Category Archives: free news stories

Secretary of State Offices

News Progress Posted on by

•August 21, 2019•

Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White announced that all offices and facilities open Monday to Friday will be closed Monday, September 2, while facilities open Tuesday to Saturday will be closed Saturday, August 31, in observance of Labor Day.
All Driver Services facilities will be open for business Tuesday, September 3.
Individuals can visit the Secretary of State’s website, www.cyberdriveillinois.com, to locate the nearest Driver Services facility and the hours of operation. In addition, drivers can change an address, register to become an organ and tissue donor or renew license plate stickers online.

Arthur Library Native Life

News Progress Posted on by

•August 21, 2019•

Have you ever imagined living in a different time and culture where life depended on hunting and gathering skills?
Learn more about what life was like for the Native Americans who inhabited Illinois and about how they used natural resources native to this region when Rock Springs Nature Center presents “Native American Life-Ways” at the Arthur Public Library at 1 p.m. Saturday, September 7.
This presentation is free to attend but seating is limited. Call the library at 217-543-2037 to reserve a spot.

Jesse White Encourages Organ/Tissue Donation

News Progress Posted on by

•August 14, 2019•
Secretary of State Jesse White hosted the National Minority Donor Awareness Week event “Wave Away the Waiting” to promote organ/tissue donation for multicultural communities. White was joined by donor recipients and families.
“We are working together to end the wait for those in need of organ donation,” said White. “Unfortunately, minorities are in great need of organ transplants, yet they donate at a lower rate. I encourage everyone to register to become an organ/tissue donor to help give the gift of life to someone in need.”
Nationally, people of color comprise 59 percent of the waiting list for organ transplants; however, this year they accounted for only 33 percent of those who donated organs, according to the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network.
According to the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network: Read More

Heroes’ Day Festival Honors Emergency Responders

News Progress Posted on by

•August 14, 2019•

Heroes’ Day Festival is from 5-9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24 at Green Mill Village in Arcola. The event ends with a lighted emergency vehicle parade.
The festival and Touch-a-Truck experience honors everyday heroes: police, fire, EMS, 911 dispatchers, veterans, serving military and more.
This is free admission event honors local heroes by joining with the community for a hands-on experience including transportation and gear. In addition to Touch-a-Truck and meet and greet heroes the event offers inflatables for the kids, huge water balloon fight, foam pit and splash sprinkler, face painting, touch and wear firefighter gear, K-9 demonstration, live music, food trucks and more.

Lovington Library Hosts Workshop

News Progress Posted on by

•August 14, 2019•

SAIL, Soyland Access to Independent Living, will host a workshop introducing the Scams, Fraud and ID Theft 3-4:30 p.m. Monday, September 9 at Lovington Public Library, 110 W. State Street in Lovington.
The presenter is Ross Breckenridge, Outreach Coordinator with the state of Illinois comptroller’s office.
The workshop is free; reservations are not required. For more information call Betty Watkins, SAIL Rural Outreach Coordinator, at 774-4322.

Correction

News Progress Posted on by

•August 14, 2019•

In the August 7, 2019 News Progress the page 8 story “Art Welsh’s Senior Center Board Service is Celebrated” story by Ellen Ferrera incorrectly stated that current Executive Director Kathi Garvey began working at the Thrifty Boutique in high school. Garvey did not work at the Thrifty Boutique in high school. She worked with Art Welsh for 14 years. We regret the errors.

Til the Lights Go Out for LHS 50th

News Progress Posted on by

•August 14, 2019•
By David Bowers
for LHS Alumni

The Lovington High School class of 1969 is celebrating its 50th year anniversary during the LHS Homecoming this year.
Join them at the Sullivan VFW south of Sullivan on IL 32 Friday, September 27 from 5 p.m. until the lights go out.
There will be a class picture and celebration of life for our departed class members followed by a catered dinner with 50’s and 60’s music in the background as participants reminisce. The classes of 1967, 1968, 1970 and 1971, as well as any other alumni and friends, are invited to attend. Read More

Moultrie Co. Relay for Life Spreads Hope

News Progress Posted on by

•August 14, 2019•

“The Moultrie County Relay for Life went well! I would like to thank all that made the event a great day,” chairman Adam McReynolds said.
The Saturday, August 10 event held at the Sullivan High School track raised $38,877.32 so far and donations are still being accepted to help meet this year’s $44,800 goal, McReynolds emphasized.
One of the three new teams that joined this year, Team Whyatt Yarnell, made the day memorable with Yarnell’s team using luminary bags to spell out the word HOPE in the visitor bleachers for the closing ceremony.
McReynolds also appreciates all the sponsors: West and Company, Pepsi Midamerica, Hydro-Gear, Bruder Tank, Central Illinois Crematory, Dedicated Realty, Metro Communications, Agri-Fab, Country Financial, Scott State Bank, Sullivan Fire District, First Community Bank, Wood Insurance, Moultrie County Pest Control, Sons of American Legion Post 68 and AmBucs.
To make a donation, go to RelayForLife.org/moultrieil or call 1-800-227-2345.

Okaw Farmers Coop Meets

News Progress Posted on by

•August 7, 2019•

The Okaw Farmers Cooperative, Inc’s. 14th annual member and shareholders meeting is Thursday, August 15 at Yoder’s Kitchen Restaurant in Arthur.
A dinner will be served between 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. preceding the business meeting which will start around 7 p.m.
Tony Brown, president of the Board of Directors of Okaw Farmers Cooperative, will outline goals for the company’s future.
Dave Kieffer, General Manager, will discuss the operations of the company.

Steam Threshing Days Return

News Progress Posted on by

•August 7, 2019•

Steam Threshing Days at the Illinois Amish Heritage Center near Arthur drew area crowds to experience Amish farming operations while also enjoying breakfast and supper during the Aug. 2 and 3 event.
The horse treadmill and broom corn threshing were new additions for the annual gathering.
On Saturday a pancake. liverwurst, and sausage breakfast was served followed by Terry Warren Catering of Sullivan serving up fried chicken, mashed potatoes, noodles and a drink to keep visitors’ energy level up as they toured the facilities. Photo by Ellen Ferrera