Category Archives: News

Clubs Offer Fun at Elizabeth Titus Library

News Progress Posted on by

•August 29, 2018•

By Arianna Cherry
for the News Progress

Although summer vacation has come to an end, Elizabeth Titus Memorial Library still has plenty in store for students in the upcoming fall.
The Sullivan library offers opportunities for supplemental learning that also includes a bit of fun too. These clubs and classes are geared toward a variety of age groups focusing on math, science and reading skills.
The Crazy 8’s Math Club started August 27 but is still accepting late registrations. It is an eight-week long program for students who are in grades K-5. Students in grades K-2 meet Mondays at 4 p.m. and grades 3-5 Tuesdays at 4 p.m.
A science club begins on October 22 and is for students in grades K-5. Depending on how many register for this program will depend on whether or not the students split up depending on their age group. Read More

Anonymous Donor Helps Fund Balance Classes At Senior Center

News Progress Posted on by

•August 29, 2018•

By Ellen Ferrera
for the News Progress

Senior Center Executive Director, Kathi Garvey was worried that the popular Matter of Balance classes for seniors wouldn’t be held this year.
“We had the grant funds but no volunteers to teach the classes so we were in jeopardy of losing the grant,” Garvey said. “Fortunately, the volunteers came forward and now, thanks to an anonymous donor, we also have funds for those who can’t afford but need the classes.”
For those with concerns about falling, have fallen recently or have restricted activities because of falling concerns, these classes can help.
Classes begin Sept 18 and are held twice a week on Tuesday and Thursday for four weeks until Oct. 16. Each class is two hours from 9-11 a.m. at the Senior Center in Sullivan. Read More

Little Theatre Ends Season With Hilarious “Noises Off”

News Progress Posted on by

•August 22, 2018•

By Ellen Ferrera
for the News Progress

Years ago, the main goal of vaudeville performers was to “always leave them laughing” and the opening night’s audience of “Noises off” was absolutely convulsed in laughter by play’s end.
The sight of Luke Rose hopping up a flight of stairs with his pants down to his ankles will forever haunt my memories.
“Noises Off” is a play within a play of a sex farce entitled “Nothing On”. Imagine a Carol Burnett skit where everyone blows their lines, and the whole thing comes unglued. Then imagine that skit as directed by the brilliantly mischievous Therese Kincaide to its hilarious extreme and you have some idea of the comic catastrophe about to unfold on stage.
The play opens on a frantic dress rehearsal where the harried and sarcastic director, Lloyd Dallas, is desperately trying to coax a performance from his mediocre actors who not only lack talent but are beset by personal problems that will derail the play. Read More

Sullivan Community Garden Grows More Than Vegetables

News Progress Posted on by

Photo furnished.
In addition to help from school staff and the community students got to see how the community garden grew. Student gardeners from left: Addy and Asher Hendry, Zaden Hissong, Aubrey and Alex Fultz, and Nora Becker.

•August 15, 2018•

By Turnip Sprout
for the News Progress

Starting a garden on school property began as a way to show city kids where vegetables come from, but it ended up yielding more than produce.
Sullivan Elementary School fourth grade teacher Nichole Hendry had wanted a garden at school for some time, and this year possibility became reality.
“At the end of winter we planted some seeds and placed them in the windows of the classroom,” Hendry recalled how the project sprouted.
When her students saw the plants developed, they pushed her toward finding a way to plant a garden.
“From the start the students wanted to raise vegetables to donate to the Food Pantry,” she continued, noting approval to replace one of two prairie garden plots with the vegetable garden opened the door.
With a lot of help from students, school staff, teachers and volunteers from the community the garden started developing. Read More

Relay For Life Defies Rain

News Progress Posted on by

•August 15, 2018•

By Ellen Ferrera
For the News Progress

A sudden rain squall overturned tents and sent people scurrying for cover just as the Relay for Life was set to begin Friday evening at 5 p.m.
The event was delayed an hour before the skies cleared, but the cooler temperatures prevailed for the resilient participants.
This year’s goal is $50,000 and by Relay time nearly $26,000 had been raised. An additional $17,000 raised since the Relay has put MCRL within reach.
“If we reach our goal by August 31, we will receive national recognition,” staff coordinator Tony Holly announced, noting few attain that.
Donations to the American Cancer Society are welcome and still being received for the Moultrie County Relay for Life.
Adam McReynolds, Moultrie Country Relay Coordinator, opened the ceremonies and the Boy Scouts presented the flag. After the Pledge of Allegiance, the high school Sullivan Singers sang the national anthem. Read More

