Category Archives: free news stories

Foodmobile in Sullivan Saturday

News Progress Posted on by
January 28, 2015

The Eastern Illinois Foodbank will be distributing a truckload of food to hungry area families at the Sullivan VFW Post 6410 (1146 State Hwy 32, Sullivan) on January 31 from 10 a.m. to noon. All Moultrie County residents who meet income eligibility criteria are welcome (see below).
Those attending are asked to bring bags or boxes to transport food.
The distribution is part of the Foodbank’s Foodmobile Program, a system of mobile food pantries designed to help bring nutritious food to areas of chronic or extreme need.
Through the program, local companies and organizations are invited to contribute toward a one-day distribution of food and optionally participate in the distribution process.
The cost to partner with the Foodbank on a Foodmobile distribution is $2,500.
The Foodmobile distribution comes at a critical moment for area residents. Data released by Feeding America, the nation’s network of food banks, shows that a staggering 14.5% of people in eastern Illinois are considered food insecure, which means they sometimes lack adequate access to food. More shockingly, over 21% of children are food insecure. (http://feedingamerica.org/hunger-in-america/hunger-studies/map-the-meal-gap.aspx)
All eligible residents of Moultrie County needing food are welcome to attend the Foodmobile distribution.
To be eligible, a household must have an income at or below 185% of the federal poverty level, or approximately $3,677 per month for a family of four. Full eligibility criteria are listed below.
Other area Foodmobile distributions can be found by visiting the Foodbank’s website at www.eifoodbank.org and clicking “find help.”
Maximum monthly income per eligible household:Table

Findlay Dec. Blood Drive Meets Its Goal

News Progress Posted on by
January 21, 2015

An American Red Cross blood drive was held Dec. 9 at the Findlay American Legion. The blood drive surpassed its goal of 15 by one. A total of 18 people came in to give blood and 16 pints were collected. Mike Tucker was recognized as a first time donor. Milestones were reached by Ron McClain - seven gallons, Charlene Gravens - eight gallons, and George Bollinger - 17 gallons.
The next blood drive will be a Valentine blood drive which will be held Feb. 4 from 2-6 at the Findlay American Legion.

Lovington Preschool Round Up 2015

News Progress Posted on by
January 21, 2014

If your child is between the ages of birth to five years old the Lovington School District and Project H.E.L.P. (Helping Educate Little People) will offer free Preschool Screenings February 10 at the United Methodist Church, 241 South Broadway St., Lovington. The free preschool screening is to see how your child is developing in the areas of concepts, motor, speech and language. The free developmental screening lasts about one hour. Call Nancy Wildman at 873-4318 for an appointment or more information.

Sixth Poker Tournament Fundraiser Jan. 24

News Progress Posted on by
January 21, 2015

American Legion Post 507 in Bethany will host its 6th Poker Tournament Fundraiser on Saturday, January 24th. The event will benefit students at Okaw Valley High School through academic scholarships awarded annually. The Texas Hold’em poker tournament starts at noon and has limited seating so early registration is advised. All players will be eligible to win door prizes donated by local businesses. Pork burgers and refreshments will be available for purchase at the event.
For more information or to pre-register, please contact legionpoker@hotmail.com or view us on Facebook at “American Legion 507 Poker Group.”

Blood Drive in Sullivan Jan. 10

News Progress Posted on by

The American Red Cross and Sullivan Church of God will sponsor a blood drive 8 a.m.-1 p.m. January 10 at the Sullivan Church of God located at 321 N. West Street (behind Neal Tire). During the holiday season, blood supplies are desperately needed. One unit of blood can help up to three people in need.

For an appointment, call Jeri Davis, Drive Coordinator, at 273-9456. Walk-ins are welcome, but an appointment will ensure adequate staffing is available and wait time is reduced.

