•June 14, 2017•
George A. Sentel Masonic Lodge #764 in Sullivan is celebrating the 300th anniversary of Free Masonary with an open house from 1:00-3:00 p.m. Saturday, June 24 at the Jefferson Street Lodge.
Masonic Lodges all over the world will celebrate the 300th anniversary on the same date. The George A. Sentel lodge encourages the public to attend where they may view the history of Masons in Sullivan and the remodeled facility while enjoying refreshments.
•June 14, 2017•
Lovington Junefest is Friday, June 16 at Tom Conn Park with a grand finale of fireworks at dusk at the football field.
Events at Tom Conn Park start at 4:30 and run through 7:00 p.m. with fireworks at the old high school football field beginning at dusk.
Local singers Jean Dulik, Steve Fleming, Dennis Garmon, Angie Krapf, and Shari Schable’s Collage of Faith group will perform from 4:00-8:00 p.m. Kids can enjoy the free Bounce House while adults enjoy shopping in the park.
Veterans eat free.
•June 7, 2017•
Decatur Memorial Hospital and Stryker Orthopaedics will host a free seminar on joint pain, featuring Professional Golfer and Stryker GetAroundKnee® recipient, Fred Funk at 3 p.m. on Monday, June 12, in the Classroom Complex at the hospital. Local orthopedic surgeons will also be available to answer questions and discuss arthritis of the hip and knee, non-surgical and surgical joint pain treatment options and Mako-™ Robotic-Arm Assisted Surgery
Light refreshments will be provided. Call 217-876-2850 to register.
•June 7, 2017•
The Great Pumpkin Patch will host the second Back Forty Market Friday and Saturday, June 9-10.
Back Forty Market is a pop-up style market of more than 60 vendors created by The Great Pumpkin Patch and Hobnob Market. The market is a celebration of vintage and handcrafted goods, artisan foods, live music, local wine and more.
Friday night’s “Pickin’ At The Patch” party will be from 4-9 pm. This is an opportunity to enjoy twilight on the farm and get first dibs on all the best finds plus live music, and great giveaways. Saturday, the market will continue from 9 am–4 pm.
Wine will be served by The Little Theater on the Square as a fundraiser for the theater. Friday night tickets may be purchased online at www.backfortymarket.com or at The Homestead Bakery.
•June 7, 2017•
Sullivan American Legion Post 68 will conduct a flag retirement ceremony at 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 14.
Bring flags in need of proper retirement to the American Legion prior to the date. Ceremony will be on the south lawn at the American Legion Hall on Main Street.
Everyone is welcome to attend the ceremony.
•June 7, 2017•
The Sullivan townwide rummage sale begins Friday, June 9 and continues through Saturday, June 10.
It is that time of year when the residents of Sullivan get to combine their efforts and see what they have lying around they don’t need and might earn a little money.
Dig in those basements, garages and closets, break out what could be a treasure for some Sullivan townwide rummage sale shopper in June.
Don’t forget the Lincoln Trail boy Scouts cook out both days on the Sullivan IGA parking lot.
Townwide rummage is sponsored by First Community Bank, Sullivan IGA and the News Progress.
Ads are on Page 5.
•June 7, 2017•
The Moultrie-Douglas County Fair Association is seeking exhibitors to fill the Merchant’s Building during the 87th annual fair set for July 9–15 in Arthur.
The Merchant’s Building has been a gathering, meeting, and connecting point since 1955, and this year will be no different.
For the 2017 fair, attendees will be able to see new trucks, cars, utility tractors, lawn and garden equipment, as well as the prize winners representing agriculture, arts, collectables, and foods.
The Moultrie-Douglas County Fair continues the tradition in family entertainment featuring Country Music Artist, JoDee Messina, The Big Hat Rodeo, ITPA Tractor Pulling, queen pageants, carnival, and the great fair food.
Anyone desiring to exhibit in the Merchant’s Building, should call Jim Fleming at 217-791-1026.
•May 31, 2017•
The city of Sullivan has issued a warning about a phone scam. It has been reported that somebody has been contacting city residents and businesses claiming to be an employee of the city of Sullivan threatening to shut the power off without prompt payment over the phone.
Be aware that these are NOT valid threats and are NOT coming from the city of Sullivan. The city of Sullivan does not call and threaten customers in this manner.
•May 31, 2017•
Sullivan City Council met in special session Thursday, May 22 approving an HMO employee health insurance option with CF&H Insurance of Sullivan as agent of record, replacing Wells Fargo.
City Administrator Dan Flannell reported options to city council for repairing the existing city tennis courts. Motion was made by Mike Mossman to continue with the original $18,560 bid to repair cracks and resurface.
Flannell noted the contractor explained the condition of the existing surface would see a recurrence of cracking within five years.
A more extensive repair which would cost $61,210 was discussed but determined that competitive bidding timeframe might prevent any repairs this year.
Sullivan Economic Development and Chamber Director Laurrie Minor presented the Our Town proposal from WCIA television in Champaign. Minor noted the city had an opportunity to participate along with local businesses.
Questions were raised about the overall value of the program as a way to attract visitors to the city.
Total cost of the Our Town spots was $1950 with Commissioner Jerry Risley moving the city contribute $500 toward that participation. Commissioners Wade, Risley, Mossman and mayor Short voted for and commissioner Kirk against.
Meeting adjourned with mayor Ann Short, commissioners Grant Wade, Mike Kirk, Jerry Risley and Mike Mossman attending.
•May 31, 2017•
Jeff Lane of Sullivan recently celebrated his 35th service anniversary with LSC Communications.
Lane was hired in 1982 as an apprentice preliminary technician and became a journeyman in 1984. He was promoted to Advanced Craft Preliminary Craftsman in 1985 and then became MMP Preliminary Specialist in 1997. He is currently Prelim/Prepress Operator II.
Lane and his wife Karen have two children Jenny and Kyler and four grandchildren.
The previous story incorrectly reported Jeff’s wife as Linda. Our apologies to Karen and Linda.