•December 13, 2017•
The following Sullivan High School students were named 2018-19 Illinois State Scholars: Laine Cameron, Trevor Elder, Lindsay Jones, Winchester Phelps, Isaiah Plank, Joshua Stutzman, Gavin Sullivan and Kaitlyn Webb. Students are pictured below. Photos furnished.
Photo furnished
Okaw Valley High School Senior Spotlight
Paige Robinson, daughter of Brett and Lori Robinson.
Robinson is active in basketball and softball and is a member of NHS. Read More
•December 13, 2017•
The Illinois Department of Insurance (DOI) is reminding consumers that the 2018 Open Enrollment Period ends Friday, December 15. All Illinoisans needing health insurance coverage for 2018 must enroll by 11 p.m. Friday, December 15.
In past years, consumers had time to change plans in January after receiving their first premium bill. With a shortened enrollment period ending December 15, this is no longer an option, making it important to select the right plan the first time.
“We do not recommend passively re-enrolling because prices and plans change every year. Cost should not be the only factor in choosing a plan. For example, consumers should be sure to look at a plan’s provider network and coverage,” Hammer said. Read More
•December 13, 2017•
State Fire Marshal Matt Perez and Illinois Fire Service Institute (IFSI) Director Royal Mortenson announced today an intergovernmental agreement that streamlines the process for Illinois firefighters who complete IFSI courses to receive state certification. Under the terms of the agreement, the IFSI will be granted state certification equivalency for its end-of-course examinations. This will eliminate the requirement imposed upon Illinois firefighters who attended IFSI courses to take both a final end-of-course examination and an OSFM examination in order to receive state certification.
Perez stated “The Illinois legislature has mandated that the firefighters of Illinois receive training from the Fire Service Institute and certifications from the Office of the State Fire Marshal in order for them to operate smarter, safer and more effectively. The closer alignment of these two state agencies will offer unparalleled quality in fire service education. I look forward to continuing work with Director Mortenson to maximize the capabilities of both our agencies.” Read More
Photo furnished
All-state Honors for Benning
OVHS junior Bella Benning recently was selected to the ILMEA All-State Honors Choir. She auditioned a couple of weeks ago with many students from around the area. She is the daughter of Dave and Felicia Benning. Her choir director is Kathy Doty.
•December 13, 2017•
Fifth and sixth grade writers and artists from around Illinois are invited to compete in this year’s Poster, Poetry and Prose Contest sponsored by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA). This year’s contest theme is Illinois is Celebrating 200 Years! How Can You Be an Environmental Pioneer? focusing on helping to preserve and protect the air, land and water for the next 200 years in honor of Illinois’s bicentennial. Educators are asked to introduce historic environmental problems and how Illinois laws and citizen actions have helped make a healthier environment. Students are challenged to answer the question, “What would a modern environmental pioneer do to ensure Illinois has a sustainable future?”. Read More
Photo furnished
WHS Homecoming Court
Windsor High School crowned their 2017 Homecoming Royalty December 9. Pictured front row l to r: Crown bearer Alma Peadro, 2017 Queen Mikayla Haddock, 2017 King Brad Farmer, and crown bearer Dayton Montgomery. Back row l to r: freshman attendant Adilyn McCray, sophomore attendant Hannah Morlen, junior attendant Myranda Tarvin, queen candidates Kasey Bean and Morgan Lesko, 2016 queen Gillian Sanders and her escort Adam Hendershot, king candidates Dalton Armes and Gage Satler, junior attendant Emil Hartman, sophomore attendant Brandon Milligan, and freshman attendant Sam Boyer.
25 Years Ago This Week
Sullivan High School Illinois State Scholars include Kari Kendall, Erin Marshall, Carinna Elder, Amanda Titus, Breanna Cooper, Krystal Horsman, Katie Tice, Steven Hamm and Shane Cobb. Bethany scholars are Jessika Gaither, Tamara Yowell, Kristy Miner and Doug Creviston.
Richard Glazebrook was named site manager for Wolf Creek and Eagle Creek state parks. The Dept. of Conservation announcement noted he was selected from 12 applicants and will supervise a dozen full-time employees.
Lovington broke a 29 game losing streak by defeating defending state champions Findlay Falcons 36-35. Matt England led the team with 14 points followed by Matt Powell, Josh Born, Josh Jackson, Jeremy Tarr, Toby Bolsen and Ryan Nettles.
Stote Reeder, Andy Wagner and Jason Wildman scored early for Sullivan in a 63-39 victory over Shelbyville. John Flannell, Jake Haegen, David Atchison and Chad Bragg rounded out the Redskins effort. Read More
•December 13, 2017•
By Ellen Ferrrera
for the News Progress
Elliott Bales makes his Little Theatre debut playing the beloved General Waverly in Little Theatre’s production of “White Christmas”. Little did he know that his service in the Army would prepare him for this role.
A Midwesterner at heart, he grew up in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, majored in theater at Abilene Christian in Texas and retired in 2010 with the rank of colonel in the U.S. Army.
“I have watched “White Christmas” for 45 years, and I can relate to the character of General Waverly,” Bales began. “He is so beloved by his soldiers because of who he is as a person. But he had difficulty, like many veterans, adjusting to the schedule of civilian life.” Read More
Photos by RR Best Downtown Sullivan was the place to be Friday, December 8. The Old Fashioned Downtown Celebration was hosted by Sullivan Chamber and Economic Development. Warmly dressed visitors to the square from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. enjoyed the crisp holiday air along with Wolfe carriage rides, visits with the Hardy Reindeer, Christmas tree decorating, with time left to read a book. Strolling carolers provided the musical backdrop for the event. Shops were open late to help visitors warm up and find the deal of the season.