Category Archives: News Briefs

“Mistletoe Magic” is SBL Winter Wonderland Event

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•October 17, 2018•

The holiday season is just around the corner and plans are well underway for the 20th annual Festival of Trees at Sarah Bush Lincoln.
Beautifully decorated Christmas trees, wreaths and home décor will adorn the Lumpkin Family Center for Health Education at Sarah Bush Lincoln from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, November 16, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, November 17. The public is invited to share in this winter wonderland event, themed “Misletoe Magic.”
Net proceeds from this year’s Festival of Trees will support Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Foundation’s initiative, “Life . . . Nothing Beats It,” a capital campaign to raise funds for the cardiology expansion project that includes a new Heart Center and 21 new private patient rooms that recently opened. Read More

Auditions Open for Christmas Show

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•October 17, 2018•

The Charleston Alley Theatre in conjunction with The Mattoon Area Arts Council along with Black Op’s Productions is holding open auditions for the show “Ornaments: 6 Christmas Stories in One Act”.
This is the second year the theatre is putting on an original script by Sullivan’s Matthew Gerard Burns. He wrote last year’s Tinker, Tailor Elf, Spy. Read More

It’s Flu Shot Time: New Flu Vaccine-Nasal Spray Option Available

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•October 17, 2018•

As soon as the influenza (flu) vaccine is available in your community, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) recommends everyone six months and older be vaccinated. The nasal spray flu vaccine is once again a recommended option for influenza vaccination. During the past two flu seasons, the nasal spray was not recommended due to concern about its effectiveness.
“It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies that protect against flu to develop in the body,” said IDPH Director Nirav D. Shah, M.D., J.D. “The flu season typically starts around October so we recommend you make plans to get vaccinated now, before flu season begins.” Read More

SES Gold Slip Students

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Photo furnished
SES Gold Slip Students
Each month, Sullivan Elementary School recognizes students who go above and beyond expectations by awarding them “Gold Slips.” Pictured are the students (from left to right) who were awarded Gold Slips for the months of August and September: Kayla Kenney always makes a point to find students with no one to play with and then plays with them.
Levi Risley and Gracelynn Dovell are always very respectful and set a great example for others.
Lorelei Parker respectfully accepted a student’s apology after being disrespected by them. She even wrote them a letter to accept their apology and gave them suggestions on how to treat one another.
Weslee Allen was walking with a friend and his little sister after school when the friend realized he forgot his take-home folder in the classroom. Wes volunteered to run back to the classroom and get it so his friend didn’t have to leave his sister.
Daisy Richardson volunteered to help a student who was struggling to keep his binder organized. She gave up her entire recess to work with him to get everything in order and even took time to teach him helpful tips for staying on task and organized.
Lily Betts has picked up trash (with latex gloves on) all week from the playground. She has done this on her recess time without being asked.

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