Category Archives: News

Sullivan Approves Economy Kick Start

News Progress Posted on by

•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

News Progress Posted on by

•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

News Progress Posted on by

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

News Progress Posted on by

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

News Progress Posted on by

•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.

COVID 19 Self-Isolates States Attorney’s Office

News Progress Posted on by

•May 28, 2020•
The Moultrie County State’s Attorneys office staff is under quarantine which will postpone criminal and traffic cases scheduled early the first week of the courthouse reopening.
State’s Attorney Tracy Weaver explained the procedure for the week of June 1.
“Some members of the State's Attorney's Office are self-isolating due to potential exposure to COVID-19
“Out of an abundance of caution, criminal and traffic cases scheduled for the early part of next week have been rescheduled.
“We anticipate that those potentially impacted will return to work later next week,” State’s Attorney Weaver explained.

ALAH Schools Reinvented the Finishing of the Year

News Progress Posted on by

District receives $261,000 through the CARES ACT

•May 27, 2020•
By Ariana Cherry
for the News Progress

Members of the ALAH School Board met via Google Hangout as some remained at home, while a few others met at the high school to practice social distancing during the COVID19 pandemic.
After approving the consent agenda, Kevin Heid presented a bond presentation for informational purposes for members of the board.
Superintendent Shannon Cheek gave the Treasurer’s report after the presentation. “We are up to date on payments from the state, although we have only received one payment for transportation for this fiscal year. I would like to remain optimistic, but realistically, the other payment will probably not be coming in for this present fiscal year,” he informed.
The district was also grateful for two donations that it received. Curtis Plank and Eric Plank were part of the “League of Champions.” The games for their league was canceled because of the pandemic, and they had extra unused money. Read More

ALAH Class of 2020 Has Drive Through Ceremony

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Photo furnished

•May 27, 2020•
The Arthur Lovington Atwood Hammond Class of 2020 received diplomas in a drive through ceremony Tuesday,May 14.
Held at the Moultrie Douglas County Fair Merchant building a make shift stage was built for the event which ran from 12:30 to 7:00 p.m.
There were 78 members of the class with each senior announced and receiving diplomas from Supt. Shannon Creek and ALAH principal Steffanie Seegmiller.
The senior with family arrived at the north entrance of the merchant building driving toward the south. The senior only exited the vehicle received a diploma and a photograph then leave the south exit.
Each senior received a thumb drive of the ceremony and two photos.
ALAH Class of 2020 seniors completed online questionnaires from the New Progress and we are glad to share them with our readers.
Abigail Abercrombie is the daughter of Dan and Sara Abercrombie and April Carter all of Arthur.
Future Plans: I plan to attend Eastern Illinois University (four-year program) and major in pre-veterinary medicine. My career goal is to become a veterinarian. I have received a merit scholarship from EIU.
Madison Allen is the daughter of Cynthia and Derrill Allen of Arthur. Read More