competition Dance Team is hosting a “Kid’s BOO BASH” on Friday, October 25 from 6-8 p.m.
Students only in grades Kindergarten through 4th Grade from area schools are invited to attend. A “Mini BOO BASH” will take place on Saturday October 26 from 9-11 a.m. This event is for children ages 2.5 – 5.
Parents or adult helpers are allowed to stay for the “Mini BOO BASH.” Both events will take place at the Sullivan Dance Studio located on the square in Sullivan.
Our “Not-So-Scary-Halloween Parties” will help raise funds for our dancers’ competition and costume fees. Activities at the events include: dance party, themed crafts, games, photo booth, and Halloween snacks. There is a cost and spots are limited.
Register online at www.sullivan5678.com/boobash. Contact the dance studio for more information and questions—217-728-9111.
Mo. Co. Retired Teacher’s Association Meets at Allerton Park
Photo furnished
Members enjoyed a tour of Allerton Mansion with the tour guide, Steve Burgeer: Marge Overlot, Sue Yarnell, Suzanne Cummins.
•October 16, 2019•
The Moultrie County Retired Teachers Association met on October 2, at the Allerton Park Mansion outside of Monticello, IL. Highlights of the meeting included eight committee reports and an informative update from Ben Guyot, our Region 13 director.
Guyot, Sue Darnell, and Jane McKown will be attending the IRTA Bi-annual State Convention in Springfield on October 14 and 15. President Sue advised everyone to contact Linda Bullock if there is interest in a trip to Europe in 2020.
After the meeting was adjourned and a prayer said, a delicious lunch was enjoyed, prepared by the staff at the mansion.
In lieu of a speaker, tours of the mansion were conducted and information gathered concerning its history. Many thanks were extended to the Lovington committee members for putting the Allerton event together.
Amtrykes Bring Smiles to Children with Special Needs
Photo by Ellen Ferrera
Sophie enjoys a ride on her new Amtryke.
Heartfelt Gifts from Sullivan area AMBUCS
•October 16, 2019•
By Ellen Ferrera
For the News Progress
AMBUCS (American Business Club) is probably best known for the over 200 ramps they have built in Sullivan in the past four years to make homes wheelchair accessible.
The members will tell you, however, that their 42- year-old Amtrykes program is one that steals their hearts and one of which they are especially proud. This year they will purchase and assemble eight adaptive trykes for children with special needs.
Any adult or child with special needs may request a tryke from AMBUCS. A physical therapist is then always involved to measure the child/adult for perfect fit, to help decide how the bike will be best propelled ( hand, foot or hand and foot). There are all kinds of further adaptations that can be made including seating options and accessories.
Formerly made in China the custom built bikes are now made in the U.S. and shipped to the local chapters where members assemble the bikes.
Trykes cost from $800-$1200 each, depending on adaptations, and are fully funded by AMBUCS through golf outings, donations, raffles and other fundraising activities. This year the Sullivan chapter raised enough to provide eight such bikes. Read More
ALAH Volleyball Splits at Lincoln Prairie
•October 16, 2019•
By Jason Brown
NP Sports Editor
The Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond volleyball team spilt a pair of Lincoln Prairie Conference Tournament games this past week.
The Knights lost to Blue Ridge in three sets (23-25, 25-21, 25-16) but defeated Tri-County in two sets.
Against Tri-County, ALAH won both sets 25-19.
Mackenzi Bowles led the team with five kills to go with two digs, and Addi Tinkle added four kills and five digs. Read More
Hard Work is Paying Off for ALAH Knights Football Team
Photo by Jason Brown
Jack Martin lead blocks for Billy Fifer (#32) before breaking free for a 40-yard touchdown run.
Playoff Eligble
•October 16, 2019•
By Jason Brown
NP Sports Editor
The Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond football became playoff eligible with its fifth win of the season by blowing out Sangamon Valley 44-13 in Arthur Friday night.
“The fact that we are playoff eligible means a lot to the school in that it brings some external excitement to the beginning of the school year,” said coach Ryan Jefferson. “To the team and myself, it feels amazing. From November of last year, these guys bought in and they are now seeing their hard work pay off. For me, that is what is important, seeing them be rewarded.”
After a defensive stop, Knight Brady Borntreger handed the ball to Billy Fifer for a 40-yard touchdown with 8:48 left in the first quarter.
ALAH’s defense held again, and after a strong punt return by Ben Carroll, Borntreger again handed off to Fifer for a 36-yard touchdown run.
Aaron Likens was good on both kick attempts to stretch the lead to 14-0 with 4:41 left in the first. Read More