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Illinois Bowlers File Lawsuit Challenging Gov. Pritzker Orders; Say They Are ‘Unconstitutional’

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•August 5, 2020•
By William Duff Jr.

The Illinois State Bowling Proprietors Association (ISBPA) today said that it has filed a lawsuit asking a Lee County state court to invalidate Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s “unconstitutional and improper” exercise of authority to issue consecutive emergency declarations that improperly restrict the number of people allowed in a bowling center.
ISBPA officials said that successive orders issued by the governor related to COVID-19 have caused “tremendous emotional and economic hardship” during the past several months.
“Frankly, Gov. Pritzker has thrown a gutter ball on this one. Even medical experts agree that bowling is not a highly dangerous activity with regard to COVID-19 spread,” said R. William Duff, Jr., executive director of the ISBPA.
“As the businesses of our members buckle under the governor’s orders, it’s hard to explain to employees, the bowling public and family members why other activities rated by experts as more dangerous than bowling enjoy the governor’s favor,” said Duff. “That’s why we want the court to intervene and put a stop to this before more harm is caused.” Read More

Menu 8-5-2020

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Senior Peace Meal

For additional information or for reservations, please call 1-800-543-1770

Aug. 10 - Pulled Chicken Sandwich, Macaroni and Cheese w/Peas, Broccoli, Bun, Tropical Fruit
Aug. 11 - Breakfast Casserole, Baby Baker Potatoes, Fruit Juice, Cinnamon Roll, Fresh Fruit
Aug. 12 - Chili Mac w/Beans, Spinach Romaine Salad w/Dressing Pkt., Dinner Roll, Chunky Applesauce
Aug. 13 - Roast Beef in Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, Pea/Cauliflower Salad, Dinner Roll, Warm Fruit Crisp
Aug. 14 - Sub Sandwich w/Tomato Slice, Lettuce, and Mayo Pkt., Summer Salad, Bun , Pears, Graham Crackers

IHSA Announces Scheduling Changes For 2020-2021 School Year

News Progress Posted on by

•August 5, 2020•
by Jason Brown
for the News Progress

Since the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Board of Directors announced on July 29 its intended plans for the 2020-21 school year, athletic directors and coaches from all over Illinois have been scrambling to implement unprecedented scheduling changes.
The scheduling changes include playing all sports over the course of truncated fall, winter, spring, and summer seasons. The plan has been sent to the Illinois Department of Health (IDPH) for final approval.
Football, boys soccer, and girls volleyball are scheduled to shift from a fall to a spring schedules.
“This plan, like nearly every aspect of our current lives, remains fluid,” said IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson. “Changes may come, and if they do, we will be agile while putting safety and students first. It was important that we provide a framework today for our student-athletes, coaches, administrators, and officials to begin preparing for the 2020-21 school year.” Read More

Library Offers Tutoring

News Progress Posted on by

•August 5, 2020•
The Elizabeth Titus Memorial Library Offers Tutoring services for all ages. Two librarians specialize in math. We can also help improve reading comprehension and speed. Reading is a skill that can be developed and will help improve all of your student’s grades.
Story time at the park or online takes place every Wednesday in August at 10 a.m.
The DMV will be at the library starting in September!

Tree Stand Permits Now Available

News Progress Posted on by

•August 5, 2020•
Lake Shelbyville - Lake Shelbyville’s Tree Stand Policy for this year will remain the same as it was last season. The policy allows hunters to leave one stand up for the season (“Seasonal Tree Stand”) and/or utilize a “Roving” stand that can be left up for a period not to exceed a break in use greater than 72 hours - the length of a three day weekend. Seasonal tree stands may be placed two weeks prior to archery season and must be removed within two weeks of archery season ending. Archery season runs from October 1, 2020 - January 17, 2021. Read More

Obituaries 8-5-2020: Donna Peterson

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Donna Peterson

Donna Jean Peterson, 84 of Mattoon, IL formerly of Edinburg, IL passed away on Monday, July 27, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. at Odd Fellow Rebekah Home in Mattoon, IL. She was born on July 2, 1936 in Sullivan, IL the daughter of Carl and Bernadine (Kidwell) Weakley. Read More

Obituaries 8-5-2020: Marjorie Miller

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Marjorie Miller

Marjorie M. Miller, 88, of Sullivan, passed away at 10:30 p.m. Monday August 3, 2020 in the Odd Fellows Rebekah Home in Mattoon.
Graveside services will be 11:00 a.m. Friday in the Greenhill Cemetery, Sullivan with Pastor John Stewart officiating. Private family visitation will be held. Memorials are suggested to Alzheimer’s Association. Arrangements by the Reed Funeral Home, Sullivan. Online condolences may be sent to the family at reedfuneralhome.net. The family requests that everyone please wear a face mask and practice social distancing to comply with the suggested Covid-19 regulations. Read More

McLaughlin Named to Dean’s List

News Progress Posted on by

•August 5, 2020•
Paige McLaughlin of Sullivan was named to the Dean’s List for the spring semester of the 2019-20 academic year at Illinois Wesleyan University. McLaughlin is a first-year majoring in English - Writing.
McLaughlin was among 831 students from 29 states and 16 countries named to the Spring 2020 Dean’s List. Read More

Letter to the Editor 8-5-2020

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Dear Editor,

The pandemic has now claimed over 150,00 lives because people have not been taking it seriously. While the front page featured a photo of the Douglas County Health Department, with masks, stated that two people in Moultrie County tested positive for the virus, other articles were a mixed bag. The Letter to the Editor by Ms. Luela K. Hughes should have been printed in large letters below the photo. She stated the situation clearly in a responsible manner by a thinking adult. Read More