Photo by Crystal Reed
Christmas Wishes
Santa talks to Kamryn Gill of Bethany about what she would like for Christmas.
Christmas Wishes
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Recent Obituaries: Ivan LaMarre Moon
Ivan LaMarre Moon
Ivan LaMarre Moon, 83, of Bethany, passed away, Wednesday, December 2, 2020 at St. Mary’s Hospital, Decatur, with his wife by his side.
Ivan was born April 10, 1937, in Dora Township, Moultrie County, IL, the son of Carl R. and Bertha Viola Moon. He married Carolyn Sue Poole on June 5, 1960, in Bethany, IL. Ivan worked 55 years for area John Deere stores including F.H. Bland and Sons, Bethany, Patterson-Tice and Sloan Implement, Shelbyville. He was well-known in the farming community as a skilled, dependable mechanic who kept John Deere equipment running efficiently. He loved working outdoors mowing several yards in the community for many years.
Ivan leaves behind his wife of 60 years, Sue at home; children, Timothy (Karen) Moon of Bethany, Kelly (Dan) Robinson and Kathy (Gary) Crowe of Sullivan and Tony (Lisa) Moon of Trenton, IL. He is also survived by 8 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
Ivan was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, three sisters and a daughter-in-law, Allison Moon.
Ivan was a hard-working, quiet man of few words who will be missed by his family and friends.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 5, 2020 at McMullin-Young Funeral Home, Bethany. Visitation will be held one hour before the services. Face masks are suggested and please practice social distancing for the services. Burial will be in Marrowbone Township Cemetery, Bethany. Memorials may be made to the Dalton City Christian Church, Marrowbone Public Library or donor’s choice.
Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mcmullinyoung.com
Reverse Parade
•December 2, 2020•
The Sullivan Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development has been working with Petersen Healthcare to come up with a safe way to celebrate the holiday. They came up with a reverse parade. The reverse parade will be Dec. 11 from 6 pm to 7:30 pm. Lighted floats will line up around the square inside and out, and down Jefferson and Harrison as needed. Those who want to view the floats will drive the route and see the parade. Santa will be at the end of the route to take your Letters to Santa, leave your address and he will write back. You can sign up to be in the parade by visiting www.sullivan-chamber.com.
Remember When? 12-2-2020
25 Years Ago This Week
Santa Claus and his assistant Miss Merry Christmas (Michaela Carroll) stop to light the holiday decorations on the Sullivan square after arriving by horse and wagon. Then it was on to the American Legion Hall to listen to Christmas wish lists.
Congressman Glenn Poshard was in Bosnia with a congressional delegation studying the proposed American role in bringing peace to the former Yugoslavia. The 19th Congressional District Democrat left for Europe at the invitation of House Speaker Newt Gingrich and Minority Leader Richard Gephardt.
The Sullivan City Council okayed the purchase of a new street sweeper. The council was also informed that Triax Cable rates will increase to $1.35 per month effective Jan 1. Read More
Moultrie Moment of the Week
Pictured above is Mrs. Cora Hawbaker and Mrs. Marie Crowder looking over the toys that were recently added to the Christmas items on sale at the Thrift Shop in Sullivan. This photo is from the 1970’s. Please submit photos to the News Progress for future consideration. Originals will be saved for return or forwarded to Moultrie County Historical Society. If you have any other information, please contact the Moultrie County Historical Society at 217-728- 4085.
Obituaries 12-2-2020: David Wells
David Wells
David R. Wells 65, of Decatur passed away peacefully in his residence at 8:30 p.m., Wednesday, November 25, 2020. Read More
Petitions Available
•December 2, 2020•
Notice is hereby given that the office of Marrowbone Township Clerk will be open from 5:00pm to 6:00pm beginning December 14 through December 18 (at 508 S. St. John St., Bethany) and 8:00am through 5:00 pm on December 21 (at the Marrowbone Township shed) for the purpose of accepting candidate petitions or certificates for the consolidated election to be held on APRIL 6, 2021 for the following offices:
Township Supervisor
Township Clerk
Road Commissioner
Township Trustees
Millikin University to Present Virtual Vespers Performances
•December 2, 2020•
For more than 60 years, Millikin University’s Vespers has signaled the start of the holiday season in central Illinois. With nearly 8,000 attendees each year, Vespers is one of Millikin’s most popular events, and the heartfelt mix of carols, choirs and candlelight has become a much-beloved tradition celebrating the community’s creativity and good cheer.
This year, Millikin University is inviting the community to join the holiday tradition, albeit in a slightly different form. On Saturday, Dec. 5, and Sunday, Dec. 6, the supremely talented Millikin students and faculty, who put so much into making Vespers soar, will do so again — virtually.
Vespers performances will be available for livestream viewing on Dec. 5 at 7 p.m., and Dec. 6 at 2 p.m. on Millikin University’s Facebook page (facebook.com/millikinuniversity), homepage (millikin.edu) and YouTube channel (youtube.com/millikinuniversity). Because of this year’s virtual format, no ticket purchase is required to attend. Read More
Rotary District 6490 Sponsoring Essay Contest
•December 2, 2020•
Every year, Rotary District 6490 sponsors an essay contest. The first prize is $500, and the second prize is $250. Literacy and Education are core values of Rotary and central to our global mission.
High School Students are invited to participate. The contest is now open. The deadline date for submissions is January 31, 2021. This will allow students ample time to prepare their essays, under the challenging conditions of the pandemic. Read More
Lovington Grade School Students Receive Free Shoes
Photo by R.R. Best
Lovington Grade School fifth grade teacher Mrs. Seal gives a new pair of shoes to student Gabriel Devenbaugh last week. All 160 students at the school received a brand new pair of shoes through the efforts of several faith based organizations and the Sons of the American Legion Squadron 68 in Sullivan.
•December 2, 2020•
By Crystal Reed
NP Writer
Last Tuesday, students at Lovington Grade School received an early Thanksgiving surprise, a brand new pair of shoes. All 160 students at the school received a new pair of shoes.
The Sons of the American Legion Squadron 68 of Sullivan purchased shoes for preschool students and several faith based charitable organization purchased the rest of the shoes for the students. According to Lovington Grade School secretary Jennifer Voegel, this is not the first time students have been gifted. She said that last year a major corporation donated socks and school supplies to every student at the school.
“This is a blessing that I’ve been asking for a long time,” Voegel said. Read More