Category Archives: News Briefs

Energy Assistance Funds Still Available

News Progress Posted on by

•February 27 2019•

The C.E.F.S Economic Opportunity Corporation’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) still has energy assistance funding available for winter utility assistance. Any household that has applied as of October 1, 2018 or after would not be eligible to apply again unless they are being disconnected from their utility service. LIHEAP provides one-time grants to help income eligible households pay for their winter utility expenses.
C.E.F.S. began taking LIHEAP applications last October for the current program year 2019. To date in Moultrie County energy benefits totaling $132,147.00 have been approved for 252 households. The average payment per household was $524. Additionally, in Moultrie County 12 households received $8,628.00 in emergency reconnection assistance. The average reconnection assistance payment was $719. Read More

‘Mingo’d at the Lovington Library!

News Progress Posted on by

•February 27 2019•

Lovington Public Library is raising funds for its Summer Reading program. A flock of 24 flamingos will be making its way around Lovington between April 1 and May 31.
Those who do not wish to have these feathered friends in their yard should feel free to stop in the library to buy some Anti-‘Mingo Insurance. Read More

Lake Land Phi Theta Kappa

News Progress Posted on by

Lake Land Phi Theta Kappa
For the first time in the history of Lake Land College, Phi Theta Kappa has been recognized as a Five Star Chapter. Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society is a national organization that ranks campus chapters on a five star system. Pictured from left to right are Phi Theta Kappa President Sterling Howard of Windsor, Public Relations Officer Bailey Fleshner of Windsor, Advisor and Academic Counselor Krista Burrell of Mattoon, Secretary Kyra Jackson of Findlay, Honors in Action Co-chair Tanner Clark of Strasburg and Honors in Action Committee Member Trevor Elder of Sullivan. This year’s Honors in Action project was on the topic of food and security in the community.

Redskin Spirit Store Opens

News Progress Posted on by

Photo furnished
Redskin Spirit Store offers apparel now.

•February 27 2019•

This past quarter the Sullivan High School Entrepreneurship II class has been working with the administration on a new project.
Sullivan High School will now have its own gift shop, The Redskin Spirit Store. The store will be set up in the office where items may be purchased from the secretary, Nikki Cloyd, during regular office hours 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. on days when school is in session.
During the introductory phase, there will be four apparel items offered including long sleeve t-shirts, short sleeve t-shirts, crew neck sweatshirts and hooded sweatshirts all with Redskin logos.
New shipments will mean that there will be different styles and products available for purchase. All the proceeds will go back to the store to purchase new merchandise and keep the learning experience going for next year’s entrepreneurship students.
The Redskin Spirit Store is open for the community to ensure that everyone has a place to purchase Redskin apparel and, eventually, other spirit merchandise.

Windsor FFA Hosts Banquet

News Progress Posted on by

•February 27 2019•

The Windsor FFA Chapter is hosting their annual banquet and labor auction at 6:30 p.m. March 15 in the old gym of the Windsor High School.
RSVP with Emily Perry at 217-459-2636 or to perrye@windsorcusd.org.

FCCLA Members Attend Conference

News Progress Posted on by

•February 20, 2019•

Students from Sullivan High School and Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond High School attended the Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) Section 15 Leadership Conference February 12 in Charleston.  FCCLA members from eight area schools made up the nearly 115 participants in the day-long event.
The theme for the meeting was “Explore the Unexplored.” SHS members in attendance were Morgan Moll, Alexis Britton, Natalie Voyles and advisor Heather Hinton. Attending from ALAH High School were Katelyn Ahrendt, Keegan Ashenfelter, Kassidy Bissey, Adriana Burton, Kathryn Cohan, Hunter Carson, Ryli Kauffman, Jessica Renfro, Erin Schrock Meredith Schrock, Addison Tinkle, Kelly Toto, Mikayla Williams, Kara Yoder and Ginger Voegel, adviser. Read More

Menus 2-20-2019

News Progress Posted on by

Senior Peace Meal
For additional information or for reservations, please call 1-800-543-1770
Monday, February 25 - Chicken and noodles, mashed potatoes, brussels sprouts, whole grain wheat (1), apricots
Tuesday, February 26 - Shepherd’s pie w/veggies, creamy cole slaw, dinner roll, warm fruit crisp
Wednesday, February 27 - Pork chop sandwich, buttered baby baker potatoes, Mexi corn, bun, fruit juice
Thursday, February 28 - Beefy vegetable & lentil soup, sliced pears, peanut butter cup, crackers, oatmeal raisin cookie
Friday, March 1 - Mushroom crusted chicken breast, potato casserole, venetian blend vegetables, dinner roll, fresh fruit

Senior Services and Courtyard Host 11th Valentine Poetry Contest

News Progress Posted on by

•February 20, 2019•

By Cupid Valentine
for the News Progress

The Courtyard’s dining room and lobby were filled to capacity as more than 150 red clad seniors gathered for the 11th annual Valentine Poetry Contest and luncheon on February 8.
This year’s event was so successful that many had to be turned away.
The tables were decorated with red covers, clusters of red balloons and heart dishes filled with candies. Ellen Ferrera provided love-themed piano music prior to the lunch.
Courtyard’s popular and traditional meal of beef tips, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans and roll was served. Their famous made-from-scratch strawberry pie was a much- anticipated dessert; although, there were also choices of coconut and chocolate cream pies. Read More

OV Elementary Exceed Goal in Valentines for Heroes

News Progress Posted on by

•February 20, 2019•

By Ellen Ferrera
for the News Progress

Like many other congressmen Representative John Shimkus participates in the annual program of Valentines for Heroes. Each February in Illinois Boy and Girl Scouts, 4-H groups, church youth groups and elementary school children create over 10,000 valentines for military veterans.
OVES set a goal of 500 valentines, but with two days to go they were below their goal.
“I just got goosebumps when I saw these children put their hearts into creating 805 valentines to exceed their goal,” school counselor Paula Coffer said. “The big, red paper thermometer to measure their progress blew through the top, and the students were so excited. The challenge was a good experience for them.”
To reward the students, Mike Hall, Regional Director for Rep. John Shimkus, made a trip to the school to collect the big, red box containing the OVES collection of colorful Valentines. Read More

From a Scare in the Hay Loft to Cantankerous Hogs

News Progress Posted on by

•February 20, 2019•

By Evelyn Burtcheard
NP Guest Columnist

One morning Dad sent Donny to the hayloft to throw down a bale of hay. Danny of course followed Donny running as fast as they could go. It wasn’t long before the bale of hay fell to the ground.
I was to put the hay in the hay bunk for the calves to learn to eat and the cows would finish later. Donny stood in the hayloft door surveying his domain. I soon heard the boys talking in low anxious voices. Then Danny began to cry, and Donny started to yell for Dad - Danny had followed Donny up into the loft and was afraid to come down.
I was terrified that the little guy would fall, and I started yelling for him to stay back. Dad came running to the barn from hitching a team and down the hallway to where the ruckus was. He climbed the ladder to the top and helped Danny to get one leg over the edge. Then he and Danny started back down the ladder. Danny felt safe with Dad’s arms on either side as he was given time for each little hand to grip and release coming down. Dad kept telling him to not look down, to look at the top of the barn as they were climbing down. Read More