Category Archives: News Section

County Contributes to SCED, Continues Hiring Freeze

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•January 22, 2020•
Fields Tax Questions

By Mike Brothers

A county hiring freeze didn’t hinder the Moultrie County Board from giving $50,000 to the Sullivan Chamber and Economic Development at the January 16 meeting.
SCED Director Laurrie Minor explained the county’s $50,000 contribution goes exclusively toward tourism promotion of the county.
She reported this will be the third year attending the Recreation and RV Show in Rosemont and visitors return to tell about their experiences in the area.
Jon Summers Corp of Engineers at Lake Shelbyville participates with SCED at the Rosemont show and reported increases in campers this past season during a recent budget committee meeting.
County Board Chairman Dave McCabe recommended this third annual $50,000 contribution to SCED explaining the first year the county saw a 14.44 percent sales tax boost. In the second year sales tax income was down .06 percent.
Prior to the vote board member Neil Bryan asked Minor for more information concerning surrounding counties contributions to promote tourism. Read More

New Website in Operation for ALAH School District

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•January 22, 2020•
By Ariana Cherry
for The News Progress

Atwood-Hammond Junior High Social Studies teacher, Angie Hollingsworth announced her future retirement at the opening of the ALAH School Board meeting, scheduled for the 2023-2024 school year.
Hollingsworth has been in Atwood-Hammond for the past 26 years and overall has been teaching for 30.
“We appreciate what you’ve done for the district and the students. I’m very grateful for all you’ve done for the district and our students...You will be missed for sure, but I am glad we get to have you for four more years,” said Superintendent, Shannon Cheek.
“She is a great asset at the junior high,” stated Atwood-Hammond Principal, Kristin Nall. “She’s made so many relationships with the families there and bridged the gap with home and school. And she helped transition me in my position. You will be extremely missed, ” she added. Read More

A Moving Tribute to the American Spirit Presented to Sullivan School Board

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•January 22, 2020•
By Ariana Cherry
for The News Progress

Sullivan High School student, Blake Thompson presented his winning Voice of Democracy speech at the Sullivan Community Unit 300 Dist. board meeting. Thompson competed and won the district competition and will be presenting his speech at the state competition in Springfield in February.
SES teacher Jennifer Hobbs coordinated the event, and SHS English teacher Becky Lawson was his sponsoring teacher.
“His speech on what makes America great is a moving tribute to the American spirit,” commented Sullivan High School Principal Daniel Allen.
The board discussed the changes to the district’s Course Description Book for the 2020-2021 school year, which were approved.
The Sullivan Elementary School building is over 20 years old and the floor tile has been starting to show some wear and will need replaced. Read More

Feast of the Epiphany

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Photo furnished
Feast of the Epiphany
On Saturday, January 4 Saint Columcille parishioners were blessed with a visit from the Magi (from left to right: Ron Auer, Rob Farabaugh, and Duane Deters)!
Catholics bless their home on the Feast of the Epiphany by marking above the doorway with blessed chalk and pray for God’s blessing during the coming year. An Epiphany Party was enjoyed by all in the Parish Center.

SHS Agriculture Teacher is National Teacher of the Year Finalist

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Photo by Mike Brothers
SHS Agriculuture teacher honored at Jan. 9 assembly: left to right: Rod Stoll of Farm Credit IL, SHS Principal Daniel Allen, honoree Don Lockwood., State FFA Treasurer Emma Freebairn, State FFA President Gage Miller, and Shawnda Vega with Nationwide Sponsor Relations

•January 15, 2020•
Sullivan High School principal Daniel Allen opened the school assembly January 9 with an apology for gathering the student body under false pretenses.
In an unprecedented move students were called to an assembly for a reason which had been kept secret for days.
The secret was out at 2:30 p.m. Thursday and SHS Agriculture Teacher and FFA sponsor Don Lockwood was the reason.
Lockwood is a national finalist for the 2019-2020 Ag Educator of the Year honor through Nationwide’s Golden Owl Award.
As a finalist, Lockwood was presented with a $500 cash prize and plaque in front of fellow teachers and students. Read More

Two Decades of Service for Sullivan Dove Coordinator

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Warrior sisters in fighting domestic violence. From left: Tammy Wilcox, Executive Director of Dove, retiring Sullivan coordinator Mary Hughes, and Teri Ducy Domestic Violence Director.

