•December 19, 2018•

By Jack Myers
Social Security Public Affairs Specialist

Social Security is here to help secure today and tomorrow by providing benefits and financial protection for millions of people. This assistance allows people with severe disabilities and health conditions to take care of the necessities of living, such as food, shelter, and medications. It is imperative that we continue to protect the integrity of the disability program for everyone by ensuring we make the correct decision on each claim. However, if you do not agree with our decision, you can ask us to take another look by filing an appeal.
Generally, there are four appeal levels: 1) Reconsideration, 2) Hearing, 3) Appeals Council Review, and 4) Federal Court Review. At the Reconsideration level, someone who did not make the first decision on your claim will conduct a review and accept any additional evidence. Please note, in some states, appeals may proceed directly to the next step – the hearing.
If you disagree with the reconsideration decision, you can file another appeal and your case will go to the hearing level.

Unsolicited donations often become the “Second Disaster”

•December 12, 2018•

The tornadoes that struck Christian County on December 1 have tugged at the heartstrings of many local communities and interest groups. While there is no doubt that the affected communities will have a long road to recovery, state and local officials have an urgent warning for those who are currently collecting donations for tornado survivors.
“Words cannot express our gratitude for the generosity of our friends and neighbors in this time of need,” said Taylorville mayor, Bruce Barry. “But at this time, please refrain from sending unsolicited items such as toys, clothes or other materials.  The time will come when these items are needed, but at this time our critical need is for monetary donations.” Read More

Senior Peace Meal

For additional information or for reservations, please call 1-800-543-1770

Monday, December 17 - Roasted turkey, mashed potatoes w/gravy, green bean casserole, dressing, peaches
Tuesday, December 18 - Chili beans, mixed lettuce salad w/dressing packet, crackers, waldorf salad
Wednesday, December 19 - Beef stroganoff over noodles, corn, broccoli, whole grain wheat, banana
Thursday, December 20 - Ham, frosted sweet potatoes, midair blend veggies, dinner roll, cranberry gelatin salad
Friday, December 21 - Liver and onions, scalloped potatoes, buttered peas, graham crackers, whole grain wheat, dreamsicle gelatin

•December 12, 2018•

R. Eden Martin, a 1958 Sullivan graduate who went on to become a well-known Chicago attorney, has generously donated 100 copies of his recent book Fragments of the History of Sullivan, Illinois to the Sullivan Community Education Foundation.
Donations raised from the purchase of his book will be used by SCEF to support and promote educational opportunities for students of Sullivan schools and learners of all ages in the community.
To acquire a copy, a donation made payable to SCEF is requested. Donations and pick-up of the book may be made at the Sullivan High School office during normal business hours.
For more information about SCEF, visit the website at SCEF.info.

Photo furnished
NEHS Book Shoppers from left to right: Miles Gregory, Alexa Hauser, Mallory Nichols, and Avery McGregor

•December 12, 2018•

By Paige McLaughlin and Cami Badman
For the News Progress

Sullivan High School’s National English Honor Society (NEHS) went on their third annual trip to Barnes and Noble in Champaign Nov. 29 to purchase books for the Sullivan High School and Middle School Media Center.
Students met with Anna McClellan, the school’s media specialist, a week and a half before the trip to learn how to shop for the library which is much different than shopping for oneself. The group discussed how the library needed variety in genres and titles and how to find books based on popular awards, read-alikes for books already loved, and series completion.
They also discussed budgeting and making sure the books were appropriate for the library. Each member filled out a common spreadsheet so they could double check that no one selected the same titles as other groups and made certain the books weren’t already owned by the library. This year NEHS was given $100 per team of three-four for book purchases. Read More