Photo by Mike Brothers
Owner Mike Fowler, foreground, checks solar panel for connection while Sullivan utility lineman Kim Miller makes sure the connection to the city power grid is safe.

Dual System Pays Back

•October 5, 2016•

By Redi Kilowatt
for the News Progress

Mike and Donna Fowler live in the first home in Sullivan operated on dual solar power and conventional electrical service.

The city of Sullivan installed the dual operation service meter Sept. 30, and the solar panels were activated moments later for a system that Mike can monitor from his smart phone.

It was a journey with an unlikely beginning.

“My wife and I needed to remodel our kitchen, so we went to a home show in Springfield for ideas,” Mike began.

A retired member of the IBEW, Fowler admitted he was always interested in solar farms and solar electricity.

While shopping for kitchens with Donna, Mike met a guy with a solar systems booth set up at the home show. Read More

Patterson Drainage Approved

•October 5, 2016•

By Ariana Cherry
for the News Progress

Ed Woker from Advanced Disposal was present at last week’s city council meeting, and city clean-up days were scheduled and discussed.

The collection dates will be split between two Saturdays in order to cover the entire city.

Advanced Disposal will be in town the mornings of October 22 and 29. Residents who live on the north side of Harrison Street will have their items collected on Saturday, October 22.

Those who reside on the south side of Harrison Street will be collected Saturday, October 29. Items must be on the curb by 7 a.m. on the designated day. Read More

SHS Senior queen candidates are Savana Brewer, Maddie Keller, Grace Mauck and Allyson Will. King candidates are Maxwell Todd, Charlie Goss, Tommy Schibur and Devin Warren (not pictured).

•September 28, 2016•

by Amy Cravatta
for Sullivan High School

Sullivan High School’s Homecoming events begin Monday, October 3 with float building 6-9 p.m. through Thursday, Oct. 6 for all high school students.

Pep rally activities will begin at 12:15 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 6 with the parade Friday. Parade line-up  begins at 3 p.m. in the high school’s back parking lot and steps off at 4 p.m. Kick off for the football game against Central A & M is 7 p.m.

Saturday, October 8 is the homecoming dance in the high school gym. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with the coronation 7 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The dance then continues from until 10 p.m.

•September 28, 2016•

First day of Early Voting and Vote by Mail for the November 8 General Election begins Thursday, September 29 in the county clerk’s office.

Moultrie County Clerk Georgia England would like to remind voters that Illinois no longer requires an excuse to vote early or by mail.

If a person has already decided how they wish to vote, now would be a good time to avoid the possible long lines on election day. Read More

•September 21, 2016•

by Ariana Cherry
For the News Progress

In August, the Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond School Board reviewed a tentative budget for 2017 in August. The estimated beginning balance for July 1, 2016 was $1,675,641 and the end balance for June 2017 is estimated at $1,995, 394. After being on display to the public for 30 days, the board had a budget hearing September 14 at their regular scheduled meeting. The budget for the 2017 school year was unanimously passed.

Other matters that were discussed or voted upon:

- Changes were made in the history courses regarding the new state civics requirement that will effect this year’s sophomores. The constitution has been removed from the US I curriculum and added to the civics curriculum which this year’s sophomores will take their senior year.

Also, the “Rights and Responsibilities of an 18 year old in the state of Illinois” will be removed from the US II curriculum and added to civics.

Homecoming king and queen candidates and attendants were recognized.  Read More