Category Archives: News Briefs

Critical Response, Safety Programs at IEMA , Move Forward With Funds

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•July 6, 2016•

Illinois Emergency Management Agency continue its mission to protect the residents of Illinois from a variety of hazards and respond to disasters throughout the state following the state’s funding approval.

“This spending plan is good news for IEMA and our many local public safety partners,” said IEMA Director James K. Joseph. “We sincerely appreciate the efforts of the governor and the General Assembly in ensuring that these critical public safety programs can continue, and we look forward to passage of a balanced budget with structural reforms in the near future.”

SB 2047 will allow IEMA to allocate a variety of federal grant funds and other non-GRF state funds to local emergency management agencies and mutual aid partners from local law enforcement, fire services and other public safety organizations. Read More

Remember When? 7-6-2016

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Compiled by Bekki Ferguson Stevens

25 Years Ago This Week

Five Illinois State University students from Moultrie County have joined a total of 1,514 students who have been included on the dean’s list of their respective colleges for the spring semester. They are John Leo Vander Burgh of Bethany and Sullivan residents, Richard P. Barker, Rodger DeGarmo, Carol E. Elzy and Tonya Moody.

Lake Land College students from Bethany and Sullivan were recognized for their achievements and activities this past school year at a recent student recognition banquet. Teresa Sweeney of Bethany was recognized for earning a 4. grade point average. Sullivan students recognized were Shari Shackles who served as Student Senate secretary and was also named to Who’s Who Among Junior College Students; Sandra Chaney for Who’s Who and her membership on the Student Activity Board; and Jamie Buttry, who was also a member of the Student Activity Board.

Local organizers of a 3-on-3 basketball league at Wyman Park have the experience to know what they are doing. Brothers Jim, Jeff and Jason Dycus are heading up the Sullivan league in between competition at Gus Macker tournaments in Illinois and Indiana. The trio along with teammate Brian Sparrow, earned a third place trophy in Indianapolis last weekend along with a good sportsmanship trophy.

Former Lovington High School standout volleyball player Jennifer Cochran has recently signed a letter of intent to attend the College of St. Francis in Joliet and play volleyball for the Lady Saints. Read More

First Anniversary

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Photo furnished First Anniversary Sullivan Bakery on Harrison Street just celebrated their first anniversary. Owners JoBeth and Jerry Risley drew for winners in the first anniversary cash giveaway. The winners were Melissa Lynch, Becky Freese, Terry Ramsey, Bob Vail, Sue Auten, Jim Palmer, Rena Herschberger, Sandra Buttrick and Drew Campbell.

Photo furnished
First Anniversary
Sullivan Bakery on Harrison Street just celebrated their first anniversary. Owners JoBeth and Jerry Risley drew for winners in the first anniversary cash giveaway. The winners were Melissa Lynch, Becky Freese, Terry Ramsey, Bob Vail, Sue Auten, Jim Palmer, Rena Herschberger, Sandra Buttrick and Drew Campbell.

ALAH FFA Chapter Attends 88th Illinois FFA Convention

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Photo furnished Governor Bruce Rauner welcomed the ALAH FFA (left to right): Katie Gingerich, Colton Romine, Janette Comstock, Governor Rauner, Makenna Green, Adam Day, Wendy Leenerts, and Zane Crist. 

Photo furnished
Governor Bruce Rauner welcomed the ALAH FFA (left to right): Katie Gingerich, Colton Romine, Janette Comstock, Governor Rauner, Makenna Green, Adam Day, Wendy Leenerts, and Zane Crist.

•July 6, 2016•

By Katie Gingerich
By ALAH FFA Reporter

The Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond FFA attended the 88th Illinois FFA State Convention held June 14-16 in the Prairie Capital Center in Springfield. Six members of the ALAH FFA Chapter attended along with their FFA advisor Wendy Leenerts. Attending were Janette Comstock, Colton Romine, Zane Crist, Makenna Green, Adam Day,  and Katie Gingerich.  Read More

Fireworks Celebrations in the Area

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•June 29, 2016•

Area fireworks programs begin this Saturday, June 25 at the close of Bethany Celebration.

