Category Archives: News

Mediacom to Upgrade Cable Network in Eastern Illinois

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Photo by Keith Stewart Pictured is the digital adapter Mediacom customers will need come mid-July when the company goes to eliminate analog reception for channels 23-78.

Photo by Keith Stewart
Pictured is the digital adapter Mediacom customers will need come mid-July when the company goes to eliminate analog reception for channels 23-78.

June 25, 2014

Analog phase-out makes way for more HDTV 

Mediacom Communications announced recently it is upgrading network technology to provide area customers with a major expansion of its high-definition (HD) lineup, while also eliminating analog reception for Family Cable video channels.

Mediacom’s upgrade will affect the Family Cable channel series local subscribers find on their lineup between 23 and 78. Those channels will transition to a digital-only frequency in July and continued reception will require the use of either a digital converter or a digital adapter. Current customers may receive up to three digital adapters at no cost through July 31, 2015. Read More

Lovington Says “No” To Sunday Liquor Sales

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Ministers speak out against proposition

by Joash Tiarks
Reporting in Lovington

It could have been contentious, but in an anti-climactic, routine village board meeting last week Lovington trustees voted five to one against allowing the sale of package alcohol on Sundays within the village.

The topic originally came up for discussion at the May meeting but several trustees were uncomfortable putting it to a final vote because it was thought the matter had to be posted for public consideration. And given the extra time, the public did in fact weigh in on the matter. Read More

Bethany Celebration June 20-21

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June 18, 2014

This year to see entertainment tent

The Village of Bethany will hold its annual town festival, The Bethany Celebration in Crowder Park June 20-21.

The theme is “Made in the USA” and will feature many of the same fun activities that the Celebration is known for, as well as some new additions.  Read More

Future Repair/Renovation Plans Discussed for Arthur-Lovington

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June 18, 2014

H.S. roof completion set back to November

by Ariana Cherry
Arthur/Sullivan Reporter

A tour of the Arthur-Lovington High School building was conducted before the regular school board meeting last Wednesday as a number of classrooms were open for viewing leading to some discussion regarding future repairs and renovations.

Emerging from the tour and talks was that it is hoped that the high school band room has new carpet installed during winter break and some of its trophies donated to the alumni association to create additional storage space.  Read More

Sullivan Electric Department Forgoes Rate Increase Again

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Also approves debt service charge for sewage improvements

by Barry Featheringill
Sullivan Reporter

Electric utility and gas rates were discussed a week ago Tuesday in Sullivan.

City ordinances allow each department to have an automatic four percent increase unless directed otherwise. Commissioner Mike Kirk noted that “the last electrical utility increase was May 1, 2010; although increases are passed along from the energy cost adjustment cost of power minus basic power cost. Again this year the electrical department will not request a rate increase.” Read More

Little Theatre Brings its 57th Season of Shows to Sullivan

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Photo by Keith Stewart Pictured is the 2014-2015 Little Theatre cast, which will begin the season June 4 with “42nd Street.”

Photo by Keith Stewart
Pictured is the 2014 Little Theatre cast, which will begin the season June 4 with “42nd Street.”

Doors open June 4 with first production

By Mallory Murphy
Sullivan Reporter

Sullivan’s square gained more than 50 new faces this week as The Little Theatre brought in its cast and crew for their 57th summer season of shows. A total of 112 actors, designers, directors, technicians, and staff members from all over the United States will come to town during the 10 weeks of shows.

“To have so many great actors and technicians back again this year who have made The Little Theatre their second home makes putting these shows together so much fun,” said executive director and producer John Stephens.  Read More

OV, AL Schools Weigh-In on Sales Tax Measure

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Each to vote on own resolution this month

by Derek Pope
& Keith Stewart
keith@newsprogress.com

Sullivan Schools may have passed a resolution Monday evening to place a school facility sales tax on the November ballot, but they aren’t the only district to serve the county desiring the extra revenue.

Both Okaw Valley and Arthur-Lovington school districts are expected to pass their own resolutions this month, with OV meeting on the 22nd and AL meeting on the 14th, though even without them, the referendum would still go before Moultrie County voters in November. Read More

Lovington Liquor Change Tabled Till June

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Board wishes to get public input before a vote

by Florence Hallford
Lovington Reporter

Last week, the Lovington Village Board discussed amending the Sunday Liquor Ordinance to allow class B alcohol sales on Sundays. This would mean that businesses such as  Casey’s would be able to sell packaged liquor from noon Sunday until 1 a.m. Monday, allowing extra revenue.  Read More

Sandwich Boards Approved by Council

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New ordinance will allow for sidewalk signs, merchandise

by Keith Stewart
keith@newsprogress.com

In last month’s first meeting, the Sullivan city council gave the go-ahead allowing for sandwich boards and the selling of merchandise on sidewalks.

Previously, the city code book barred the placement of signs and merchandise on sidewalks in Sullivan without specific approval by the council. Last August the issue was raised, briefly, whether or not to allow the signage, but when little support for overturning the ordinances appeared, the council dismissed it.  Read More