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Secretary of State Policy on Granting Access to Driver’s License/I.D. Photos

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•July 10, 2019•

Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White said today that his office does not share information with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or any other law enforcement agency on the issue of a person’s legal status in the United States.
White made his comment in response to published stories saying that ICE and the Federal Bureau of Investigation use photos from drivers license offices nationwide as a means to identify undocumented persons. Illinois was not mentioned as one of the participating states. White’s statement serves to underscore this fact.
“If an individual is being sought by a law enforcement agency for criminal activity, we fully cooperate with authorities, but we do not specifically disclose the person’s legal standing.”[/s2If]

Menu 7-10-2019

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Senior Peace Meal

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

Monday, July 15 - Fish sandwich, macaroni and cheese, broccoli, fruit juice, bun, pears
Tuesday, July 16 - Beef and noodles, mashed potatoes, sweet cinnamon carrots, whole grain wheat (1), watermelon
Wednesday, July 17 - Turkey salad w/grapes, cucumber salad, fruit cocktail, roll, apple oatmeal bar
Thursday, July 18 - Taco salad w/beans, meat, cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes, sour cream & taco sauce, pineapple, taco chips, cake
Friday, July 19 - Fried chicken, mashed potatoes w/gravy, brussels sprouts, Texas toast, mixed melon salad w/grapes

Harrison Street Rebuild

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Photo by Mike Brothers
Harrison Street Rebuild
The building at the corner of Harrison and Van Buren streets in Sullivan had bricks falling from the outside wall resulting in the city blocking Van Buren as a safety precaution.
Zak Horn of Metro Communications responded to an appeal from Laurie Minor at Sullivan Chamber and Economic Development and bought the building from Pam Swinford. Horn explained that, thanks to contractor Jim Standerfer, wall demolition is underway and repairs will begin in July once the entire west wall is removed. A new roof and partial new HVAC will be installed for the building.
It is anticipated that the Moultrie County Counseling Center will occupy the east end, Sullivan Physical Therapy will remain in the center space and Kiki’s Boutique will return to the south end of the west side of the building once completed. The north space on the west side of the building will be available for rent by fall.

Obituaries 7-10-2019: Gene Jones

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Gene Jones

Vernie “Gene” Jones, Jr. of Bethany passed away Monday, July 1, 2019 at 10:38 p.m., in Decatur Memorial Hospital.
Funeral services were at 10 a.m., Friday, July 5 in First General Baptist Church in Decatur.
Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home in Decatur handled arrangements. Burial was in Boiling Springs Cemetery in Decatur. Read More

Book Club Celebrates 75th Anniversary

News Progress Posted on by

•July 10, 2019•
By Ellen Ferrera
for the News Progress

This year marks the 75th anniversary of Mattoon’s Quadrangle Book Club. The club was organized Tuesday, May 25, 1943 at a 1 p.m. luncheon in the U.S. Grant Hotel and was originally named the Quadrangle Club. By its 50th anniversary in 1993 the name had changed to Quadrangle Literary Club and around 2012 it became the Quadrangle Book Club as it is known today.
The charter members of the Club were Mrs. J. N Judt, Mrs. Joseph Heiman, Mrs. Lawrence Daily, Mrs. D.H. Bone, Mr. Horace Batchelor, Mr. A. E. Arvedson, Mrs. Alice Edwards, Mrs. Walter L. Nash, Mrs. R. E. Crum, Mrs. Clarence Warren Dole, Mrs. J. R. Hashbarger, Mrs. Newland Tutwiler and Mrs. Paul Harris.
The officers were Mrs. D. H. Bone, President; Mrs. Walter Nash, Vice President; and Mrs. A. E. Arvedson Secretary/Treasurer.
It was customary in those days to identify women by their husband’s name, and they were so recorded in all the club’s minutes from 1943 up until 1957 when their first names began appearing in the records. Even the secretary began signing the minutes with her first and last name rather than as Mrs. D. H. Bone. Read More

Bethany Group Reopens Cafe to Continue Community Connection

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Photo by Ellen Ferrera
Open again is Bethany Cafe, John Vander Burgh is one of ten new owners.

•July 10, 2019•
By Ellen Ferrera
for the News Progress

All over America in small towns such as Bethany there is usually a diner or café where townsfolk, especially seniors, gather to exchange news of the day, gossip, have a meal or engage in what my Southern Grandma called “jist visitin”.
This “jist visitin” in the local diner has bound small communities together for centuries.
When the Bethany Café closed last November followed by the closing of the only grocery store in town, John Vander Burgh and others saw a vital part of their community slipping away. He reasoned that it could be saved if a group of like-minded individuals would all contribute a small amount to the purchase of the café.
He approached 10 people who have, anonymously, invested in the acquisition of the Café. Read More

Letter to the Editor 7-10-2019

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•July 10, 2019•

To the editor of News Progress ,

I am writing because I would like to share information on this year’s Memorial Day celebration.
During the past few years of my career in Boy Scouts I have been able to participate in the Memorial Day parade as well as the ceremony at the cemetery. Along with my scout troop, the Legion and the band. It was great to be a part of this as we honor those who served. Read More

Obituaries 7-10-2019: Ace Wright

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Ace Wright

Ace Conrad Wright, 6 month old son of Shane and Kayla Wright, passed away at 5:48 a.m. Monday, July 1, 2019 in St. John’s Children’s Hospital in Springfield, Ill.
Graveside services were held at 11 a.m. Friday, July 5 in Wright Cemetery near Findlay, Ill. with Pastor Mike Reynolds officiating. Howe and Yockey Funeral Home in Shelbyville handled arrangements.
Ace was born December 14, 2018 in Decatur, a son of Shane Tanner and Kayla Rena Miller Wright. Read More

All Wheel Extravaganza

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•July 10, 2019•

The ninth annual Dalton City All Wheel Extravaganza is from noon-5 p.m. Sunday, July 21.
Cars, trucks, motorcycles and tractors will be on display in downtown Dalton City with goody bags provided to the first 75. Participant choice trophies will be presented and top five and best of show awards presented.
Food and entertainment, silent auction, door prizes, 50/50 drawing and more are included.
For more information call Trish at Harley’s Hideout 874-2309; Bob Weltig 413-9292 or Kristyl Novota at Shamrock Pub 874-9701.

SES Principal Introduction

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•July 10, 2019•

I am Heather Ethell and I am very humbled and honored to introduce myself as the new principal of Sullivan Elementary School.
Prior to working here in Sullivan, I have served as an assistant principal, instructional coach, and classroom teacher. I am not just an educator, however, I am also a mother and wife.
This coming school year, Lauren, my stepdaughter, will continue to study nursing at Richland Community College and work as a CNA at Concordia Village in Springfield.
Starting this school year, my 10-year-old daughter, Avelyn, will be starting 5th grade at Sullivan Middle School and my 8-year-old son, Jeret, will be joining me here at Sullivan Elementary School as a 3rd grader. Read More