Mary Hughes Retires

•January 15, 2020•

By Ellen Ferrera
for The News Progress

As Dove, Inc. prepares to celebrate a 50th anniversary this year Mary Hughes will be ending her 20-year career as Coordinator of Dove Services in Sullivan.
A retirement reception for Hughes was held Tuesday at the United Methodist Church in Sullivan.
“It has been such an honor and privilege to work with Dove. They do advocacy above anything I have ever seen” Hughes said of her two decades of service. “There has been such love, support, trust and freedom to allow me to do my best work.”
Hughes grew up in Decatur. Her father was an electrician and worked on electric towers, but took the family every summer to visit most of the national parks.
Her mother loved military events and parades so she got to see the Rose Bowl parade and a ship christening. Read More

Not Spending Titus Money

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•January 15, 2020•

By Mike Brothers

Sullivan City Council approved a 12 month moratorium on spending the Titus proceeds at the 6:00 p.m. January 13 meeting held at Elizabeth Titus Library.
Mayor Richard Glazebrook recommended the moratorium on spending the $10,971,883.00 from sale of the 928.1 acre Winifred Titus-Sentel Trust farm in November.
Prior to the vote Commissioner Mike Fowler ask if the city shouldn’t wait until they receive the money from the sale before deciding not to spend it.
“This way we won’t be hit up with all these spending ideas,” Mayor Glazebrook explained, noting passing the 12 month moratorium would give the Council a chance to review the city’s needs. Read More

Flooded Road

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Photo by R.R. Best
Flooded Road
The intersection of CR1425N and 1575E was impassable Saturday morning. Asssitant Fire Chief Larry Edwards reported the Sullivan Fire Protection District was called to the location east of Jonathon Creek Christian Church at 8:09 a.m. Jan. 11 where they assisted the dive team in rescuing the vehicle and its driver from high water. The Dodge van stalled in about two feet of water at the intersection as the driver was en route to transport members of the Amish community. Moultrie County Dive team member Jason Smith (left) prepares the van for towing as Moultrie County Sheriff Chris Sims discusses the weather with the driver. No injuries were involved with Sullivan Fire District and Dive Team personnel clearing the scene at 9:49 a.m.

2019-2020 Windsor High School Homecoming Court

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2019-2020 Windsor High School Homecoming Court
Windsor High School will be hosting its Homecoming Dance on Saturday, January 25th at the high school. Coronation will be at 7:30 p.m. and is open to the public. This year’s theme is Hawaiian Luau. Court members are pictured, Back row L to R: King candidates Mason Campbell, Brandon Milligan, and Eli Howard, Junior attendant Morgan Greuel, Sophomore attendant Sam Welton, and Freshman attendant Rhett Rincker. Front row L to R: Queen candidates Ava Bennett, Hannah Reed, and Zoe Nichols, Junior attendant Haley Beck, Sophomore attendant Karlie Bean, and Freshman attendant Kiersten Wheeler.

Sue Weaver-Three Decades at The Sullivan Civic Center

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Sue Weaver

•January 8, 2020•
By Ellen Ferrera
for The News Progress

December 23 was the final day of a successful 32-year career as Director of the Sullivan Civic Center for Sue Weaver.
Her retirement leaves only Bill White as the last member of her original 1987 staff.
“I can’t think of a better job than here in this community where my kids could go to school where I worked” Sue said in reflection. “I will truly miss the staff and all the kids.”
Weaver grew up in Princeton, IL and majored in recreational administration at Eastern Illinois University where she met her husband. Although her mother was a P.E. teacher Sue knew she didn’t want to teach but wanted to stay active in recreation.
For two years she worked in Decatur at the YWCA and in 1987 the Assistant Director position became available at the Civic Center which was perfect because she and her family lived in Sullivan. Two years later she was appointed Director.
Weaver lost no time implementing water exercise classes and swim lesson programs in cooperation with the elementary school to expand Civic Center offerings. Read More