•June 7, 2017•

A State Historical Marker will be unveiled in Alton on Monday, June 19th to honor Scott Bibb, an African American who successfully fought in the Illinois Supreme Court for the desegregation of schools in what became known as the Alton School Cases in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Supreme Court Justices Anne M. Burke and Rita B. Garman will be attending the dedication ceremony. Also attending are John Lupton, Executive Director, Illinois Supreme Court Historic Preservation Commission, and members of the Historic Preservation Commission Advisory Committee; Justice Joy V. Cunningham, Hon. Neil Cohen, and Scott Szala, J.D.

With the assistance of Lewis and Clark Community College, the Illinois State Historical Society sponsored and erected the historical marker. The Society maintains markers statewide regarding subjects of historical significance to Illinois. Read More

•June 7, 2017•

To help revive the shrinking populations of the monarch butterfly and other pollinators, the Illinois Department of Transportation is adjusting its mowing routine along state highways this spring and summer.

The approach, part of IDOT’s overall effort to encourage green and sustainable practices in all its programs and projects, will help to re-establish types of plants that are food sources for bees, butterflies and other insects that are native to Illinois.

“As one of the largest land owners in the state, IDOT appreciates its tremendous responsibility to act as stewards of the environment,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Randy Blankenhorn. “This simple change in our maintenance obligations will have little impact on the traveling public, but will give a big assist to Mother Nature at no cost to the state.” Read More

•June 7, 2017•

Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White applauded the General Assembly for passing five important bills initiated by his office. “As Secretary of State, I continue to look for ways to further improve customer service, upgrade road safety and expand the organ/tissue donor registry,” said White. “I applaud and thank the General Assembly for passing these five key measures which will do just that. I urge the governor to sign each of these bills into law.” The five bills headed to the governor for consideration include:

House Bill 394 – Allow advertising to offset costs of vehicle registration reminder notices

This measure will allow private companies to pay for advertising space on vehicle registration renewals. It is an effort to further ensure the Secretary of State’s office has the funding to continue mailing out reminder notices – especially if the budget impasse continues. Restrictions outlined in the bill on who cannot put their logo on the postcards include entities licensed or regulated by the Secretary of State, any person or entity manufacturing or distributing pharmaceuticals, medical marijuana or alcohol, and elected officers, candidates for elective office and campaign committees. Read More

•June 7, 2017•

A Summer Reading Adventure” registration will begin Thursday, June 1. Adults and youth will be able to register and begin reading on this date. Special Thursday programming begins June 22 with “Stories in the Stars” with Douglas Hart Nature Center (animal guest); June 29 “Adventures with Beekle” with story and painting with artist David Zoberis. Preregistration is required for the painting event.

The Lovington Public Library is currently looking for empty shoe boxes for a summer reading craft.

An adult coloring club will be held 3:45-4:45 p.m. each Friday. The library will provide new coloring sheets, pencils, crayons and markers to use.

A librarian will be available from 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Saturday, June 3 for one-on-one sessions to guide participants through the process of downloading ebooks or audio books. Average time to learn is 5-10 minutes.

Knot Just Knitting with Jan Voss is scheduled for 10:30-11:30 a.m. Mondays for anyone who enjoys knitting and crochet. Other needleworkers, crafters and skill levels are also welcome.  Read More

25 Years Ago This Week

“The first rose plucked from the Broadway bouquet marking the 35th season at the Little Theatre On The Square is both ambitious and highly entertaining,” wrote News Progress editor Marion Best of “Singin’ in The Rain”.

Sullivan residents Joanna Cole and Gracie Fultz were recognized for their many years of service as organizers of Sullivan’s Red Cross bloodmobile. Cole served 18 years as chair with 37 total years as a volunteer. Fultz was an event organizer for 26 years. They turned leadership over to Joe and Joan Pound.

Thirteen Sullivan women organized a chapter of Beta Sigma Phi. Mary Ann Portwood was elected president of Chi Mu Chapter.

Tami Daily hosted the event which was attended by Karen Lane, Lisa Kincaide, Cindy Harshman, Renee England, Cindy Richardson, Amy Hemrich, Marty Jones, Patty Lehman, Theresa Linville, Terri Reed, and Bonnie Siebert. Read More