Category Archives: News Briefs

On Homophones and the Duality of Woman

News Progress Posted on by

•May 4, 2022•
By Jim Baumann
NP Guest Writer

Take a look at this spirited description of the film “Dual” from The Washington Post:
“Set in the near future, this sci-fi drama is a horrific cautionary tale about the meaning of life. Karen Gillan stars as a young woman who contracts an incurable disease; has a clone made of herself; then goes into remission and must fight her clone in a televised duel to the death. Did we mention it’s a comedy?”
First, that is a movie I just have to see. But that’s not why it’s mentioned in this column.
Clearly, the title of this film plays off the notion that there are “dual” versions of the young woman — her original self and her clone. Because she and her clone must “duel” to the death, perhaps those of you who have trouble remembering which spelling pairs with which meaning could use this as a mnemonic. Read More

Remember When? 5-4-2022

News Progress Posted on by

25 Years Ago This Week

Lucia Roney of Bethany became a US citizen. She could have become a citizen automatically when she and her husband Paul Roney were married in 1975. However in 1996, she received a letter from the Brazilian consulate that she no longer had to give up her Brazilian citizenship to become a citizen of another country.
The previous summer Sullivan made regional headlines with its innovative downtown skating program for teens. Because of a $4,900 grant that year, the teen recreation program was expanded year round with activities such as a volleyball league, roller hockey, fresh air dances, movies in the park, teen nights, a card club and a chess club. Read More

2022 Windsor High School Prom Court

News Progress Posted on by

Photo furnished
2022 Windsor High School Prom Court
Windsor High School recently announced their 2022 Prom Court. Front Row: (left to right) Cameron Hughes, Karlie Bean, and Emma Nichols. Back Row (left to right): Brogan Bartimus, Jack Welsh, and Landen Miller. Prom will take place at Mason Point in Sullivan on Saturday, May 7th. Coronation will start at 7:30 pm with the dance following. This year’s theme is Black and Gold.

Sullivan High School Prom Court

News Progress Posted on by

Photo by Wurtsbaugh Photography
Sullivan High School Prom Court
Sullivan High School held prom on Saturday, April 23. Pictured are royalty and court members (from left to right): Kahlil Walker, Ryan Villalobos, Alyssa Shriver, Natalie Turnbaugh (Queen), Hayden Nodine (King), Jayden Troxell, Morgan Moll, Lilly Graham, Leyton Ellis (2021 King), and Taylor Orris (2022 Queen).

SHS Athlete of the Month

News Progress Posted on by

Photo furnished
SHS Athlete of the Month
Cassidy Short was named the SHS Athlete of the Month for March for her performance in track. Per Coach Taylor: “Cassidy was one of the only girl student athletes that attended the off-season strength and conditioning workouts on a consistent basis, and that proved to pay off as she finished in 5th place in the Long Jump at the Indoor Prep Top Times meet. As a returning letter winner, Cassidy has grown into a strong leader on and off the track. From the first day of practice, she took the initiative to lead the team in our warm-up drills and continues to hold her teammates accountable for giving their best efforts day in and day out. She always brings a positive attitude to practice and is always encouraging to her fellow teammates. With a work ethic that is unmatched, Cassidy is willing to be placed in any event that will help out the team the most.” Cassidy received a certificate and $20 in Chamber Bucks that can be spent at local businesses.

SHS Activity Member of the Month

News Progress Posted on by

Photo furnished
SHS Activity Member of the Month
Natalie Squires has been named the SHS Activity Member of the Month for March for her performance in band. Per Mr. Tripp: “Natalie has been a wonderful addition to Sullivan Bands the last year. Her dedication to music and leadership have been nothing short of outstanding. Natalie has not only worked hard to get better in jazz and improvisation, she is also spearheading a quartet for the upcoming Solo and Ensemble contest in April. I will truly be sad to see her go along with her positive attitude and hardworking demeanor.” Natalie received a certificate and $20 in Chamber Bucks that can be spent at local businesses.

Diamond Rio headlines Moultrie-Douglas County Fair

News Progress Posted on by

•April 27, 2022•
The Moultrie-Douglas County Fair Board is excited to announce Diamond Rio in concert for the 2022 county fair. This Grammy-Award winning country group has sold over 10 million albums and will be coming to Arthur on Saturday, July 9. Local favorite Feudin’ Hillbillys are set to open the show at 7:00 pm. followed by Diamond Rio at 8:30. Read More

Walters Joins Peoples Bank & Trust Board of Directors

News Progress Posted on by

•April 27, 2022•
Peoples Bank & Trust, and its holding company, People First Bancshares, Inc., recently announced that Brittany D. Walters has been appointed as a Director.
Brittany D. Walters is Chief Financial Officer of MCC Network Services, LLC d/b/a Metro Communications Company, headquartered in Sullivan, IL. Metro Communications is a facility-based provider of wholesale telecommunications services including SIP and TDM voice, IP, transport, cellular backhaul, Ethernet/Layer 2, wavelengths and dark services. The company operates over 3,500 mile middle mile network enabling Enterprise, Wholesale and Retail FTTH services throughout Illinois. Read More

Capital Recap: Pritzker Signs $46 Billion Budget into Law

News Progress Posted on by

•April 27, 2022•
By Capital News Illinois

Gov. JB Pritzker signed his final first-term budget into law Tuesday, a roughly $46 billion spending plan buoyed by pandemic-driven revenue windfalls and a current-year surplus that helped the state pay down debts and offer temporary tax relief.
The plan includes $500 million beyond statutory requirements to the state’s beleaguered pension funds; $1 billion to the state’s “rainy day” fund which currently has a balance of just $27 million; and an estimated $1.8 billion in tax relief, much of which is temporary.
The budget also includes a one-year suspension on the state’s grocery tax ($400 million), A one-time 5 percent property tax rebate up to $300 per household ($520 million), and a 10-day sales tax holiday for back-to-school items and clothing from Aug. 5-14 ($50 million).
Another $685 million would fund one-time direct rebate checks at $50 per individual and $100 per dependent, up to three, for individuals earning $200,000 or less or joint filers earning $400,000 or less. Read More