Photo by Alex Menke
Kylie Burke gets her face painted as part of the fun.

•June 21, 2017•

By Alex Menke
for the News Progress

Local residents of all ages came to Sullivan’s town square from 4-7 p.m. Friday, June 16 for a celebration of community.

The festival was created by Sullivan Chamber and Economic Development agency with WCIA-TV’s Our Town segment showcasing Sullivan. Chamber director Laurrie Minor explained how it all began. “Channel 3 called and said they wanted to cover Sullivan for an ‘Our Town’ program, and we threw a festival together and made it happen.”

She expressed her delight at the success of the event. “It became bigger than what we anticipated and more successful.”  Read More

•June 21, 2017•

By Ariana Cherry
for the News Progress

Sullivan City Council discussed and agreed to waive the bidding requirements for the demolition of the old water tower off Jackson Street.

Other contractors were invited to bid, but there was no interest shown the city council learned at the June 12 meeting held at Elizabeth Titus Library.

Iseler Demolition, based out of Romeo, Mich. is scheduled to arrive the week of July 12 for the demolition. All the buildings and businesses in the surrounding area will be tarped to protect them from debris.  Read More

•June 14, 2017•

By Ellen Ferrera
for the News Progress

Indeed, researchers estimate this story to be at least 4,000 years old with its origins in the Greek myth of Cupid and Psyche. Written in 1740 by Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve, the original story had no Gaston or talking furniture - these are figments of Disney’s imagination.

In the 1700’s marriages were still arranged and this story was specifically intended to prepare young French girls for such a marriage.

Almost every country has a variant folktale of Beauty and the Beast, and it has been adapted for film (three times), stage, TV, opera and even a ballet.

That said, I can’t gush enough stars for this stellar production, its incredibly talented cast and especially the set and stage crew.

A narrator begins the prologue of how the Prince is turned into the Beast as the Prince, Beggar Woman and the Enchantress pantomime the action on stage. The curtain descends and rises again on a breathtaking French square as the villagers colorful costumes and carrying wonderful props bring the town to life. Belle (played by Samantha Matthews - she of the translucent skin and sterling voice) enters as does her father Maurice (Pat Swearington) and their loving and devoted relationship is revealed in the song “No Matter What”. Maurice has invented a clever wood shopping contraption for the science fair. Pat Swearington in both voice and mannerisms makes a most believable, devoted father. Read More

•June 14, 2017•

Coles-Moultrie county enhanced  9-1-1 is completed and in operation, Director Bernie Buttram told members of the Moultrie County Health and Safety Committee June 7.

Buttram noted that although coordinating the various land line carriers was a challenge, the diligence of Deb Prather at INdigital Telecom along with address accuracy in Moultrie County from Kelly Lockhart and the staff at Coles County Regional Planning paid off.

“It has been a long time coming,” Buttram said of the months of delays. “Now everything is moving, and we are the first consolidated 9-1-1 completed in the state.”

In addition board member Kevin McReynolds reported that the new aerial photos of the county were completed and would be available to enhance the 9-1-1 mapping system. Read More

File photo
Zak Horn of Metro Communications in Sullivan on the job.

•June 7, 2017•

Sullivan business leader Zak Horn received the Business Ethics and Social Involvement (BESI) award from the East Central Illinois Development Corporation recently.

Horn, who founded Metro Communications of Sullivan in 2000, was recognized for enlightened business practices while displaying social leadership.

Over the past 17 years Metro Communications extended fiber optics in 32 central Illinois counties, constructing 2000 route miles of fiber since 2011.

With a staff of 50 central Illinois professionals Metro provides wholesale carrier, enterprise and consumer services in underserved rural communities. Read More