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Obituaries 1-30-2019: Nina Martin

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Nina Martin

Nina Tabor Martin, 72, of Sullivan, passed away at 5:02 a.m. Monday, January 28, 2019 in Decatur Memorial Hospital. A visitation will be from 4-6 p.m. Friday, February 1 at McMullin-Young Funeral Home in Sullivan. A private graveside service will be held in Greenhill Cemetery in Sullivan with her family. Public memorial services will be announced at a later date in both Sullivan and the Chicago area.
Nina was born January 10, 1947 in Decatur, a daughter of Purvis Francis and Roberta Morris Tabor. She married Philip H. Martin July 10, 1971 in Decatur. Read More

Obituaries 1-30-2019: Polly Shaw

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Polly Shaw

Alice ‘Polly’ Shaw, 84, of Sullivan passed away at 11:46 p.m. Saturday, January 19, 2019 in The Crossings At Victory Station in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
Celebration of Life services were at 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 25 in Reed Funeral Home in Sullivan with Pastor Charliam Renner officiating. Burial was in Greenhill Cemetery in Sullivan. Read More

High School Art Work Exhibited At Stifel

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Photo by Ellen Ferrera
SHS art student Imogene Stidaham (L) and art teacher Melissa Nichols show student artwork.

•January 30, 2019•

By Ellen Ferrera
For the News Progress

More than 100 colorful and imaginative pieces of artwork from Sullivan High School students were displayed for public viewing at Stifel Company offices January 16.
The works were created in last semester’s drawing class taught by art teacher Melissa Nichols. Attractively arranged on the walls were creations in ink, pencil, colored pencil, water colors and oils.
Most were on paper, but a few drawings were done on corrugated tin. A pink octopus drawn on the rippled tin was especially interesting as the tentacles appeared to undulate over the tin.
Maggie McLaughlin drew a woman’s portrait in all black ink except for bright green eyes. There was a hint of the French pointillism style in the background. Read More

Sullivan Post 68 Scholarships

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•January 30, 2019•

Applications are now available for the 2019 Irrevocable Scholarship Program through the Sullivan American Legion Post 68.
This program offers one $1000 four year annually renewable scholarship with the application deadline Friday, March 29, 2019.
High school seniors who will be graduating from public high schools in Moultrie County and high school seniors who are descendants of members in good standing of the Sullivan American Legion Post 68 may request a copy of the application packet from their high school counselor at Okaw Valley and Sullivan high schools.
An eligible student may also contact Sullivan American Legion Post 68 at 217-728-4612 or contact Michael Keown, secretary Irrevocable Scholarship Trust, at 217-855-1949.

EIU Enrollment Increases Seven Percent

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•January 30, 2019•

After reporting a five percent increase in spring-to-spring enrollment a year ago, Eastern Illinois University’s enrollment has jumped another seven percent from spring 2018 to spring 2019. According to official 10th-day data from the university, the university’s spring 2019 enrollment sits at 7,503 students—487 more than the previous spring semester.
The increase follows a familiar trend for the university, which once again has seen considerable boosts to its freshman, graduate, and dual-credit enrollments.
Of notable significance to EIU’s spring 2019 10th-day enrollment snapshot:
• EIU’s degree-seeking graduate enrollment for spring 2019 reached 1,454 students—its highest point in nine years for the spring semester and a 5.5 percent increase over spring 2018’s numbers. Read More

Public Invited to Review OV Improvements

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•January 30, 2019•

Two informational meetings in regard to the next phase of Okaw Valley schools efforts to revitalize buildings begin with a 6:30 p.m. Feb. 13 meeting at OVHS.
Superintendent Kent Stauder announced the public information meetings in a letter to parents and guardians of OV students this week.
The first meeting is 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 13 at Okaw Valley High School in Bethany, and the second is slated for 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 6 at Okaw Valley Middle School in Findlay. Each meeting will be held in the buildings’ cafeteria before breaking out into different rooms.
The superintendent explained the proposed project includes construction of a new gymnasium to attach to the current gym at the high school, a new entryway into the front of the middle school and new playground equipment at the elementary school.
Earlier this month, the OV Board of Education approved a resolution to put the question to voters on the April 2 ballot to issue $6.5 million in school building bonds to finance this project.
These meetings are intended to provide the community with information about the proposed projects, give residents a chance to provide feedback and ask questions.
The project architect Damien Schlitt of BLDD, will be present to discuss building plans and how much it could cost. Tom Crabtree of the investment banking firm Stifel will also be present to discuss financing and the impact on local taxpayers.

ALAH Knights Snap Streak with Sangamon Valley Defeat

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•January 30, 2019•

By Jason Brown
NP Sports Editor

The Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond boys’ basketball team snapped its six-game losing streak by defeating Sangamon Valley last Wednesday at Nancy Stiff Gym in Arcola.
The Knights took a 15-point lead after the first quarter then went on a 14-8 run in the second quarter for a 33-12 halftime lead.
The Knights held onto the same lead in the third quarter before pulling away in the fourth for the 62-37 win.
Austin Plank contributed a season-high 23 points to go with four rebounds, three assists and three steals to help earn the seventh-place finish in the Little Okaw Valley Conference Northwest Division Tournament.
Austin Romine hit double digits with ten points and added three rebounds, two assists and two points. Read More

Menus 1-30-2019

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Senior Peace Meal
For additional information or for reservations, please call 1-800-543-1770
Monday, Feb. 4 - Savory sausage stew w/beans, pineapple tidbits, biscuits, warm fruit strudel bites
Tuesday, Feb. 5 - Fried chicken, mashed potatoes w/gravy, breaded tomatoes, dinner roll, seasonal dessert
Wednesday, Feb. 6 - Ravioli w/meat sauce, broccoli, corn, whole grain wheat (1), banana
Thursday, Feb. 7 - Meatloaf, Delmonico potatoes, spinach, dinner roll, cranberry apple salad
Friday, Feb. 8 - Tuna noodle casserole, peas and carrots, bean medley, whole grain wheat (1), gelatin w/1/2 cup fruit

Sponsorships Available

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•January 30, 2019•

Show sponsorships are available until Feb. 15 for the 25th anniversary Sparrows Unlimited celebration.
The car, truck, bike, tractor show is May 18 in downtown Lovington. In addition to classic vehicles food, 50/50s, a bounce house and 50s, 60s and 70s music will be featured during the daylong celebration.
Sponsorships are available for entertainment, advertising and trophy expense. For more information contact Barry Morgan at 217-433-6123.
Sparrows is a 501C3 organization in Lovington helping families in need.