Category Archives: News Briefs

FCCLA Leadership Academy

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•August 22, 2018•

Jessica Renfro, a senior at ALAH High School, recently attended FCCLA Leadership Academy in Springfield.
Renfro was one of approximately 40 Illinois FCCLA members from around the state in attendance. Some of the topics that were covered were Managing your Chapter, You Matter Mission, Community Service, and more.
She learned more about leadership with the movie “Hidden Figures” and is now putting her skills into use with her chapter. Renfro serves as an ALAH chapter officer and as Section 15 vice-president.

Whitfield School Eight Grades Taught by One Teacher

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•August 22, 2018•

John W. Buckalew of Washington, D.C. sent this photograph that was taken in the fall of 1945. Buckalew attended the Whitfield Elementary school for six years. According to R. Eden Martin’s “The Whitley Point Record book” the photo was taken on the east side of the last school on that site. The school closed in the Spring of 1948, consolidating in the Windsor and Sullivan school districts.
Buckalew recalled the school building and entrance faced south and upon entering there were two cloak rooms on both sides of the entrance. Read More

Scot England to MC Sullivan Alumni Association Banquet/Reunion

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•August 22, 2018•

Scot England, an accomplished book author, TV Anchor, radio and TV reporter and a friend to many country music stars will be returning to Sullivan this October 6th to act as Master of Ceremonies at the Sullivan Alumni Banquet/Reunion.
The occasion is the annual gathering of alumni of Sullivan High School and Scot will be at the podium to bring his experiences, wit and personality to the event.
Scot graduated from Sullivan High School in 1983 and went on to do in person interviews with more than 300 celebrities ranging from the entire cast of the Brady Bunch to Weird Al Yankovic and was one of the first ever to interview Garth Brooks.
He was also one of the last to interview movie legend Tony Curtis. Read More

Watchdog Training Offered at Eastern Illinois University

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•August 22, 2018•

Better Government Association is hosting “Watchdog Training” at Eastern Illinois University in collaboration with EIU’s departments of journalism and political science.
Watchdog Training is from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Monday, Sept. 17 at EIUs Buzzard Hall Auditiorium on Lincoln Ave. in Charleston.
The Better Government Association (BGA) and attorney Josh Burday will host a Watchdog Training where participants will be equipped with the tools they need to hold government accountable, including learning some of the tactics our reporters use in their investigative work.
“The BGA works everyday for transparency, efficiency, and accountability in government,” BGA CEO David Greising said. “Thanks to the engaged residents and professionals who participate in our Watchdog Trainings, we don’t do it alone.” Read More

You’ll Feel Like You’re on Vacation with How Easy This Is

News Progress Posted on by

•August 22, 2018•

By Gerald Tilley
Social Security District Manager in Decatur, IL

August might be the last of the months that people think of when we say “summer vacation,” but it’s by no means the least. People are still taking trips and hosting family while enjoying America’s beaches and national parks. Social Security might not be on the top of your to-do list when you’re on vacation, but we’ve made it so easy to do business with us online that you can connect with us pool-side or on the go.
We are constantly expanding our online services to give you freedom and control in how you wish to conduct business with us. Our online services help you plan for the future and keep you in control of your benefits. You can go online to: Read More

Soils were Drying in Mid-August

News Progress Posted on by

•August 22, 2018•

Drier weather this month has caused declining soil moisture, especially in central Illinois, according to Jennie Atkins, Water and Atmospheric Resources Monitoring (WARM) Program manager at the Illinois State Water Survey, University of Illinois.
Illinois has received 1.28 inches of rain so far in August, 0.63 inches below the long-term average. Lower than normal rainfall occurred in most of the state, causing drier soils. Overall soil moisture levels have decreased 11 percent at depths of 2 inches.
The largest declines were in the central region where moisture levels were down in mid-August by 30 percent in the east and 35 percent in the west from the beginning of the month. The north, however, saw a 17 percent increase of soil moisture. Read More

Cowden Camp Hosts Concert

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•August 22, 2018•

The Cowden Free Methodist Church Camp is offering a meal and concert Saturday, Sept. 8, from 10 a.m. through 3 p.m.
Featured entertainers at Celebrate America Family Style are The Lesters and The Chosen Ones.
Tickets are available by calling 217/433-1014. Concert only and meal with concert tickets are available. The camp is located at 174N 1550 East Rd., Beecher City.

Remember When? 8-22-2018

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25 Years Ago This Week

Sullivan Alum Derik Eaton was hired to teach driver education and as head track coach. He succeeds Cliff Dobbs as driver ed teacher. Dobbs opted for early retirement.
Wes Bland of Virginia, MN caught a 16-pound catfish while fishing in the Little Okaw River with his grandfather, C.L. Bland of Bethany.
One of the Bethany summer league baseball teams came home champions after winning the Bronco Division of the 1993 Okaw Tournament. Members of the team include Joe Gaither, Ryan McCabe, Adam Rutherford, Lindsey Grebien, Shane Simmons, Brandon Stollard, Brandon Patrick, Dustin Bone, Dustin Haile, Randy Lancaster, Blake Manhart, Deriek Shride and K.R. Baker. The team was coached by Marion Haile and Kevin Grebien. Read More

Upcoming Carnival Promises Fun For All Ages

News Progress Posted on by
•August 16, 2018•
 
 
Sullivan Church of God is hosting their first carnival noon-8 p.m. Saturday, August 18 with food, games and fun to benefit their mission work in Haiti.
Expect to see food trucks, multiple bounce houses, petting zoo, pony rides, horse and carriage rides, clowns, balloons, dunk tank, foam pit, dart war, prizes, cotton candy, face painting, rock painting and more. A live DJ, cakewalk,
local crafters and vendors are inside.
There is still space available for more vendors and set up is free. All the church asks is 10% of a vendor’s profit of which 100% will be placed into the mission trip fund.
Leogane, Haiti was the epicenter of a massive,deadly earthquake in 2010, followed by the devastation of category 5 Hurricane Irma in 2017.
Sullivan Church of God’s sister church, the Church de Philadelphie, has yet to be completely rebuilt but progress is being made each year with the help of
funds raised by the Sullivan church. Last year their
goal was a roof. In 2019, the goal is electricity and a
generator.
Local mission workers also will visit the New Voice House of Life orphanage. On this trip they will share a Vacation Bible
School program and plan to bring soccer goal nets
and equipment.
Contact the church office at (217) 728-7855 for more info.
 
 
 
 

Amusement Rides at State Fair Inspected by IDOL

News Progress Posted on by

•August 15, 2018•

The Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) will conduct routine inspections of all amusement rides and attractions at the 2018 Illinois State Fair.
There are more than 65 rides to enjoy on the Carnival Midway, Adventure Village, and Happy Hollows pavilions. IDOL’s Amusement Ride and Attraction Safety Division inspects and permits every ride and determines whether they are safe to operate. No ride is permitted to run if it does not pass inspection. Read More