Category Archives: Features

The Challenge of Creating Interest in a School Assignment

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Photo by Keith Stewart Zane Dudley tries to keep his focus during the push-up hold.

Photo by Keith Stewart
Zane Dudley tries to keep his focus during the push-up hold.

November 12, 2014

World-record lesson a hit with sixth graders

by Keith Stewart
keith@newsprogress.com

What was destined to become tomorrow’s trash was in fact yesterday’s school lesson for Megan Holt’s sixth grade language arts students.

The Sullivan Middle School teacher recently had her students complete one of the last segments of a multi-project lesson involving the organization and tracking of world record breaking attempts.

Well, Sullivan Middle School record attempts that is. Such feats as how long to hula hoop, how many stairs climbed, and how far one could throw a medicine ball. Read More

Getting Hairy for Cancer

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Photo by Keith Stewart Pictured are members of the Sullivan police department, from left to right: Josh Qualls, Adam Collins, Brandon Beckwith & son Bryson , Janet Dirks, Andrew Pistorius, John Love, and Jim Waggoner.

Photo by Keith Stewart
Pictured are members of the Sullivan police department, from left to right: Josh Qualls, Adam Collins, Brandon Beckwith & son Bryson , Janet Dirks, Andrew Pistorius, John Love, and Jim Waggoner.

November 12, 2014

Sullivan PD takes on ‘No Shave’ fundraiser

by Ariana Cherry
Arthur/Sullivan Reporter

Things are a little hairy at the Sullivan Police Department- but it’s all for a good cause.

Through the month of November, the Sullivan Police Department is holding a “No-Shave Fundraiser” to raise money for the American Cancer Society.

“November 1-30, police who participate will be allowed to grow a beard, but it must be neat and trimmed-It won’t be like Duck Dynasty!” said Sullivan Police Chief Johnny Love. “Each officer who participates will be making a donation to the American Cancer Society.” Read More

Local Farm Brings Professional Equestrianism to Moultrie County

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Photo by Keith Stewart M&M owner Marsha Harshman stands with 17-year old Danish warmblood Latino.

Photo by Keith Stewart
M&M owner Marsha Harshman stands with 17-year old Danish warmblood Latino.

November 5, 2014

One of just a few in central Illinois

by Derek Pope
Reporting Near Dunn

Tucked away between Bethany and Sullivan in a pristine slice of rural Illinois, one can find a farm not quite like the many others that surround it.

That farm, M&M Farm, is home to more than just agriculture. It houses one of the few dressage training establishments in all of central Illinois, aptly named Freedom of Movement.

Dressage, which is one of only three equestrian sports that horseback riders may compete in at the international Olympics, is more precisely a choreographed routine of movements meant to demonstrate the athleticism and discipline of both horse and rider in an artistic and visually pleasing way. It takes a lifetime of dedication for dressage trainers to compete at the highest levels and to prepare horses capable of such feats, but look no further than M&M farm to find a group of individuals who have done just that. Read More

Remembering and Looking Forward

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Photo by Barry Featheringill Barry and Karen Golden look at the contents of the time capsule that was opened last Saturday afternoon.

Photo by Barry Featheringill
Barry and Karen Golden look at the contents of the time capsule that was opened last Saturday afternoon.

November 5, 2014

Veterans memorial rededicated, time capsule opened and new one planned

by Barry Featheringill
Sullivan Reporter

On November 11, 1989 the Sullivan Veterans Memorial was dedicated to all those who have served the country starting with the Revolutionary War. Along with the dedication a time capsule was placed to be opened in 25 years. Doris Cazel’s first grade class collected items to be included in the capsule.

“Al Golden, who envisioned the veteran memorial, came to me about doing a time capsule,” explained Cazel. “He came to the class and told the children about it.” Read More

County Veterans Encouraged to Sign Up For New Honor Rewards Program

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Photo by Keith Stewart Retired Air Force First Lieutenant Dick Isaacs fills out a form to sign up for the newly offered Honor Rewards Program, which Moultrie County clerk Georgia England (pictured) along with her land records software vendor Fidlar Technologies made available recently for local veterans.

Photo by Keith Stewart
Retired Air Force First Lieutenant Dick Isaacs fills out a form to sign up for the newly offered Honor Rewards Program, which Moultrie County clerk Georgia England (pictured) along with her land records software vendor Fidlar Technologies made available recently for local veterans.

November 5, 2014

Local businesses give back through discounts

by Keith Stewart
keith@newsprogress.com

This coming Veterans Day will be marked with an extra special thank you for Moultrie County veterans.

