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Days Might be Numbered for Printing Presses, but Not for Newspapers

News Progress Posted on by

•February 19, 2020•
By Wendy Martin
Editor, Martin Publishing Co.

Jim Nowlan and I go back a long way, and I can’t think of anyone I know who I respect more.
That being said, I have a much less dystopian view of the future of newspapers, and particularly community journalism, than the one Jim shared his piece, “Stop the hand-wringing over decline of newspapers,” a couple weeks ago.
We are a much better product than we give ourselves credit for, and for those committed to community journalism, I believe we have a much brighter future than what some might think.
Despite the constant drumbeat that newspapers are dead, we need to recognize we have strengths that are critical to the quality of life in the communities we serve and we can continue to be a foundational part of those communities.
My vision for the future of local community newspapers looks a lot like the publication you will find on our website at www.democratnewspapers.com. Here you will find an easily navigated PDF version of this week’s newspaper. Read More

First Celebrates Shrove Tuesday

News Progress Posted on by

•February 19, 2020•

Feb. 25 is the final day of Mardi Gras, known as Shrove Tuesday, and for the sixth consecutive year the Sullivan First Methodist Church is throwing a free party.
Historically Shrove Tuesday is a day to feast on pancakes before the Season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday.
You are invited to enjoy the music and pancakes from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 25th at the church located across from the Sullivan fire station.
Remember there is no charge! Everything is on us.

Fried Pies on Sale for Beacon

News Progress Posted on by

•February 19, 2020•

The Moultrie County Beacon’s annual Fried Pie sales are underway. Orders are due February 28.
Each year thousands of homemade fried pies are sold to support programming for adults with Intellectual Disabilities.
Orders are due to the Moultrie County Beacon in Sullivan by Friday, February 28. Orders may be submitted on the website www.mcbeacon.org, by calling 217.728-7396, faxing 217.728-2217 or mailing to the Beacon at P.O.Box 406, Sullivan 61951.
Due to the high volume, orders will not be processed until payment is received. Payments may be made online with Pay Pal, in person at the Beacon or mailed.
Orders will be ready at the Otto Center in Arthur the morning of Thursday, March 19.
Fried pie orders should be picked up at the Otto Center before 11:00 a.m. and at the Moultrie County Beacon from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Delivery orders will be made to Arthur businesses from 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. March 19.
Sullivan business deliveries are before noon March 19.
Homemade fried pie flavor choices include: lemon, apple, cherry, cherry cream cheese, peach, raisin, raspberry, raspberry cream cheese, sugar free raspberry.
The Moultrie County Beacon has been lighting the way for people with disabilities since 1968.

Students of the Month at Windsor Schools

News Progress Posted on by

Photo furnished
Students of the Month at Windsor Schools
Clayton Carey and Brandon Milligan have been named Windsor Jr./Sr. High School’s January Students of the Month.
Clayton Carey is the son of Brooke and Craig Carey. He is currently an 8th grade student and is involved in basketball, baseball, and scholastic bowl. Clayton plans to attend Eastern Illinois University after high school.
Brandon Milligan is the son of Anita Hale and Chris Milligan. He is currently a senior and is involved in FFA, NHS, and physics club. He is involved in the Windsor Fire Protection District Cadet program. After graduation Brandon plans to attend Lake Land College and study Ag Power Technology.
Pictured L to R: Clayton Carey and Brandon Milligan

Local Tumbler Competes

News Progress Posted on by

Photo furnished
Local Tumbler Competes
Sullivan tumbler Sylvia Dawkins competed at Macon High School earning a third place finish on the double mini (pictured). Dawkins is a second grader at Sullivan Elementary School and has competed on the Prairieland Tumbling team since she was four years old.

ALAH Girl’s Basketball Team Travels to Arcola for Win

News Progress Posted on by

•February 12, 2020•
By Jason Brown
NP Sports Editor

The Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond girls’ basketball team split its last two games of the regular season.
The Knight defeated Arcola in a close game on the road Thursday and lost to Marshall on the road Tuesday.
Against the Purple Riders, ALAH nipped Arcola 37-31 in a low scoring but tight game.
The Knights took a 12-8 lead into halftime, but in the second half, the Riders stuck around until the end. Read More

Win Meat at Sparrows Tax Day Raffle

News Progress Posted on by

•February 12, 2020•

The Sparrows Unlimited Tax Day raffle drawing is April 15 at Jerry’s East End in Lovington.
Two blue ticket winners will win a quarter beef (processed) or win a half hog by possessing a tan ticket.
Tickets are available at The Toy Bar in Sullivan, Rusty’s at LaPlace, Jerry’s East End and the Lovington American Legion. Need not be present to win.

The Auxiliary of HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital Host Chocolate Extravaganza

News Progress Posted on by

•February 12, 2020•
The 7th Annual Chocolate Extravaganza hosted by the Auxiliary of HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital will be held on Friday, February 14 from 7 a.m. until sold out. A variety of chocolate, brownies, cakes, candy and cookies will be wrapped and ready to go. Cash, check or credit card will be accepted, and valet parking is available. Read More

Small Business Ranks High in Moultrie County

News Progress Posted on by

•February 12, 2020•
The vast majority of businesses in the U.S. are considered “small” - and starting your own is a significant milestone for any entrepreneur.
A study from SmartAsset, a New York financial technology company, has found the places in each state with the strongest small business presence. Read More