County Board Appoints State’s Attorney, Accepts Farm Bid, and Limits Time on Storage Containers

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Townships Get Windfall

•August 15, 2018•

By Mike Brothers

The Moultrie County Board appointed Tracy Weaver as State’s Attorney to complete Jeremy Richey’s term to 2020, accepted Clint Robinson’s bid to rent the county farm and voted to limit the time shipping and storage containers may be in one place to 14 days.
County board chair Dave McCabe appointed assistant state’s attorney Weaver, noting the Republican Central Committee recommended the appointment at the December 3, 2017 meeting. Weaver previously practiced in Cole’s County and has moved to Sullivan to complete the term of office. Unanimous approval was given the appointment.
Building and grounds chair Gary Smith recommended Robinson’s bid of $379.17 per acre rent for the county farm be approved for the 2018-2020 term. Smith noted that four bids were submitted.The motion passed unanimously.
In the planning and zoning committee report, chairman Todd Maxedon recommended a change in the county zoning ordinance concerning accessory uses. Read More

McD’s Construction Pushed Back

News Progress Posted on by

•August 10, 2018•

Plans for the McDonald’s in Sullivan to close for remodeling have been pushed back. The store will remain opened until further details on the build are available, according to owner Angie Matlock.

“Young Frankenstein” at The Little Theatre on the Square is Electrifying!

News Progress Posted on by

•August 8, 2018•

By Ellen Ferrera
for the News Progress

Mel Brooks has always described ‘Young Frankenstein” as his best film. So, when he successfully turned his ‘The Producers” into a Broadway musical, it seemed only natural to follow suit with a musical version of “Young Frankenstein”.
This is vintage, madcap, bawdy Brooks with outrageous double entendres and asides aplenty. When Frederick arrives at his grandfather’s castle, he sees the enormous door knockers and exclaims, ‘Wow! What a great pair of knockers!” to which his voluptuous German assistant Inga coos, “Oh, zank you Doctor.” So, hold on to your sides and laugh the evening away.
Director Peter Marinaro has done a brilliant and masterful job of orchestrating this complicated musical with many scene changes, ensemble numbers, costume changes, hilarious props and pyrotechnics that all come off without a hitch. The use of the new screen for black and white background film is especially stunning. Read More

County Farm Rent Bids Opened

News Progress Posted on by

•August 8, 2018•

Moultrie County Board building and grounds committee is recommending Clint Robinson’s bid of $82,500 ($379.17A) proposed county farm rent be approved by the county board August 9.
At the August 1 meeting of the committee, chairman Gary Smith opened bids from four interested farmers for the two year rental agreement.
Bids were opened in the order they were received: Zeb Hughes bid $70,713.50 ($325A); Shuman Brothers bid $67,658.68 ($310.96A); Robinson- $82,500 and Mark Kuhns bid $75,520.26 ($347A). Read More

Bradlee Todd Selected As Official Greeter At 50th Special Olympics Celebration

News Progress Posted on by

Photo furnished
Bradlee Todd greets Chicago Bears.

•August 8, 2018•

By Ellen Ferrera
for the News Progress

Bradlee Todd has been participating in Special Olympics most of his life. His mother Lisa is head coach for the Special Olympics Alpha Bears which his father Lester also coaches.
Bradlee also serves as a Global Ambassador for Special Olympics.
He was thrilled to be chosen recently to be one of the official greeters for the 50th anniversary celebration of Special Olympics in Chicago July 17-22.
It all started at the same place 50 years ago July 20, 1968 when 1,000 athletes from Canada and the U.S. competed in more than 200 events including swimming, floor hockey and track and field. The goal was to put a spotlight on ability, not disability. Read More