Category Archives: free news stories

Bethany VBS Trailblazes

News Progress Posted on by

•July 12, 2017•

The Bethany Community Vacation Bible School will be held 9-11:30 a.m. July 17-21 at Bethany Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

The theme is “Trailblazers for the Faith: All Signs Point to Jesus”.  Children ages PreK through those who have finished fifth grade are invited to participate. A nursery is provided as needed for all helpers.

A closing program recognizing all participants along with music and lessons learned will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, July 21 in the church. Refreshments will be served following the program.

Canned or boxed food items will be collected each day and at the closing program for the Bethany Food Pantry. The public is welcome.

VFW Voice of Democracy Competition 

News Progress Posted on by

•July 12, 2017•

Illinois Veterans of Foreign Wars State Commander Jeffrey Hastings announced the kick-off of this year’s VFW’s Voice of Democracy Scholarship competition. Illinois high school students have the opportunity to compete for thousands of dollars in scholarships and a trip to Washington, D.C.

Students must write and record a three-to-five minute essay on the selected theme using an audio CD or flash drive and present their recording, typed essay and completed entry form to their local VFW Post by October 31. The 2017-18 theme selected is “American History: Our Hope for the Future.” Students begin by competing at the local Post level, then Post winners compete at the district level with the winner advancing to the state competition.

All state first-place winners receive a four day trip to Washington, D.C. and the chance to compete for their share of more than $150,000 in scholarships. The first-place winner receives a $30,000 college scholarship.

Interested students and teachers should contact the Voice of Democracy Chairman at your local VFW Post or the Illinois State Voice of Democracy Director Robert McLeod by phone at (708) 363-7462 or email at rock76@yahoo.com for more information.

For details visit: www.vfw.org/VOD.

Band Featured At Benefit

News Progress Posted on by

•July 12, 2017•

A benefit to assist George Grady will be from 1-6 p.m. Saturday, July 22 at Jerry’s East End in Lovington.

The benefit will feature music by Concealed Carry Band along with a 50/50 raffle, silent auction and bags tournament.

Everyone is invited to bring lawn chairs. The event will be held in the empty lot next to the bar.

Student Loan Workshop Offered by C.E.F.S.

News Progress Posted on by

•July 12, 2017•

C.E.F.S. will host a Student Loan Workshop August 1 from 2:30-3:30 p.m. at 1805 S. Banker St. in Effingham.

This workshop will provide basic information on student loans and ways to cut down on the amount borrowed for a college education. Contact Michelle at 618-283-2631 or mhooks@cefseoc.org to RSVP with any questions.

City of Sullivan Clean Up Days

News Progress Posted on by

•July 5, 2017•

The city of Sullivan has authorized July 15 and 22 as City Clean Up Days.

The location of a citizen’s residence determines which day their items will be collected.

Items for all residents who live north of Harrison Street and on Pifers Ln. will be picked up Saturday, July 15. Those living south of Harrison Street will be serviced Saturday, July 22.

Those not living in the corporate city limits are not eligible to participate in the clean up day; therefore, any items set out will not be picked up.

Items must be on the curb by 7 a.m.

Items not accepted for City Wide Clean Up pickup include but are not limited to include tires of any kind or size; car parts or components of any kind; solvents such as paints, oils, fuels, and thinners; yard waste such as clippings, trimmings, leaves, limbs, and branches; batteries; fluorescent light tubes; concrete, bricks, and rocks; burnt material/ashes of any kind; appliances (stoves, refrigerators, dishwashers, water heaters, dryers, freezers, and air conditioning units).

Waste electronic equipment such as computers, monitors, and televisions; asbestos materials/hazardous waste; petroleum-contaminated soil; industrial waste; chemicals; herbicides and pesticides; radioactive materials; flammable liquids; propane tanks or equipment; motor oil; transmission oil; lubricants/hydraulic oil/oil filters/contaminated; oils (mixed with solvents &/or gasoline); antifreeze; lead paint chips; railroad ties; medical waste; animals; and liquids are also not acceptable.