County clerk Georgia England, along with her land records software vendor Fidlar Technologies, has recently made a program called Honor Rewards available here in Moultrie where local businesses sign up with incentives such as discounts on services such as tire repair, flower orders, etc. for local veterans. All veterans have to do is make sure their DD-214 is on file with a county clerk in the U.S. and sign up. For those actively serving, they simply have to provide a copy of their military ID card showing they are still serving. Read More

With New Ownership Millrich Outdoors Offers Essential Supplies for Hunters

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October 29, 2014

by Ariana Cherry
Arthur/Sullivan Reporter

To some, hunting is not just a sport—it’s a way of life. There’s the thrill of seeking game and then, the bonding experience between close friends and family. Beginning in October, hunters started to escape into the woods, waiting for the perfect deer or turkey. Later in November, smaller game animals such as pheasants or rabbits will become the next quest to conquer. And as all hunters know, it is essential to have the perfect tools for a successful hunt. Read More

Former Harrison Street Inn Named to Top 50 Ill. Haunts

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Photo by Keith Stewart John Stephens (front left), Timmy Valentine (middle) and Tyler Mosier (back) stand on the staircase of the former Harrison Street Inn, which was recently named to Reboot Illinois’ top 50 Most Haunted in Illinois list.

Photo by Keith Stewart
John Stephens (front left), Timmy Valentine (middle) and Tyler Mosier (back) stand on the staircase of the former Harrison Street Inn, which was recently named to Reboot Illinois’ top 50 Most Haunted in Illinois list.

October 29, 2014

What is now the Astoria Company, takes 30th most haunted

by Keith Stewart
keith@newsprogress.com

Most people like to conjure up scary stories and paranormal experiences around this time every year. But for Sullivan residents John Stephens and Timmy Valentine, it’s sort of a year-round thing.

It all started a few years ago when the Sullivan couple purchased the building at 204 E. Harrison and moved in.

First, Valentine experienced lights that would flash on and off, toilets flushing upstairs, and TVs turning on and off. But then one night, both Valentine and Stephens experienced what is today one of their most startling occurrences. Read More

Lucky’s Food and Spirits Opens in Sullivan

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Photo by Keith Stewart Amy Fultz prepares to enjoy her ribeye sandwich for lunch Tuesday at Lucky’s Food and Spirits in Sullivan.

Photo by Keith Stewart
Amy Fultz prepares to enjoy her ribeye sandwich for lunch Tuesday at Lucky’s Food and Spirits in Sullivan.

October 22, 2014

A little Luck goes a long way for new restaurant

by Keith Stewart
keith@newsprogress.com

For Danny and Marissa Luck, stepping back into the restaurant business required, well, some luck.

The husband/wife duo planned for a soft opening Tuesday, October 7 and then be in full swing the following Wednesday. Read More

New Coffee, Wine Lounge Premieres Near Square

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Photo by Keith Stewart Terrie Golden (left) receives her latte from owner Cathrine Craig Tuesday afternoon at 5 West coffee and wine lounge.

Photo by Keith Stewart
Terrie Golden (left) receives her latte from owner Cathrine Craig Tuesday afternoon at 5 West coffee and wine lounge.

October 22, 2014

5 West trying to bring the urban to the rural, while staying casual

by Keith Stewart
keith@newsprogress.com

Cathrine Craig and husband J.R. never ran or owned a coffee shop before, let alone a hybrid coffee/wine/beer shop.

So they did what anyone new to something would or should do. A lot of research.

But before ever researching espresso grinds or milk stouts or merlots, the Craigs first had to discover such an idea. Read More

Okaw Valley Weight Room Gets Pumped

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Photo by Keith Stewart Okaw Valley sophomore Connor Dotson squats Tuesday morning while Jonathan Gentry spots from behind. The new squat rack is just one of several new pieces of equipment purchased thanks to a collaborative donation effort.

Photo by Keith Stewart
Okaw Valley sophomore Connor Dotson squats Tuesday morning while Jonathan Gentry spots from behind. The new squat rack is just one of several new pieces of equipment purchased thanks to a collaborative donation effort.

October 15, 2014

Donation helps purchase new equipment

by Joash Tiarks
Bethany Reporter

The Okaw Valley High School student body’s need for updated and new weight training facilities and equipment was met at the beginning of this school year thanks to an endowment from the Gene Patient Memorial Scholarship fund and donations from Scott State Bank, Agri-Fab, and several anonymous contributors.

Most students today would not know of Gene Patient, apart from perhaps a few seniors applying for the memorial scholarship set up in his name. But as a significant portion of readers may already know, Gene Patient was an educator and football coach for 25 years with Okaw Valley. When he passed away in 2005, a memorial scholarship fund was established through contributions by members of the community to benefit at least one OVHS student with $1000 and one student from Sullivan High School with $500 each year. Read More