Category Archives: Human Interest Stories

GRIZ-FM honors former Moultrie County Clerk

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After a heart attack took his life Easter Sunday 2001, former Moultrie County Clerk and radio broadcaster Gerald “Griz” England is being honored by Cromwell Radio Group.

Before his time as county clerk, England worked for a couple of radio stations, finishing his broadcasting career at Cromwell Radio Station, WYDS when it was known as “D-93”. He married his wife of nearly 27 years, Georgia—who is currently Moultrie County Clerk—June 2, 1974.asdfasdfasdfadsfasdfasdfasdfBefore being elected clerk in 1998, England enjoyed a long radio career that began in Sullivan at WFWA-FM. He worked at several area radio stations and made a national name for himself as a country radio personality.

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Exhibition on Illinois Civil War Soldier Experiences at Elizabeth Titus

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To commemorate the sesquicentennial of the Civil War the Elizabeth Titus Memorial Library is presenting the exhibit Experiences of the Illinois Civil War Soldier: Reflections through Art and Artifacts. This traveling exhibition explores the journey of Illinois Civil War soldiers as presented through their art.

The exhibit, which will be on view March 7-28, was created by and is on loan from the Tarble Arts Center at Eastern Illinois University. Read More

LLC Celebrates Agriculture Students at Annual Awards Banquet

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Uphoff

Uphoff

Uphoff of Findlay Receives Honored Alumnus

Submitted by Jennifer Forneris
LLC Media Specialist

Lake Land College recently honored students in its agricultural programs at the 43rd Annual Agriculture Banquet.

More than 650 people filled the Lake Land College Field House for the banquet which honored outstanding agriculture students and alumni.

“I am very proud of our faculty, staff, retired faculty and students because without their hard work and success, the agriculture programs at Lake Land College would not be what they are,” said Jon Althaus, agriculture division chair, as he welcomed families and friends of the agriculture students.

Throughout the evening, various groups were recognized for their outstanding efforts including the Agriculture Transfer Club, the Agriculture Business Club, the Horticulture Club, student leaders in the agriculture division, the Livestock Judging Team and members of the Post-Secondary Agriculture Students group. Read More

Schlieker Gets Second-Chance with Powerlifting Scholarship

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Will be a part of inaugural McKendree team

by Keith Stewart
keith@newsprogress.com

Sullivan high school senior Trey Schlieker missed his senior year of football. After breaking his right foot, the passionate lineman was told he would not be able to play his last year on the gridiron. After watching from the sidelines, Schlieker had only his spring track season for which to look forward. From there, he planned to go to Illinois State and have a fairly normal student career.

That was, until a month ago, when former football coach Charles Brown contacted Schlieker about a new powerlifting team at McKendree. Not much else had to be said to the Sullivan senior, whose reputation is putting up big numbers in the weight room. Read More

Village-wide Reading Program Celebrated as Success

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Lovington residents reach 750 book goal

by Florence Hallford
Lovington Reporter

It was no trick that the community of Lovington managed to read 750 books last month, but on Saturday, that endeavor was in fact celebrated with a little bit of magic.

Area children gathered Saturday to celebrate reaching their goal of reading 750 books in February with magician Dan from Abra-Kid-Abra.

The children participating in the Community Reading Program kept track of their reading on bookmarks and presented them to library staff to receive a sticker for each book to keep count. Other patrons and adults participated as well and contributed to the final count that led the village to their goal.  Read More

Serving Up Smiles and Warm Greetings

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Trudy1

Photo by Keith Stewart
Trudy Fleshner (right) completes a transaction Monday after Coty Drake of Sullivan (left) placed a coffee order.

Sullivan McDonald’s employee chosen for regional award    

by Jake Dilley
Reporting in Sullivan

If you’ve gone to McDonald’s in Sullivan, especially the drive-thru in the morning, you’ve probably been greeted by Trudy Fleshner. Having worked at the Sullivan location for over 10 years, Fleshner has greeted quite a few faces. And now, it would seem, she’s greeted so many, that now it is her turn for a warm gesture. Read More

Staying Fit as a Family

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Photo by Keith Stewart SHS student volunteer Cadisen Nuzzo helps Avery Florey balance on an exercise ball last Thursday during the third annual Family Fit Night.

Photo by Keith Stewart
SHS student volunteer Cadisen Nuzzo helps Avery Florey balance on an exercise ball last Thursday during the third annual Family Fit Night.

PTO organized event enjoys third year in promoting healthy living

by Christina Whitford
Sullivan Reporter

The obesity rate in children is an issue that is on the minds of many. In response, Sullivan Elementary School PTO found a way to promote both healthy living and families spending time together with a family event aimed at healthy activities.

“It’s a great opportunity for families to get out and burn off some cabin fever from the weather,” volunteer Jennifer Voegel said.

This was the third year for the Family Fit Night event at the school. A variety of organizations were on hand to teach students and their families about healthy activities they can enjoy.  Read More

Despite Several Snow Days, Students Collect for Souper Bowl

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Photo by Micah Heddins Sullivan fifth grader Brett Johnson organizes canned goods at the Moultrie County food pantry Friday.

Photo by Micah Heddins
Sullivan fifth grader Brett Johnson organizes canned goods at the Moultrie County food pantry Friday.

Final push on last day collects over 800 items for food pantry

by Christina Whitford
Sullivan Reporter

For most people the Super bowl is a time to dawn your football jersey and root for your favorite team. For the students in Ms. Heddins’ fifth grade class it’s also an opportunity to give back to the community.

After attending Sullivan schools, Micah Heddins returned to the town she grew up in to join the staff of Sullivan elementary school. With her she brought a passion for teaching and giving back to the community. However, it was during her student teaching experience in Palmero that she and her cooperating teacher developed the idea to use the Super Bowl as an opportunity for the children in their class to give back to the community by collecting for the local pantry in what they dubbed the Souper Bowl. Read More

Remembering George

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Submitted

Submitted

Former students still recall Casleton’s intrigue as teacher

by Christina Whitford
Sullivan Reporter

For many people, the late and former area teacher George Casleton is remembered for his dynamic teaching style, but few people are aware of the chance encounter that actually brought him to our community.

George Casleton was born in 1925 in the southern Illinois town of West Frankfort. He, along with his parents and two siblings, remained a part of this town throughout his adolescent years. While growing up, Casleton enjoyed banging on the drums and continued this passion for nine years as a member of the Ted Paschedag Band and Orchestra. After graduating from West Frankfort High School in 1943, Casleton went on to serve his country by joining the armed forces. Casleton was stationed in Italy during World War II and earned a Bronze Star.  Read More

Quilting to Quell Unfortunate Times

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Local church donates handmade items for children in need

by Barry Featheringill
Sullivan Reporter

When parents make bad decisions or other circumstances arise resulting in children suffering as they are taken from their homes with very few, if any, belongings, the scene is an unfortunate one.

But the First Christian Church of Sullivan Quilters Sunday school class has begun a project to try and counteract this set of very real circumstances here in Moultrie County.  Read More