Community Activities at Lovington Public Library

News Progress Posted on by
January 7, 2015

The Lovington Public Library District is offering upcoming community activities:

• “Learn How to Knit or Crochet” returned Monday January 5 from 6-7:30 p.m. and will meet every Monday night that the library is open. The class is monitored by Jan Voss, a local patron, who is eager to help anyone wanting to learn how to knit or crochet, is presently working on a home project and may have questions about it, or wishes to bring his or her project and sit and talk with those present.

• “Wee Readers” Pre-School Storytime for ages two and older. Storytime will be offered each Thursday morning beginning on Thursday January 15 from 10-10:30 a.m.. The dates and themes are as follows: Jan. 15 “Snow”, Jan. 22 “Mittens & Gloves”, Jan. 29 “Penguins”.

• “Bob Ross Painting Class” Painter Jim Rhodes will conduct a Bob Ross painting class at the library on Saturday Jan. 17 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Participants are asked to call the library to register for this class by 1p.m. Thursday January 15. Participants are asked to bring their own lunch and a roll of paper towels. There is a fee associated with this class.

• “Blood Pressure/Foot Clinic” at the Library on Wednesday Jan. 28. Call the Moultrie County Health Dept. for an appointment at 728-4114.

For more information about these activities call the Lovington Public Library at 873-4468.

Corrections

News Progress Posted on by

In the December 17 issue of the NP, the paper erred in citing that the city of Sullivan approved a $680,000 TIF participation loan for the Red Apple. This was incorrect, as the total project cost is $680,000. The loans amounted to one made by First Mid Illinois Bank & Trust for $125,000 and another from TIF in the amount of $125,000 for a total loan package of $250,000.
In the December 3 issue of the NP, the paper erred in citing that the city of Sullivan had increased revenue from property taxes by $2.3 million over the previous year. This was incorrect, as the city’s total property tax revenue, including TIF monies, came to a total of just over $2.3 million. The increase itself came to just over $96,000, again, including TIF monies. The News•Progress apologizes for these oversights.

Yeakel Honored

News Progress Posted on by
December 31, 2014

Country Financial recently donated $1,000 to Theta Psi Sorority in honor of Noelle Yeakel of Bethany.
“Country cares about the communities in which we operate, and we’re proud of our employee and financial representative volunteers,” says Steve Denault, Country Financial executive vice president of Enterprise Business Services. “Country was founded on the principle of people helping people. Noelle’s volunteerism is an inspiring example of how our people work to strengthen their communities.”
Yeakel was honored with the organization’s Community Service Award, a distinction created to recognize volunteers who go above and beyond in their volunteer activities.
In her local chapter, Yeakel is the first one there and the last one to leave – driven by her passion for supporting the arts. She volunteers for every committee and has held many offices at both the local and state chapter levels. Currently, she is treasurer and has started the Bethany Quarter Auction to raise funds for different charities each month. She also serves in her church and is a Mount Zion Chamber of Commerce ambassador.
A committee of people from different areas of the company selected Yeakel, service assistant for Macon Agency (Ill.), for her outstanding devotion to Theta Psi Sorority.

Mobile Mammography Jan. 14

News Progress Posted on by
December 31, 2014

Sarah Bush Lincoln’s Mobile Mammography Services will be at the SBL Sullivan Clinic January 14.
The mobile mammography van is available to all women regardless of their financial status. Women with insurance that covers their yearly mammogram are also welcome. Women who qualify will receive their mammogram free.
To make an appointment for a mammogram on the mobile van call 1-800-639-5929.

Bood Drive Jan. 13 in Lovington

News Progress Posted on by
December 31, 2014

The First Church of God Community Building will be the site of a blood drive January 13.
The building is located at 232 W. State Street in Lovington, and the blood drive will be held from 3-7 p.m.
For an appointment call Larry Williams at 358-4947 or Harold Renfro at 873-4332. The blood drive is sponsored by the American Legion. Those planning to donate are asked to eat a healthy meal and drink an extra 16 oz. of water and fluids before giving blood. A photo ID or blood donor card or two other forms of ID are also reqested.