Category Archives: News Briefs

Fireworks Pose Safety Hazard

News Progress Posted on by
July 1, 2015

With the upcoming Fourth of July holiday, the Office of the State Fire Marshal reminds Illinois residents to leave fireworks to the experts. Many injuries and fires occur each year from these devices and therefore should be used only by trained professionals.
Fireworks pose a danger to users and bystanders of all ages. As the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) explains, fireworks were responsible for an estimated 11,400 injuries and eight deaths in 2013. Injuries typically result from the user playing with lit fireworks or igniting fireworks while holding the device. Injuries can also be sustained from device malfunctions, such as errant flight paths, devices that tip over and blowouts. Read More

Local Residents Attend Rally for LIHEAP

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Submitted Pictured, from left to right, are area residents who attended a rally on LIHEAP funding: Jean Landers, Shirley Cochran, Nylene Hughes, and Deb Groendal, Mid IL Senior Service Executive Director.

Submitted
Pictured, from left to right, are area residents who attended a rally on LIHEAP funding: Jean Landers, Shirley Cochran, Nylene Hughes, and Deb Groendal, Mid IL Senior Service Executive Director.

June 24, 2015

Four area residents recently attended an Action Day in Springfield for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
Jean Landers, Shirley Cochran, Nylene Hughes and Deb Groendal, Executive Director of the Mid-Illinois Senior Service of Sullivan attended the Action Day on May 26 sponsored by the Illinois Association of Community Action Agencies (IACAA).
The day started with a rally at the Statehouse Inn followed by a march to the Capitol where participants were able to meet with legislators and their staff to enlist their support of the LIHEAP program. Of particular concern for the group is Governor Rauner’s current plan to suspend the State Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (SLHEAP) as of July 1. This move would leave only federal funds available for the operation of the program and lead to reductions in the number of households local LIHEAP agencies will be able to assist. Read More

Moultrie County Real Estate Tax Bills Mailed

News Progress Posted on by
June 24, 2015

Moultrie County real estate taxes were mailed June 19. The first installment is due July 22, and the second installment is due September 3.
The public is encouraged to look over their tax bills and make sure all of the information is correct, including the back of the tax bill. It is the responsibility of the property owner to report all address changes to the assessor’s office at 728-4951. Assessment and exemption questions should be directed to the Supervisor of Assessments office. Read More

ALAH School Newspaper Receives Grant

News Progress Posted on by
June 24, 2015

The Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond High School newspaper staff recently received a $1500 grant from the Illinois Press Foundation to purchase cameras.
“I was able to purchase two Canon Rebel SLR cameras complete with tripods, lenses, and carrying cases with the grant,” adviser Zach Freed said. “It has really helped our staff to get better pictures more easily. Before the grant we were scrambling to find a camera to photograph activities. Now we just grab one of these digital cameras.” Read More

Houser Converts to Career Agent

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Houser

Houser

June 24, 2015

Elizabeth Houser of Sullivan recently converted to a career agent with Country Financial in Sullivan.  She completed the organization’s extensive training about the solutions COUNTRY Financial offers to help customers become financially secure. The training also focuses on guiding customers toward successfully setting and achieving their goals.  Houser can provide customers with auto, home, life and long term care insurance, annuities, mutual funds and college education funding options.  Read More

Bethany Celebration Begins Friday with Young Miss Bethany Pageant

News Progress Posted on by
June 17, 2015

The Young Miss Bethany Contest will take place on the evening of Friday, June 19 at Crowder Park following opening ceremonies. Contestants are incoming 5th-7th graders in the Okaw Valley School District.  Each contestant is actively involved in at least one extracurricular activity and was required to submit a letter of recommendation from from a school, church, or community leader.  The contestants for 2015 are:  Lexie Bartimus, daughter of John and Brooke Bartimus; Avery Bruns, daughter of Brad and Heidi Bruns; Delaney Click, daughter of Justin and Beth Click; Jaylyn Roberts, daughter of Mari Brown and Mark Roberts; and Olivia Whitney, daughter of Lance and Jennifer Whitney. Read More

Elzy Performing Mentorship at Oklahoma School

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Hilari Elzy of Sullivan is performing a mentorship at Mustang Public Schools, Mustang, Okla., June 6 – July 18 through a fellowship she received at Eureka College.
Elzy’s mentorship is with the school district’s coordinator of special education programs and with the director of student services. Read More

2015 Moultrie Douglas 4-H Fair

News Progress Posted on by
•June 17, 2015•

With over 500 exhibits to view, the Moultrie and Douglas county 4-H’ers would like to invite the general public to attend the 2015 Moultrie Douglas 4-H Fair’s following days/events:

Wednesday, July 1
Otto Center
All Foods, General Projects & Public Presentations
Judging 5:00 p.m.

Monday, July 6
Moultrie-Douglas Fairgrounds
Rabbit Show 8 a.m.
Poultry Show will start one half hour after the conclusion of the rabbit show. Read More

Annual Lovington Fish Fry June 26

News Progress Posted on by
June 17, 2015

WCIA TV will air daily stories about Lovington during its Our Town coverage on the Morning Show and the 4 p.m., 5 p.m., and 6 p.m. newscasts from June 22 to June 26. The stories will feature people, places and events that make Lovington unique.
The community will culminate this celebration at its annual fish fry in Tom Conn Park on Friday, June 26, from 4:15 to 7 p.m.
Local singers Steve Fleming, Dennis Garmon, and Dawn Stevens Hawkins will entertain the crowd from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Each performs for half an hour. They will serve as the opening acts for performer Tammy Renee Harris. Read More

Lovington 8th Grade Class Promotion

News Progress Posted on by
June 10, 2015

The Lovington Grade School eighth grade class promotion ceremony was held Thursday, June 4. The following students were promoted: Isaac Ashenfelter, Gabriel Hallford, Paul Brodnansky, Jon Marquis, Kyle Carnahan, Dalton McDaniel, Veronica Chambers, Caleb Nettles, Adam Day, Taylor Powell, Hunter Day, Daniel Reedy, Ciara Emrick, Jessica Renfro, Molly Fort, Angela Robinson, Lauren Foster, Alexia Stanley, and Katelynn Gingerich. Read More