Lovington Legion has Early Bird Invite

News Progress Posted on by

•July 5, 2017•

Early Bird for the Lovington American Legion family will be held Saturday, July 8 with doors opening at 10 a.m.

Members of the Legion, Auxiliary and S.A.L. are encouraged to stop by the Post and pay dues for the upcoming year. Free food and refreshments are provided for new and renewing members. Installation of officers will be held at 1 p.m

Correction

News Progress Posted on by

•July 5, 2017•

In the June 28 edition of the News Progress it was reported that Marie Yokley, who turned 87 on July 2, was born in 1987. She, of course, was born July 2, 1930.

The News Progress apologizes for this error.

Sec. of State Unit at Library 

News Progress Posted on by

•July 5, 2017•

Secretary of State Jesse White, in cooperation with Sullivan Library, is offering drivers a chance to renew their driver’s license or vehicle registration renewal sticker, obtain a duplicate or corrected license, or obtain an Illinois identification card. White’s mobile unit will be available at the Sullivan Library, located at 2 West Water in Sullivan, on July 20 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

“I am pleased to work with the Sullivan Library to bring my office’s services directly to the people,” said White. “This is another example of how my office continues to use technology as an ally to improve upon the delivery of services to Illinois residents.”

An applicant renewing a current Illinois driver’s license or identification card need only present a current valid driver’s license or identification card. If the applicant is applying for either a duplicate or corrected driver’s license or identification card the applicant must present two forms of identification. To find out what documents are considered acceptable identification, please call 217-782-7044 or visit the Illinois Secretary of States website at:

http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/publications/pdf_publications/dsd_x173.pdf.

Benefit for Local Breast Cancer Survivor

News Progress Posted on by

•July 5, 2017•

The Sullivan V.F.W. is having a fund raising benefit and auction for Michelle Watts Saturday, July 8. Doors open at 1 p.m., and auction begins at 2 p.m.

The meal is being donated by Griffins’ BBQ Crew Catering.

Michelle Watts is an ADM employee and a 48-year old single parent whose life was given an unimaginable curve ball September 18, 2014 when she received the news that she had Stage 4 Inflammatory Breast Cancer. From that point on, everything focused on a mountain of information, appointments and tests, all the while trying to keep life together for her then five and 15 year old children.

Inflammatory Breast Cancer “IBC”, is a rare kind of breast cancer that is undetectable through a mammogram, which she had just six months prior.

“IBC” is an aggressive cancer that moves through cells. It is not a mass or lump that can be removed immediately. In Watts’ case, surgery was not the first course of action as it is for many people. Chemo was first, then surgery, then radiation and then more chemo. Routine doctor appointments and medical expenses continue to this day.

July Fourth Celebrated in Sullivan

News Progress Posted on by

•June 28, 2017•

Sullivan Fourth of July celebration begins June 30 with the Sullivan American Legion presenting Conner Family Amusements of Beardstown for the first time.

Unlimited ride armbands are $25 for June 30-July 4th activities.

Enjoy rides, food, games, the Fourth of July parade and fireworks from Central States Fireworks of Athens.

Parade line up begins at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 4 behind Sullivan High School. The American Legion coordinated Fourth of July parade kicks off at  noon.

Parade participants will enjoy a free meal prepared by Terry Warren and hosted by the Legion at Post 68 at the end of the parade route.

Wyman Park is the scene of the action with turtle races starting at 2:00 p.m. by the tennis courts. Watermelon eating contest is immediately following turtle races. The park games end with the sack races.

As the sun goes down activities move toward the lake where Central States Fireworks concludes the evening with a giant fireworks display at dark, thanks to generous donations from throughout the community.

The American Legion, Auxiliary, Sons of American Legion, Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts all pitch in to make the Fourth of July in Sullivan special.

Anyone wishing to donate to the Post 68 Fourth Celebration may mail checks to Post 68, PO Box 526, Sullivan, IL