Category Archives: News Briefs

Herschbergers Bring Backyard Bluegrass Festival Home

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Herschberger family. Left to right front - Emily, Eric, Ashley, wife Amanda, and Jeremy; Back row Lori, Darin, Ed and Robert.

•October 17, 2018•

By Ellen Ferrera
for the News Progress

On the balmy, fall evening of September 14 Ed Herschberger and his family of seven musically gifted children realized a long-held dream of having the first Backyard Bluegrass Festival at their farm.
To their amazement, nearly 700 people came by motor coach, hauling campers with lawn chairs for a weekend of bluegrass music—Moultrie County style.
Unfortunately, this premier event flew under the radar for many of us. We missed the chance to sit on the Herschberger’s grassy lawn and hear Kyle and Melissa Trippett, the Petersens, John Cowan with Darin and Brooke Aldridge for an evening of very fine bluegrass music. John played with The Doobie Brothers band.
But, take heart. Mark your calendar for Friday, September 13, 2019 when the second festival will take place. Read More

Sullivan Schools’ Budget Reflects Positive Balance

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•October 17, 2018•

The Sullivan Community Unit District 300 board approved the budget for 2018 anticipating $7,614,829 expense in the educational fund.
With a beginning balance of $4,277,524, Sullivan schools expect to receive $3,224,843 from local sources; $3,653,593 from the state and $762,860 from federal funding sources for a total revenue of $7,641,296.
Educational expenses include $5,481,349 for instruction, $1,959,480 in support services, $124,000 in payments to other districts and gov. units plus $50,000 contingency. With $7,614,829 in total expense the educational fund will have a $26,467 surplus.
Operations and maintenance began the July budget year with $1,003,475 on hand, receiving $815,597 from local funding and $100,000 from the state for $915,597 in total revenue. Read More

A Walk with Mr. Walk: Superintendty Stuff

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•October 10, 2018•

This week we celebrated Homecoming throughout the Sullivan School District.
Three items that I am very thankful for during this week include our talented students, our dedicated staff, and our supportive community.
There are a flurry of activities that occur this week. It is amazing to see the level of student-involvement in the planning and execution of these activities.
The Sullivan High School Student Council does the majority of this work. From organizing the Dress-Up Theme Days throughout the week to planning a Pep Assembly and Games on the last day of school before the football game, there is a lot that needs accomplished.   Read More

Wrestling Tournament to Benefit Special Olympics Illinois-Region I

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•October 10, 2018•

Special Olympics Illinois Region I and the Mt. Zion Kids Club will host a wrestling tournament for kids and adults of all ages Sunday, October 21 in the Mt. Zion High School Fieldhouse, 305 S. Henderson St.
All IKWF, IESA, IHSA, Collegiate and Adult Wrestlers are welcome. Age groups include 5-6 yr. olds, 7-8 yr. olds, 9-11 yr. olds, middle school, high school and adults. *Cap 500 Wrestlers. Awards will be given for each level as well as funniest and scariest single contest prizes for the winners. Read More

OV FFA Second @ Section 16 FFA Contest

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OV FFA Second @ Section 16 FFA Contest
The Okaw Valley FFA recently hosted the Section 16 FFA Contest. Sadie Zimmerman finished first, Cole Nichols fifth, and Karlie Stauder sixth. The team finished second out of 10 teams competing. 
Above Students at Soil Judging.

Remember When? 10-10-2018

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25 Years Ago This Week

A grain dryer caught an old farm crib on fire late Tuesday night at the John Durbin residence north of Sullivan. Sullivan firefighters, with the assistance of Bethany and Lovington fire personnel, fought the blaze for about two hours.
Sullivan school board members like the idea of constructing a new building to house kindergarten through fifth grade adjacent to the high school. The idea for the construction is due to the deteriorating condition of Powers School. The original structure of Powers School was built in 1873.
Sgt. Jeff Thomas was honored by the East Central Illinois (Drug) Task Force for his assistance in drug investigations. His assistance in a drug investigation led to the collection of about 20 marijuana plants. He was also cited for providing valuable narcotics information to the task force on many occasions. Read More

SHS Honor Society New Members

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SHS Honor Society New Members
The Best-Shirey-Little Chapter of the National English Honor Society at Sullivan High School had inductions for its new members Oct. 2.  In order to become a member, students must have an overall minimum 3.0 GPA in addition to a minimum 3.0 GPA in English classes throughout high school. New members for 2018-2019 include sophomores Noah Bates, Reagan Crouse, Arabella Dudley, Haylee Faulkner, Keelie Fleener, Jerralee Goad, Alexa Hauser, Anna Mathias, Avery McGregor, Mallory Nichols, Taylor Orris, Carsyn Seeley, Trenton Tarr, Carley Towle, Zoe Walton, Emily White and junior Zane Gardner.

Lovington Village Amends Ordinances

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•October 10, 2018•

Village of Lovington trustees took action on amending the ordinance regulating how vicious and dangerous dogs are handled at the October 8 meeting.
September 10 meeting minutes indicated the business code ordinance was amended to include a no knock registry for residents of the village not wanting door to door solicitors. Trustee Dennis Garmon made the motion that was seconded by Pam Anklam with Brenda Wood, Doug Smith and April Daily all voting yes. Read More

Auto Show & Exhaust Competition

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•October 10, 2018•

Strasburg Community Action Network’s (SCAN) Burn Out in The Burg Car Auto Show and Loud & Proud Exhaust Competition will be held Saturday, October 13 in the Strasburg Park (two blocks east of Marathon gas station).
Registration is at 10 a.m. (No preregistration required; there is a registration fee). Handmade trophies will be awarded to the winners of each class as well as people’s choice and best in show. New this year will be two bounce houses for the kids. Arm bands for all day bouncing are available. Read More

Scams, Fraud and ID Theft Workshop at SAIL

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•October 10, 2018•

SAIL, Soyland Access to Independent Living, will host a free workshop about Scams, Fraud and ID Theft 2-3:30 p.m. Wednesday, October 24 at the Lovington Public Library,
The speaker is Shari Rowe, Postal Inspector with United States Postal Inspection Service. The workshop is free; reservations are not required. For more information call Betty Watkins, Rural Outreach Coordinator, at 774-4322.