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Mattoon Woman Has Signed Speech From When Nixon Appeared in Sullivan

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Photo by Crystal Reed.
Shirley Watkins of Mattoon with a six page speech of Vice President Nixon’s that she has saved from the day he came to Sullivan for the buffalo barbecue 60 years ago.

•October 7, 2020•
By Crystal Reed
NP Writer

On September 22, 1960, a buffalo barbecue was held in Wyman Park where the Vice President Richard Nixon spoke. A few weeks ago marked the 60th anniversary of that event.
We wrote a story about Steve Jenne’s buffalo barbecue sandwich that he managed to save that day but he isn’t the only one who has a souvenir from that day. Shirley Watkins of Mattoon, who grew up in Sullivan ended up having a souvenir fly out the car window of Nixon’s motorcade that day. Read More

IAHCE Week

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•October 7, 2020•
IAHCE (Illinois Association Home, Community and Education) or a few years ago known as Home Extension is celebrating their week October 11-17. IAHCE is a volunteer organization group working to improve the quality of life for families and communities through leadership development, volunteer service and education.
The office for Moultrie-Douglas counties is in Arthur at 304 E. Progress, east of the Community Center. Cheri Burcham is our education leader in charge of the program. Read More

Sullivan Boys Golf Wins Central Illinois Conference Meet

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•October 7, 2020•

Photo submitted
Brett Bushue, Leyton Ellis, Drew Rogers, Logan Westjohn, Camden Dwyer, and Will Haegen pose after winning the Central Illinois Conference Golf Tournament with a team score of 317.


By Jason Brown
NP Sports

The Sullivan boys’ golf checked off one of the team’s goals for this season by winning the Central Illinois Conference meet for the fourth year in a row.
“We went into the tournament knowing we could score really well there,” said Sullivan coach Ben Richter. “We shot a 145 earlier this year and that really boosted our confidence in playing at Mowequa. For the most part we had a solid front nine but fell off a bit on the back with a few scores in the mid 40s.”
The Redskins swept the first five spots to earn CIC all-conference honors and combine for a team score of 317.
Drew Rogers was medalist with the low score of 76.
Logan Westjohn shot a 78 for second place, and Camden Dwyer carded an 80 for third.
Leyton Ellis and Will Haegen each shot a 83 for fourth and fifth place, respectively. Read More

SBL Healthy Kids Program Provides Cyber Safety Videos

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•October 7, 2020•
Sarah Bush Lincoln’s Healthy Kids Program is excited to provide eight area schools with a series of videos that are designed to help keep students safe online.
The Cyber Safe Schools Video Series, which includes videos that are specially tailored for faculty, parents and students and a student worksheet with an answer key for teachers, were recently sent to Charleston High School and Middle School; Mattoon High School and Middle School; Shelbyville High School and Moulton Middle School; and Sullivan High School and Middle School. The video series is funded by a $4,000 grant from WomenConnected, a philanthropic giving circle within the Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Foundation. Read More

Students Achieve Milestone

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•October 7, 2020•

Lakeview College of Nursing recently held three ceremonies to recognize students who achieved the transition into clinical practice within their bachelor’s degree nursing program.
Students from the local area who participated in a ceremony held on the College’s Charleston campus are Marcia Wagoner of Arthur,Hannah Nowlin of Atwood and Deanna Braden and Whitney Miller both of Sullivan.

IDPH Issues COVID-19 Halloween Festivities Guidance

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•October 7, 2020•
The 3 W’s still apply – Wash your hands. Watch your distance. Wear your mask.
As we head into the holiday season, starting with Halloween, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is issuing guidance to help people celebrate safely as we continue to battle the COVID-19 pandemic. Guidelines include following the 3 W’s – Wash your hands. Watch your distance. Wear your mask.
“One of the hallmarks of holidays and celebrations is gathering with friends, family and loved ones,” said IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike. “We are still in a pandemic, and unfortunately, this year, that means the safest way to celebrate is to stay home and plan virtual gatherings. That said, IDPH recognizes that some who will choose to gather together anyway, and instead of denying that reality, we are issuing guidance and recommendations for safer ways to celebrate together in person. Remember, we know what our best tools are: wearing our masks, keeping our distance, limiting event sizes, washing your hands, and looking out for public health and each other.”
If you think you could have COVID-19 or have been exposed to someone who has COVID-19, do not participate in any in-person Halloween activities. Read More

Remember When? 10-7-2020

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25 Years Ago This Week

Volunteer civic activist Mary Lou Kidwell was named as the recipient of the Who’s Who Award during the Sullivan High School Homecoming banquet. Attending Sullivan schools from kindergarten through high school, Kidwell graduated with the class of 1949. She began her public aid career as a financial clerk and went on to become a caseworker retiring in 1989.
Prominent Chicago attorney Robert Eden Martin was presented with the Sullivan High School Homecoming Hall of Fame award. Martin, a 1958 SHS graduate, is a partner and chairman of the management committee of Sidley and Austin, an international law firm based in Chicago. Read More

Okaw Valley Boys Cross Country Places Second

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•October 7, 2020•
By Jason Brown
NP Sports

Several local area teams competed in the Lincoln Prairie Conference cross country meet at Crowder Park Saturday.
For the boys’ teams, Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond swept the first three spots to help win the meet with 19 points.
Okaw Valley placed second (73), and Cumberland County followed in third (113).
Cerro Gordo scored 113 points for third, Villa Grove-Heritage 131 for fifth, Argenta-Oreana 140 for sixth, Bement 161 for seventh and Tri-County 163 for seventh.
For the ALAH Knights, senior Layton Hall won the meet with a time of 15:39.1, and juniors Logan Beckmier and Lyle Adcock placed second and third, respectively, with times of 16:32.0 and 17:15.4.
Junior Jace Green ran a 17:24.5 for fifth place, while sophomore Jacob Adcock crossed the line at 17:39.2 for eighth place. Read More

Moultrie Co. Ag In The Classroom Continues Despite COVID Pandemic

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Submitted photo
Avery and Oliver Florey leave the Okaw Valley Orchard with their Slushie and apple courtesy of the Orchard and Moultrie County Ag in the Classroom.

•October 7, 2020•
Submitted by Stephanie Naylor

Despite the many changes this year due to the Covid pandemic, Moultrie County Ag in the Classroom continues lessons for area elementary students. Coordinator Stephanie Naylor decided to think outside the box and provide a lesson to the students in September as well as partner with some area businesses this fall to promote education as well as business opportunities. Read More