On Saturday, July 2 the Arthur and Harristown fireworks displays are set.

Sunday, July 3 includes fireworks at Lovington, Monticello, Monticello Railway, Mt. Zion, Pana. Read More

Letter to the Editor: 6-29-2016

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Dear Editor,

The educational trip to Florida hosted by Mr. Rogers, Sullivan Middle School science teacher, was an event to remember.

I had an amazing time snorkeling, swimming with the manatees, kayaking in the mangroves, exploring the seagrass for crabs and meeting Winter the tailless dolphin.  Read More

Fourth of July at Lake Shelbyville

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•June 29, 2016•

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Lake Shelbyville is gearing up for a busy Fourth of July weekend. A host of programs and special events are planned for visitors to enjoy including campground programs, a dog show, tours of the dam, and the annual fireworks show.

The campground programs offered over the course of the holiday weekend will be held at the amphitheaters of various Lake Shelbyville USACE campgrounds. All programs are free of charge and are open to the public. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult for most programs. Read More

Remember When? 6-29-2016

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Compiled by Bekki Ferguson-Stevens

25 Years Ago This Week

Bethany Junior High students Andy Brewer, Allison Patrick and Haley Rowe participated in the Honors Band and ChorusFestival in May at Lake Land College. Students from Lovington Junior High also participated. They are Kara Bolsen, Kelly Smith, Chas Seelow and Jenny Elliott.

Leslie Phelps of Bethany has been awarded a Millikin University academic scholarship based on outstanding academic achievement. She is the daughter of Gilbert and Deborah Phelps.

Lovington Middle School students Wyatt Murphy and Meg Reedy have won the first round in the national D.A.R.E.  Day Poster and Letter To President Bush Contest. Murphy was the poster winner while Reedy won the letter contest. They are now contestants in the state competition.

University of Illinois graduate Angie Quick of Lovington is one of nine area health care students awarded a $1,000 scholarship by the Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center Guild. She plans to enter Washington University in St. Louis this fall to seek a master’s degree in physical therapy.

Tracy Lynne Kirk of Sullivan, Kristen Kay Scott of Bethany and Jennifer Jeanne Cole of Windsor are recipients of 991 special education teacher scholarships. Read More

ALAH High School Honor Rolls Announced

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•June 29, 2016•

The Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond high school second semester honor rolls have been announced.

Grade 12 High Honors: Brian Binion, Jakob Brewer, Madeleine Brown, Chelsey Chupp, Chris Conder, Cade Day, Darrin Gingerich, Syndie Hanscel, Zach Hingson, Ally Irwin, Jordan Jent, Essi Kettunen, Ariel Kibler, Hannah Leal, Kalli Martin, Jovany Martinez, Bradley D. Miller, Teddy Poe, Tiffany Renfro, Jordan Rettig, Eilis Stewart, Ricky Wright, Colton Yeakley.

Honors: Jazmine Arnett, Makayla Brown, Logan Emel, Kayla Hodge, Josiah Kinert, Greer Lambdin, Bradley R. Miller, Mariah Slaughter, Megan VanVleet, Anthony Wilkins.

Honorable Mention: Belle Baugus, Braxton Eckart, Cory Griffin, Nancy Hack, Isaac Kitchen, Brenden Teak.

Grade 11 High Honors: Kim Davis, Abby Foreman, Gracie Hammer, Shandon Herschberger, Mary Huffman, Megan Hug, Samantha McClain, Regina Miller, Jamie Schlabach, Michelle Schrock, Nick Stoltey, Kelsi Stutzman, Abby Wallace, Payton Wellbaum, Erin Wildman, Drew Wingler. Read More