Category Archives: News Briefs

New Locomotives Serving Amtrak Riders in Illinois

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•August 30, 2017•

The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that new locomotives are now serving Amtrak customers in Illinois, a major step toward replacing the fleet that operates on passenger rail lines throughout the Midwest. As part of its commitment to providing safe, convenient, cost-effective and reliable options for the traveling public, IDOT is overseeing the production of the new locomotives, which ultimately will result in a smoother, faster and safer experience for riders in multiple states.

“We are proud to have led the effort to bring these attractive, modern locomotives to Illinois and our other state partners,” Illinois Transportation Secretary Randy Blankenhorn said. “Passenger rail customers will benefit the most by enjoying a ride that’s more reliable and more comfortable as they travel between our state’s great communities, institutions and attractions.” Read More

Menus 8-30-2017

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Sullivan Pre-School Breakfast
Monday, Sept. 4 - Closed
Tuesday, Sept. 5 - Warm apples, Ritz crackers, milk
Wednesday, Sept. 6 - Granola bars, peach juice milk
Thursday, Sept. 7 - Breakfast caserole, peach juice, milk
Friday, Sept. 8 - Cereal, peach juice, milk

Sullivan-Preschool Lunch
Monday, Sept. 4 - Closed
Tuesday, Sept. 5 - Chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes, peaches, rolls, milk
Wednesday, Sept. 6 - Cheese pups, carrots, pineapple, milk
Thursday, Sept. 7 - Hamburger on bun, french fries, mandarin oranges, milk
Friday, Sept. 8 - Pizza, lettuce salad, mixed fruit, milk

Senior Peace Meal
For additional information or for reservations, please call 1-800-543-1770
Monday, Sept. 4 - Closed
Tuesday, Sept. 5 - Chicken and noodles, mashed potatoes, brussels sprouts, whole grain wheat, pineapple cheese salad
Wednesday, Sept. 6 - Roasted pork, zucchini bake, winter mix vegetables, whole grain wheat, peaches and bananas
Thursday, Sept. 7 - Chili mac w/beans, spinach/romaine salad w/mandarin oranges, dressing packet, pears, dinner roll, pudding
Friday, Sept. 8 - Hamburger w/mustard or catsup packet, hot German potato salad, mexi-corn, bun, fresh fruit

OVHS students learn at Agri Fab

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Photo furnished
OVHS students learn at Agri Fab
Pictured are Anthony Jones with West Assembly Supervisor Jenn Yokley and James Burns with East Assembly Supervisor Jeff Hale. Okaw Valley High School seniors Jones and Burns are participating in a year long, paid internship at Agri-Fab in Sullivan. Both students worked there this past summer in the “summer to school” program. They work 6:30-11:15 a.m. every day and then report to OVHS for their afternoon classes. Jones is the son of Thomas and Krystal Jones, and Burns is the son of Jim and Nyma Burns.

Remember When? 8-30-17

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25 Years Ago This Week

President of the Illinois Education Association Lee Betterman visited teachers in Bethany during their seventh strike day. A group of 30 school parents marched from downtown Bethany to the school superintendent’s office to request negotiations with striking teachers resume immediately.

Bob Best in B.B.’s explains the excitement and skills involved for the hunter during dove season. He also mused that limited deer hunting at Wolf Creek State Park had moved populations toward Eagle Creek golf course where hunting with drivers and balls was frowned upon.

Sullivan High School class of 1950 plan a gathering for their 42nd reunion with Ellen Little VandenBrink and Barbara Kinney Carswell of California, Virginia Jeanne Simpson of North Carolina, Don Harris of Maine, Marjorey Wood Hammond of Kansas City and John Sharp of Indiana all sending early reservations. Read More

Social Security Announces New Online Service for Replacement Social Security Cards in Illinois

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•August 30, 2017•

The Social Security Administration introduced the expansion of online services for residents of Illinois available through its my Social Security portal at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount. Nancy A. Berryhill, Acting Commissioner of Social Security, announced that residents of Illinois can use the portal for many replacement Social Security number (SSN) card requests. This will allow people to replace their SSN card from the comfort of their home or office, without the need to travel to a Social Security office.

“I’m pleased to offer the residents of Illinois the added convenience of replacing a Social Security card through the my Social Security portal,” Acting Commissioner Berryhill said. “We will continue to work on innovative initiatives to provide people with safe, secure and convenient options for doing business with us online or in person.” Read More

New LSVT Parkinson’s Program At Community Homecare, Inc. 

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Photo furnished
Community Health Care staff from left back row: Courtney Rhodes, P.T.A., Kari Jesse, P.T.A., Mary Gaede, P.T.A & Therapy Coordinator; front: Shane Gosnell, D.P.T.

•August 30, 2017•

Community Homecare, Inc. a local home health company, announced today the introduction of an important new program for the treatment of movement disorders commonly known as “Parkinson’s Disease”. Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurological disorder that affects millions of Americans. Typically, PD results in tremors, rigidity, slow uncoordinated movements, and impaired balance impacting safety and independence throughout daily routines.

Community Homecare’s new LSVT BIG program follows highly specialized therapeutic activities designed to improve numerous functional impairments demonstrated with PD for the geriatric patients. The program is non-invasive and medication free, utilizing specialized therapeutic movements that have demonstrated great success for numerous geriatric patients. The treatment program typically takes anywhere from four to 12 weeks and is covered by most insurance providers, including Medicare. Read More

Area Artist Receives Top Award at Ill. State Fair

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•August 30, 2017•

Kari Rajkumar, a portrait artist from Paris, Ill., was chosen as the recipient of the Governor’s Choice Award (aka Best in Show) in the Professional Art Exhibition held in conjunction with the 2017 Illinois State Fair, for her oil painting titled “Autumn Walk.”  Her award-winning piece measures 5 ft x 3 ft and features a young man in princely attire alongside a glossy black horse.  At only 28 years of age, Rajkumar is one of the youngest recipients of this award in the Professional Division. Read More

Letters to the Editor 8-23-2017

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Stained Glass Memory a Thousand Miles Away

Editors Note: The August 9, 2017 edition of The News Progress ran a page 12 story by Ellen Ferrera on stained glass in two churches. This is one reader’s response.

Dear Editor,

I am a great great grandson of Jonathan and Perlina Patterson. Read More

Remember When? 8-23-2017

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25 Years Ago This Week

Bethany School District 301 has 31 teachers on strike, enrollment falling below 400 and a budget with nearly a $200,000 deficit. Bethany schools did not start with others in Moultrie County.

It’s 1992, and the presidential election was among topics discussed by Bob Best in B.B.’s. He pointed out his long time Republican cousin had abandoned party and posts to switch parties. “The Bible thumpers have taken over my party,” Cuz is quoted. “And I don’t like what they are doing.”

Smith Cruit of Dalton City was appointed campaign coordinator for U. S. Senate candidate Rich Williamson for Moultrie County.

Heather Kennel, Sue Storm, Leslie VanKeuren, Cristina Harris, Jennifer Rogers, Kevin Gaither, Sarah Shasteen and Krystal Horsman, all students of Deborah Seelhoefer, presented a Concert of America at the First Christian Church of Sullivan.

New Bethany football coach Mike Mose packed in four days of practice before the teacher strike suspended all school activities. Read More