In 1977, Susie Davis (above) of Bethany won the rocking chair contest at the Bethany Centennial. 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.
•August 5, 2020•
Jim Baumann
Hi, my name is Jim, and I’m a prescriptivist.
There ought to be a self-help organization for those of us who cling desperately to the language that was beaten into us — in some cases — as children.
The way they tell it, chums who attended parochial schools had to endure withering glances and the threat of rapped knuckles, while I lived in fear only of B’s at my public schools.
For whatever reason, they and I still find it hard to let go of the conventions of our youth and allow English some breathing room. Many of us look with suspicion upon new words and syntax and tend to shun them.
Hey, change is hard.
Compared to Latin, English is a teenager. It grows and changes every day. Say you’re 70 and your grandson is 15. Should it be so strange that you speak a different language when he was taught an updated — note I didn’t write “upgraded” — version of English a half century after you? Read More
25 Years Ago This Week
Marrowbone Library was to receive a $20,000 grant as part of $2 million in library grants from federal funds being awarded to 53 Illinois projects through Illinois Secretary of State George Ryan’s office. The local grant is to help Atwood-Hammond, Bethany, Lovington and Sullivan public libraries continue a cooperative collection project.
A group of Sullivan Living Center employees called Overtime took first place at the Bagelfest talent show. The group featured Susan Miller, Cindy Harminson, Tracy Craig, Sherry Wood, Lenda Johnson and Carol Hudson. Read More
Remote learning options are available
•August 5, 2020•
by Ariana Cherry
The safety of our kids and staff are important,” commented Superintendent Shannon Cheek at the special board meeting of the ALAH School Board on Thursday, July 30 at the Atwood-Hammond Grade School. The board met to vote on their return to school plan during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Shannon Cheek presented a slideshow presentation and discussed with the board and public the goals, challenges and health measures that the district would be taking as school resumes. “Want to create a workspace and learning environment that is safe for our students and staff according to the Illinois Department of Public Health,” he stated.
Shannon informed everyone that the district had been collaborating with the Department of Public Health through ZOOM meetings as well as looking at the guidelines of the CDC. He also said he had been meeting with other area superintendents in the district to see what their plans were too. Many of the surrounding districts had plans that involved returning to in-person learning with reduced hours. “That seemed to be the popular trend in our area,” noted Shannon. We had to develop and implement a plan that could be flexible to the changing conditions- as changes could develop along the way,” he said. The district also had to make sure that they were following state guidelines as well, which included having at least five hours of daily instruction. “We had to consider what challenges everyone (staff, students and families) are faced with no matter how they come back to school,” Shannon quoted. Read More
Photo furnished
Arianna, Alex and Luthor Peck with Rocksy the beagle. The three siblings have been raising money for their dog’s heart surgery and so far have raised $11,000.
•August 5, 2020•
by Ellen Ferrara
for the News Progress
A year ago, in April Fish Wrap included a story about 10-year-old Alex Peck and his sister, Arianna, who had rescued a little Beagle dog from an abusive environment.
Sadly, a subsequent check-up revealed that Rocksy, the Beagle, had a serious heart valve defect that would require medication and monitoring for her life. Alex was heartbroken but determined to give his dog the very best care he could.
Alex’s first love is collecting and tumbling rocks and gem stones which he sells. His sister, Arianna (The Button Girl) designs and makes pinback buttons. Together they set out to raise the $20,000 for Rocksy’s heart surgery that they discovered had been perfected in Japan.
Last year the main venues for selling their wares were craft shows, fairs, yard sales and trade shows. Last year they exhibited at 40 different shows but it all came to a screeching halt with the advent of the Coronavirus. Rocksy’s food and medical care cost Alex about $250/month so the little entrepreneurs needed another way to raise funds. Read More
•August 5, 2020•
by Crystal Reed
At last week’s Sullivan City Council meeting the council approved the moving of personnel from City Hall to 304 S. Hamilton Street.
The motion that was proposed by Abbey Sherwood was for the mayor to enter into a four month lease with the owner of the property Don Frevert at $1,400 a month. According to Dan Flannell, City Administrator there is an option to renew for two month increments for the total of one year. Read More
Photo by R.R. Best
A crop duster sprays corn near Cadwell last Wednesday.
•August 5, 2020•
The Village of Lovington is currently working on equipment maintenance at the water plant. Village water users may notice changes in water pressure and/or quality while the maintenance is being performed.
•August 5, 2020•
Submitted by Lucia Roney
Theta Psi blood drive chairman
The American Red Cross and the Bethany Theta Psi sorority will hold a blood drive at the Bethany Firehouse on Tuesday, August 11, from 2-6 p.m.
Masks are required, temperatures will be taken and Covid-19 antibody tests will be performed after donation. If one doesn’t have a mask, it will be provided. If a donor is unwilling to wear a mask, we would ask that they would postpone their donation.
Appointment should be made through the Red Cross site 1-800-733-2767 or redcrossblood.org. Rapid pass, through the same website, is also encouraged to speed up the registration process.
We are asking that no one additional, aside from donors and volunteers, are present at the blood drive - i.e no children or anyone not donating.
All blood types are needed. One donation may save 3 lives. Be a hero. DONATE.
Senior Peace Meal
For additional information or for reservations, please call 1-800-543-1770
August 3 - Spaghetti w/Meat Sauce, Herbed Peas, Fruit Juice, Bread Stick, Brownie Bites
August 4 - Roasted Pork Loin, Zucchini Bake, Broccoli/Cauliflower, Whole Grain Wheat (1), Hawaiian Salad
August 5 - Chicken Enchiladas, Vegetable Rice Pilaf, Seasoned Green Beans, Whole Grain Wheat (1), Cantaloupe
August 6 - Hamloaf or Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes w/Gravy, Corn and Lima Beans, Dinner Roll, Dreamsicle Gelatin
August 7 - Steak Burger, Lettuce and Tomato Slices, Kidney Bean Salad, Bun, Peaches