The News Progress has decided to begin offering obituaries that are received after we go to press, online and for free Wednesdays through Fridays.

Since the NP often times receives obituaries after we print the paper on Wednesdays, we formerly held those obits to run the following week. The dilemma, however, was if the visitation and/or funeral was held prior to our next issue, readers were not being given the information in a timely manner.

To alleviate this issue, we will be posting all obituaries received between each Wednesday through Friday on our website, www.newsprogress.com. These obituaries will include minimal information, including name, age, place of birth, and any visitation/funeral information. The complete obituaries will still run in our print edition the following week.

For more information or questions, call the NP at 728-7381 or contact Keith Stewart at keith@newsprogress.com.

Arthur
Thurs., Oct. 31 5-8 p.m.

Bethany
Thurs., Oct. 31 6-9 p.m.

Dalton City
Thurs., Oct. 31 5-9 p.m.

Findlay 
Thurs., Oct. 31 6-8 p.m.

Lovington
Thurs., Oct. 31 4-8 p.m.
Includes businesses from 4-6 p.m.
Residential 5-8 p.m.

Sullivan
Thurs., Oct. 30 & 31
Residential 6-8 p.m.
Thurs., Oct. 31
SCED/Safe 4-6 p.m.
Parade: Oct. 31, 6 p.m.

Windsor
Thurs., Oct. 31 6-8 p.m.

The Illinois Judges Association is putting the focus on lawyer donated legal work by issuing a resolution recognizing October 20-26, as Pro Bono Week. According to IJA President Mary Schostok, “The judges in this state see daily that our citizens have unmet legal needs. Our judges are actively involved in promoting and support equal access to justice through support of the Illinois Supreme Court’s Access to Justice Commission and our efforts to provide education, advice, and representation to meet the increasing need. The Illinois Judges Association is dedicated to encouraging pro bono service and congratulates and thanks these volunteers by issuing this resolution.” 

The resolution that was adopted by the officers of the Illinois Judges Association is designed to draw attention to the enormous amount of public service work done in communities throughout Illinois by lawyers and judges to improve the lives of their friends and neighbors. In 2012, more than 30,000 Illinois attorneys provided 2,142,527 hours of pro bono service through services to persons of limited means or the organizations who serve them and through providing training to lawyers who provide the pro bono services. Also, in 2012, Illinois attorneys and judges made monetary contribution to pro bono service organizations totalling nearly $16 million.

The fourth week in October has been designated by the American Bar Association as pro bono week as an effort to showcase pro bono work across the state and the country.

The resolution states “that the Illinois Judges Association recognizes the week of October 20-26, 2013, as Pro Bono Week, commends Illinois attorneys and judges for their ongoing pro bono contributions, and encourages judges to inspire attorneys to engage in pro bono work in order to make a significant difference in the lives of Illinoisans who would not otherwise have access to the legal system; and further urges all Illinoisans to recognize the contribution of the legal community helping those most in need.”

Courtyard Estates of Sullivan will be hosting its 2nd annual Seniors & Heroes breakfast on Friday October 25 from 8 - 10 a.m. All area seniors are invited to enjoy a complimentary breakfast buffet while visiting with members of the Sullivan Police Department, the Sullivan Fire Department, and the Moultrie County Sheriffs Department. Courtyard’s Dietary Manager, Melissa Hughes, and her staff will be serving biscuits and gravy, bacon, sausage, and fresh fruit. For more information contact Erika Piper at 728-4300.

The junior class at Okaw Valley High School invites all first graders through adults to play in a dodge ball tournament Saturday, November 2. The proceeds will benefit prom 2014. For more information or to access registration forms, go to okawvalley.org. The registration deadline is Monday, October 28.