Category Archives: News

Rally Supports LGBTQ Pride

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Droneography R.R. Best
Rally Supports LGBTQ Pride
A group rallied in front of Sullivan Church of God June 14 in support of Chierstan Burns who served as a youth leader there until she was dismissed for coming out as bisexual.
June 28 is the 50th anniversary of LGBTQ traditions. June is Lesbian,Gay Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Pride month. Burns posting was in honor of the observation and prompted the church’s action when it caught the attention of the church’s pastor.
On June 11 the Church’s board of elders, it’s pastor, and other church leaders held a meeting, requesting Burns resignation over the posts. She refused, but was told she could no longer serve as the church’s youth leader.
The peaceful group stood in support of Burns and the sex based discrimination while services were conducted Sunday

A Wedding Brings Celebration During Time of Corona Virus

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•June 17, 2020•
By Ellen Ferrera
for the News Progress

Their May 23 wedding date was postponed but on Saturday, June 13 at 11:30am Shania Whitrock and Bradlee Todd were united in marriage in the first wedding at New Life Church since its closure in March.
To the skirl of a lone bagpiper Shania was accompanied to the pink and silver balloon-decorated altar by her father-in-law to be, Leslie Todd.
Her attendants were twin sister Brooke Whitrock, Mary Canroy, Suzzanne Reimer and Kelsey Knopp.
The attendants wore pink chiffon, floor-length gowns and carried bouquets of multi-colored summer flowers. Read More

Shopping at Home Will Do More to Open Moultrie Co. Businesses than Berating the Governor

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•June 10, 2020•
By Ann Wheeler
NP Guest Columnist

When driving around Sullivan, I see the signs that support opening businesses in Moultrie County and those berating Gov. Pritzker for sucking the life out of these same businesses due to his shelter-in- place order.
I assume that people who put these signs in their yards are concerned about the local businesses that have had to temporarily close or require safe protocols because of the COVID 19 virus.
Such concern is understandable as small businesses are the lifeblood of towns like Sullivan, Lovington, and Bethany.
Having grown up in Sullivan, I have watched shops and businesses close, leaving storefronts empty and buildings vacant. This loss of small businesses, however, had nothing to do with the actions of any governor, be he Republican or Democrat. More than a few of them closed because they were not supported by the community. Read More

Sullivan Approves Economy Kick Start

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•June 10, 2020•
By Mike Brothers

Sullivan City Council approved a program to kickstart businesses and help citizens with their utility bills.
At the June 8 city council meeting Commissioner Abbey Sherwood moved the RIPPLE (Resident Incentive for Purchases to Promote the Local Economy) program be implemented for two months (June 15-Aug. 15).
Adapted from a local economic incentive plan from Frankfort in northern Illinois, any utility customer of the city of Sullivan is eligible.
Sherwood proposed that utility customers who present $100 in local restaurant receipts are eligible for a $25 utility credit from the city. Read More

Country Financial Supports Local Fire Department with Equipment Funding Through Donation

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Photo furnished
SFPD receives at $1500 donation for thermometers and blood pressure cuffs. Pictured are: Tyler Wright, Grant Faulkner, Chris Wright, Fire Chief Mike Piper, Country Financial representative Elizabeth Houser and assistant Jorjia Clements.

•June 3, 2020•
Country Financial Representative Elizabeth Houser announced Sullivan Fire Protection District as the 2020 recipient of her Country Financial Operation Helping Heroes donation.
Houser presented the donation for $1,500.00 to Sullivan Fire Protection on Tuesday, May 19th, to assist with the purchase of digital thermometers and blood pressure cuffs.
“As I live and work in our community, I have seen firsthand the selfless acts of our first responders at the Sullivan Fire Department”, said Houser. “This donation is our way of giving back to our first responders and honoring their dedication to our community. I appreciate all they do to keep us safe and cared for.” Read More

Emergency Order Helps Open Sullivan for Business

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•June 3, 2020•
By Mike Brothers

Restaurants are serving food and alcohol in designated outdoor areas following an executive order issued by Mayor Richard Glazebrook.
During the May 26 city council meeting the mayor explained that the order approving outdoor dining and drinks is to facilitate the June 1 phased opening in Illinois.
Under the order declaring an emergency the mayor acted to facilitate the businesses in town by designating parking spots in front of establishments for outdoor dining with the city exploring the option of relocating picnic tables from Wyman Park to establish outdoor gathering zones. Traffic barriers are also being provided by the city.
In their first in-person meeting since the stay at home order in March, the city commissioners gathered at the Elizabeth Titus Library with approval of extending the ordinance declaring an emergency approved by commissioners Abbey Sherwood, Mike Fowler, Peggy Hargis and Chuck Woodworth. Read More

Lights Go On for Windsor High School 2020 Graduates

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Salutatorian Hannah Reed

•June 3, 2020•
The lights were turned on in Windsor supporting the bright future for high school graduates of the Class of 2020.
The community was asked at 9:00 pm on Friday, May 29 to turn on their porch lights for 20 minutes and 20 seconds in support of the bright future the new graduates have before them.
Windsor High School Seniors graduated in individual ceremonies on Thursday, May 28. WHS graduates reserved an appointment time for themselves and four family members.
Then on Friday, May 29th at 7:00 pm., the graduates paraded through town, following the Windsor Harvest Picnic Parade route, to allow the community to celebrate the seniors’ accomplishments!
Principal Jennifer Bridges explained as soon as time allows, all pieces of the two days will be pieced together and placed on YouTube, so the graduates and community can watch the full graduation ceremony. Read More

Correction

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In the 2020 Graduation Keepsake that was included in the May 27 edition of the News Progress and May 28, edition of Fish Wrap page 8 was inadvertently omitted.
The special section will be included with the correct page 8 in the June 3rd edition of The News Progress.
We apologize for the error.
Sullivan News Group

Campgrounds Open at Lake Shelbyville

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•May 29, 2020•

Lake Shelbyville - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Lake Shelbyville would like to announce Coon Creek, Forrest W. "Bo" Wood, Lithia Springs, and Opossum Creek campgrounds are now open. Lone Point Campground and Wilborn Creek Group Camp are closed until further notice. There is no change to reservable and non-reservable sites at Bo Wood, Coon Creek and Lithia Springs from previous seasons. All payments at fee booths are by credit or debit card only. Opossum Creek Campground is now 100% reservable and campers must have a reservation through R1S prior to setting up on a campsite. Campers are reminded to follow CDC guidelines while recreating at Lake Shelbyville.
For campsite availability or to make a reservation, please visit www.recreation.gov. Reservations by phone at 1-877-444-6777 are scheduled to resume on July 1, 2020. For additional information, please call the Lake Shelbyville Project Office at (217)774-3951.