Photo by Dave Bowers
Pictured left to right are News Progress publisher Robert R. Best, Tracy Siegman, Sonya Best (seated), Arlene Aschermann and Vickie Bowers. The News Progress was one of the businesses recognized for its community service.

•August 10, 2016•

C.E.F.S. Economic Opportunity Corporation, Board of Directors held their 51st annual board meeting in Effingham August 4 with more than 200 people in attendance. C.E.F.S. showcased their annual accomplishments in helping people and changing lives.

Jean Finley, board chairperson of the C.E.F.S. Board of Directors stated that, “the agency recognized board members for volunteering their time to guide and direct the agency.” Further, Chairperson Finley, stated that, “the agency recognized the 2016 family of distinction, Tammy Merrell of Louisville, who made a tremendous level of personal growth and achievement towards achieving economic security.” Chairperson Finley stated that, “Tammy Merrell’s successful participation in our agency programs exemplified our efforts in helping people and changing lives.”

C.E.F.S. Chief Executive Officer Paul White stated that, “during the 2016 annual board meeting 23 individuals and families were recognized who had overcome personal obstacles in achieving self-sufficiency.” CEO White also stated that, “the agency recognized 11 individuals, organizations, community partners and businesses that provided an outstanding level of community service to our agency during the past year.” White further stated that, “the agency honored 10 outstanding volunteers for providing excellent volunteerism, civic engagement and community service to the agency.”  Read More

Photo furnished
Deploying Airmen of the 183rd Air Operations Group based in Springfield, Illinois, board a C-130 aircraft on the first leg of their journey to duty in the Middle East. Approximately 80 members of the unit will provide command and control of airpower to Air Forces Central Command and are expected to return home in January 2017. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Shaun Kerr)

•July 27, 2016•

Approximately 80 airmen with the 183rd Air Operations Group in Springfield recently deployed to the Middle East.

The airmen will be providing command and control of airpower throughout the Middle East region. Trained to synchronize the efforts of air component operations, the deploying members are specialists in a number of aircraft and systems. They will be responsible for day-to-day execution of combined air and space operations supporting Air Forces Central Command.

Col. John Patterson of Springfield, commander of the 183rd Fighter Wing, referred to the group as, “great Americans,” praising their extensive preparation for this mission. He encouraged them to stay connected with family and friends while deployed and was sure he would be hearing good things about their performance. Read More

•July 6, 2016•

By Cheryl Murphy
For the News Progress

“ A story of murder, greed, corruption, violence, exploitation, adultery, and treachery – all those things we all hold near and dear to our hearts,” announced executive producer at The Little Theatre on the Square John Stephens.

Yes, John, “Chicago” was a rip-roaring 20’s good time! Not your average Good VS Evil show, or was it? I found the audience cheering over and over again for the two main characters – murderesses in fact. But it was the 1920s in Chicago when everyone wanted to perform their own lives. Everything became a song or dance, a production.

A perfect example was the “Razzle Dazzle” which eludes to the fact that the press and courts of the time just might have let you get away with murder to make you the next star. Much of the show highlights that corruption in Chicago’s journalists, police, and justice system of the 20s. Definitely, the forefathers of today’s paparazzi could have had their start in Chicago of the 1920’s.

Hats off to Darren Lee, the director and choreographer of “Chicago.” Lee, himself, danced with Hollywood star Catherine Zeta-Jones in the 2002 motion picture ”Chicago” as well as toured with the Broadway National Touring Company of “Chicago.” Scene after scene it was easy to become a fan of his knowledge and expertise of this musical. Dozens of people exited the Sunday matinee commenting that this was the best presentation of “Chicago” they had seen among multiple venues. Read More

Photo furnished
Show Choir and Chorus Director Jeff Thomas balances district responsibilities.

•June 22, 2016•

Brynna Sentel
For the News Progress

Last year the Sullivan High School Administration brought in a new director for the Chorus/ Singers program, Jeff Thomas.

Thomas, took a different approach to the Singers show this year. “The Sullivan Singers put together a mini, story based musical that contained elements of Jekyll/Hyde and Frankenstein’s monster.”

Thomas, incorporated many props and flashy backdrops as well as lead characters to help the story line along.

However, with every new teacher comes new challenges to overcome. “Balancing all my responsibilities across the district.” was one of the biggest challenges Thomas faced as a new teacher at Sullivan.

As a group the Sullivan Singers struggled the most with getting to know each other. “We had a really big group, and many of the older students didn’t know the new ones coming up. Obviously no one knew me!” The singers had to learn Thomas’s teaching habits. Thomas himself had to learn the best way to teach the kids as well. Read More

Faith Lutheran Invites Public

•June 15, 2016•

A free music and arts festival offers family friendly overnight fun at Coyote Cabins June 17 and 18.

“We were looking for a way to have an event to welcome everyone,” John White of Faith Lutheran Church in Sullivan began.

What has developed is a variety of musical performances with Saturday night featuring Firebox, the popular Effingham based bluegrass band heading the bill.

White emphasized the Christian based music from local bands throughout the day will blend with the sounds of DJ Top Hat and the Rockin Tater Show.

Finishing the evening entertainment Saturday is alternative music for the young people from Ashland and Sidelined.

“We were fortunate to partner with Jeff Crockett and Jackie Cisna at Coyote Cabins Retreat and Farm,” White said, pointing out once they had the venue, the volunteers of Faith Lutheran started building the free festival. Read More