•December 16, 2015•

Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) is recognizing area high school students who have been named 2016-17 State Scholars for their outstanding academic achievement.

L to R: Jakob Brewer, Cade Day, Rebecca Davis and Allison Irwin

Arthur Lovington Atwood Hammond high school Illinois State Scholars are Jakob Brewer, Rebecca Davis, Cade Day and Allison Irwin.
Read More

•December 2, 2015•

By Ariana Cherry
For the News Progress

There are quite a few unpaid cemetery plots and the Sullivan City Council took action at the regular meeting.

“There are about $15,000 worth of unpaid cemetery lots,” informed mayor Ann Short. The city is taking action by mailing out letters to all of those who still have lots but have yet to pay. “Action will be taken. If they do not respond in two weeks, plots will be resold,” said Short. One plot has already been presumably “filled” and is not paid for. Further action will be taken on the outstanding bill if it isn’t paid though, according to Short.

Other news that was discussed or acted upon:

- -Commissioner Bill  Hagen reported that on the last days of the recycling program that so much trash was left on the ground that another dumpster had to be brought in.

“It was pretty bad,” he noted. “We are still waiting on the paperwork from those who still would like to have a recycling program. It will be presented at the next meeting he stated.

- -Commissioner Mike Kirk reported the city was selling a 1970 Toyota gasoline FG20. “It is old, but it still works,” he said. The city received five bids with the highest one at $1,030.  Read More

Photo Submitted
Students gathered at the Elizabeth Titus Memorial Library with artist David Zoberis, Sr. last week, and by following his “Just Painting” instructions they each produced a masterpiece.

•December 2, 2015•

By Ariana Cherry
For the News Progress

Students learned to “Just Paint” at beginning acrylic paint class presented by artist David Zoberis, Sr. at Elizabeth Titus Memorial Library last week.

For a little more than two hours, a group of beginning acrylic painters and one reporter learned a few lessons of what it was like to “just paint” – as instructor and artist, David J, Zoberis Sr. said.

In front of the class sat a piece of artwork that featured an outdoor springlike setting with a table that had an antique tea kettle and a folded tablecloth sitting on it. Zoberis told the students that would be their project for the day.

To some, seeing such a professional painting created, could be overwhelming – for others, motivation to “just paint.” The final masterpiece was open to interpretation.

Zoberis provided materials for the entire class including paints, easel, canvas and paintbrushes. While everyone painted, he suggested different techniques that could possibly help a painter when creating a piece of artwork. Zoberis has conducted these workshops for more than two years for both adults and children. Libraries in Wisconsin started asking for adult painting classes. “I wanted to do what other artists didn’t do. None of the artists I know do workshops in the state of Illinois. I’d like to provide creativity to small libraries in Illinois and keep my studio,” he said.  Read More

Photo by Mike Brothers
Sullivan IGA donated $500 to Secret Santa. IGA manager Pat Stinson (center) presents check to Secret Santa representatives Police Chief John Love (right) and Greg Foster.

•December 2, 2015•

Secret Santa of Sullivan was presented a check for $500 from Sullivan IGA last week.

Accepting on behalf of the communitywide help organization was Greg Foster left and Police Chief John Love (right). IGA manager Pat Stinson presented the annual donation.

Chief Love said that 100 people have signed up for Secret Santa so far this season.

“People can still sign up for Secret Santa until Dec 5,” Love said, noting that the police department is handling all registrations for the program.

“Donations like the one from IGA help us bring Christmas to people who can’t otherwise afford it,” Love said, pointing out that the garage area at the police department will have toys on display for Secret Santa shoppers.

Secret Santa has grown from a couple of folks purchasing bicycles for Christmas to a community based help program all year round.

Love explained they have been able to help families in emergency situations with food, clothing and shelter in addition to making Christmas better for those who don’t have it so good. Read More

Roofs and HVAC systems needed

•November 11, 2015•

By Mike Brothers

Facing a little more than $5 million in needed HVAC upgrading and roof repairs Sullivan Community Unit 300 board members explored funding options at the regular Monday, Nov. 9 meeting.

Tim King of King Financial Consultants presented some options utilizing  health life safety bonds.

King explained, with existing debt expiring, the district could maintain its $380,000 annual payment toward bond payback.

“With your fund balances you also have the ability to purchase your own bonds,” King continued, noting Monticello school district self-funded health life safety bonds in January.

Sullivan fund balances totaling $6 million in education and transportation could be used with the district earning between 1.3 and 1.9 percent interest on the loan.

“One advantage to partially funding the bonds from existing funds is the balance could be borrowed locally at competitive rates,” King said.

Supt. Brad Tuttle asked about the option of selling bonds to cover a portion of the project.

King noted if the district needed to raise funds to reimburse or add additional funds, they could sell bonds to raise cash in 30-60 days.

Tuttle explained the district is looking at various funding options which will be discussed at the winter board planning session.

A public hearing concerning the intent of the board to issue $5 million in health life and safety bonds was held following King’s presentation. Read More