Author Archives:

Okaw Valley Volleyball Kicks Off Season with a Sweep

News Progress Posted on by

Photo by R.R. Best

•September 4, 2019•
By Jason Brown
NP Sports Editor

The Okaw Valley volleyball team kicked of its season opener with a non-conference win against Neoga last Tuesday.
The Timberwolves swept both games, 25-17, 25-18.
Kate Jeffers recorded nine kills and four aces, and April Decesaro had 19 digs a
Grace Bunfill dished out 19 assists and served three aces, and Paige Coleman tallied four kills and seven digs.
This season, OV coach Sarah McDowell returned three seniors and five letter winners from last year’s squad that went 18-14 overall and 6-3 in the Little Okaw valley Conference.
The three seniors are Coleman, Decesaro and Jeffers.
“Our greatest strength is the leadership from our seniors,” said McDowell. “We have been a young team for the past several seasons and have three starters with multiple years of varsity experience. The three of them have been great role models for the team and can act as additional coaches for the younger girls.
The five letter winners include Coleman, Decesaro, Jeffers, Macie Fleshner, and Bunfill. Read More

Moultrie Moment of the Week

News Progress Posted on by

Pictured above is Bethany 5th grade 1956-57. Teacher Mrs. Bosomworth. Back row: David Walker, Chuck Arnold, Joe McCain, Carol Arthur, Kevin Bosomworth, Jerry Garrett, Barbara Goetz, Jack Schwartz, Charles Bland, Milton Sees. Front Row: May Pedigo, Lois Hamm, Nancy Gaither, Joyce Pritts, Linda Barnes, Kay Moody, Mary Alice Camic, Majorie Graven, Marcia Pasley, Susan Reed. 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.

Obituaries 9-4-2019: Norma Jean Davis

News Progress Posted on by

Norma Jean Davis

Norma Jean Davis, 90, of Sullivan, went home to be with the Lord 1:13 a.m. Sunday, September 1, 2019, at her home in Sullivan, surrounded by her family.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday, September 5, 2019, at Oak Grove Baptist Church, Rural Bethany. Visitation will be held an hour prior to the service Thursday at the church. Burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery, Rural Bethany. Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice. Read More

Obituaries 9-4-2019: Danny Coleman

News Progress Posted on by

Danny Coleman

Danny B. Coleman, 88, of Bethany, passed away at 5:18 p.m. Thursday, August 29, 2019 at home with his wife of 62 years, Cherie, by his side.
Celebration of Life services were 10:30 a.m. Monday at Reed Funeral Home in Sullivan with the Rev. Rachel Moore and Pastor Marge Overlot officiating. Burial with military rites conducted by Bethany American Legion Post #507 were in Marrowbone Twp. Cemetery in Bethany. Read More

Superindent-Y Stuff: A Walk with Mr. Walk

News Progress Posted on by

•September 4, 2019•
By Ted Walk
Supt. Sullivan CUSD #300

I wanted to take the opportunity this week to introduce new teachers in Sullivan Schools.
We were very fortunate this past year that our teacher retention levels were phenomenal, but we did have three retirees, two staff members who took promotions, and we added one position.
At the high school, Janet McFarland and Lesley Banks retired this past year.  The math position was filled by Natalie Hoijer while the English position was filled by Becca Gervais.  Read More

ALAH Cross Country Team Returns with Competitors

News Progress Posted on by

•September 4, 2019•
By Jason Brown
NP Sports Editor

First-year Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond cross country coach Lyle Dorjahn has low numbers this season, but the runners he does have he believes can be good.
“Our top 3 will compete with the area’s best,” he said. “We need to see more improvement from 4-7 scoring positions. From what I see so far, our kids will work hard to make those improvements.
Dorjahn returned four letter winners in junior Layton Hall, senior Justin Miller, senior Cade Hendrickson and sophomore Jace Green.
Hall returns from an all-state performance at the state championships, and last year the team advanced out of regionals to the sectional.
“Our strengths include Layton Hall’s leadership both with his performance as well as his interaction and encouragement of his teammates, especially the underclassmen,” Dorjahn said. “Our freshman and sophomore are a strong point and I expect them to contribute immediately. This group has responded to a heavier workload and has been fun to work with. They are developing strong team chemistry.” Read More

Sullivan Drops Close Opener to Arcola

News Progress Posted on by

Photo furnished

•September 4, 2019•
The Sullivan volleyball team dropped its season opener against Arcola at home Thursday, Aug. 29.
Arcola took a close first set 26-24, but Sullivan battled back to win the second set 25-20.
The Redskins lost a close third game 25-23. Read More

Obituaries 9-4-2019: Rick Seeley

News Progress Posted on by

Rick Seeley

Richard “Rick” A. Seeley, 40, of Bethany passed away at 6:31 a.m. Wednesday, August 28, 2019 in his residence.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 7 in St. Isidore Catholic Church in Bethany. Rite of Committal and Burial will be in St. Isidore Cemetery in Bethany. Reed Funeral Home in Sullivan is handling arrangements. Read More

CEFS Head Start is Accepting Applications

News Progress Posted on by

•September 4, 2019•

C.E.F.S. Head Start 0-5 program is a free federally funded program that provides comprehensive classroom and home-based educational services to pregnant women and children ages 0-5.
Preschool center-based classrooms provide daily lesson plans that advance the children’s self-confidence, problem solving skills, and social development.
Head Start center in Moultrie County is located at 203 S. Graham St. in Sullivan. Read More