Category Archives: News Section

Cruise Night from Above

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Drone photo R.R. Best
Cruise Night from Above
Sullivan Street Machine Association’s 39th annual Cruise Night on the Sullivan square was held Saturday, Sept. 1 and was captured in this drone photo by R.R. Best. The event drew classic show cars and hot rods from the region with more than $1500 in door prizes given away. Young drivers 3-9 competed in a Power Wheels Demo Derby. Bounce houses and a dunk tank offered entertainment for the young with Shovelhead the featured musical act. Boy Scout Troop #39, AmBuC’s and Wood Real Estate Insurance were primary outside sponsors of Cruise Night.

Findlay Area Farmer Don Keown Honored With Tractor Cruise

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Findlay Area Farmer Don Keown Honored With Tractor Cruise
Findlay area farmer Don Keown died in April 2018 but his spirit was present during a tractor cruise held in his honor Sunday, August 26. Don’s son, David emphasized his dad loved driving his 1953 International Super M in area tractor rides, and this year the son drove one of dad’s antique collection along with 24 tractors from all over the area that gathered at Findlay School.
Antique tractors, 28 people and a support vehicle made the complete circuit.
The 38 mile journey began on back roads from Findlay to Bethany, down Wilborn Creek Road toward Camp Camfield and to lunch at the Sullivan V.F.W. then back to Findlay.
Don’s brother Larry also drove the 1953 Farmall Super M their father bought new. The ride went from Findlay past the Wright Cemetery where Don is buried and the family had gathered. David pointed out it was a good way to view the country and crops at 12 miles per hour; plus the funds raised went to the Okaw Valley FFA Alumni for future scholarships.

Gaither Faces Uphill Battle with Central Illinois Determination

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Photo by Mike Brothers
U.S. 15th Congressional District Democrat candidate Kevin Gaither attended a Bethany Town Hall meeting at Marrowbone Library, August 23. Some of those visiting were Moultrie County Democrat Central Committee Chair Stuart Wade, Treasurer candidate Diane Waggoner, Connie Dunscomb, 15th District candidate Gaither, Circuit Clerk Beth Pruitt, Margi Gaither and Jim Gaither.

•August 29, 2018•

By Mike Brothers

Kevin Gaither, Democrat candidate for the 15th U.S. Congressional District, hasn’t got much money, but he does have a vision for the future.
Gaither, a Sullivan High School graduate, shared that vision at a town hall meeting held in Bethany at the Marrowbone Library on August 23.
In a campaign echoing predecessor Glenn Poshard, Gaither won the primary nomination accepting personal donations, without the benefit of party, political action committee or lobbyist funds.
Last week during Democrat Day at the Illinois State Fair U.S.Senator Dick Durbin recognized Gaither and his struggle to win the 15th district. “It was a thrill to have our campaign recognized by Senator Durbin in his opening remarks,” Gaither remarked, noting party recognition was gratifying. Read More

Clubs Offer Fun at Elizabeth Titus Library

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•August 29, 2018•

By Arianna Cherry
for the News Progress

Although summer vacation has come to an end, Elizabeth Titus Memorial Library still has plenty in store for students in the upcoming fall.
The Sullivan library offers opportunities for supplemental learning that also includes a bit of fun too. These clubs and classes are geared toward a variety of age groups focusing on math, science and reading skills.
The Crazy 8’s Math Club started August 27 but is still accepting late registrations. It is an eight-week long program for students who are in grades K-5. Students in grades K-2 meet Mondays at 4 p.m. and grades 3-5 Tuesdays at 4 p.m.
A science club begins on October 22 and is for students in grades K-5. Depending on how many register for this program will depend on whether or not the students split up depending on their age group. Read More

Anonymous Donor Helps Fund Balance Classes At Senior Center

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•August 29, 2018•

By Ellen Ferrera
for the News Progress

Senior Center Executive Director, Kathi Garvey was worried that the popular Matter of Balance classes for seniors wouldn’t be held this year.
“We had the grant funds but no volunteers to teach the classes so we were in jeopardy of losing the grant,” Garvey said. “Fortunately, the volunteers came forward and now, thanks to an anonymous donor, we also have funds for those who can’t afford but need the classes.”
For those with concerns about falling, have fallen recently or have restricted activities because of falling concerns, these classes can help.
Classes begin Sept 18 and are held twice a week on Tuesday and Thursday for four weeks until Oct. 16. Each class is two hours from 9-11 a.m. at the Senior Center in Sullivan. Read More

Butterflies are Free

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Photo by Ellen Ferrera
Butterflies are Free
Zinnias are attracting butterflies in Ellen Ferrera’s Sullivan garden on warm sunny days, but as the days grow shorter so do the opportunities for these butterflies to be free.

ADM Cares Gives to SMS

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Photo furnished
ADM Cares Gives to SMS
ADM Cares recently awarded a $5,000.00 grant to Sullivan Middle School for STEM curriculum resources. Students will spend time working collaboratively to solve problems that involve science, technology, engineering and math. Pictured are SMS STEM recipients John Bertetto, Troy Rogers, Nicole Garrett and Micah Heddins with ADM representative and Sullivan School Board member Erik Stollard.

SCED Future Explored During Special Council Meeting

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•August 22, 2018•

By Mike Brothers

Sullivan Chamber and Economic Development and its future was discussed in a special city council session at Titus Library.
With about 50 people attending the 5:00 p.m. August 20 session the changing role of the Chamber in order to meet the changing needs of the city was front and center.
As background, Mayor Ann Short explained economic development was placed with the Chamber with an ordinance approved in 2015. The mayor went on to explain the city funding source of $70,000 annually expires along with the TIF districts in May 2019.
Commissioner Jerry Risley pointed out Excecutive Director Laurrie Minor is stretched in many directions, balancing duties of a Chamber that has grown to include 220 members along with Economic Development and Tourism responsibilities. “One change is that we now have a city administrator,” Risley added. Read More

Little Theatre Ends Season With Hilarious “Noises Off”

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•August 22, 2018•

By Ellen Ferrera
for the News Progress

Years ago, the main goal of vaudeville performers was to “always leave them laughing” and the opening night’s audience of “Noises off” was absolutely convulsed in laughter by play’s end.
The sight of Luke Rose hopping up a flight of stairs with his pants down to his ankles will forever haunt my memories.
“Noises Off” is a play within a play of a sex farce entitled “Nothing On”. Imagine a Carol Burnett skit where everyone blows their lines, and the whole thing comes unglued. Then imagine that skit as directed by the brilliantly mischievous Therese Kincaide to its hilarious extreme and you have some idea of the comic catastrophe about to unfold on stage.
The play opens on a frantic dress rehearsal where the harried and sarcastic director, Lloyd Dallas, is desperately trying to coax a performance from his mediocre actors who not only lack talent but are beset by personal problems that will derail the play. Read More

Bus Stop

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Photo by Mike Brothers
Bus Stop
Schools all over Moultrie County are back in session. During this busy time of finding classes, getting to classes and getting to school it is important to remember students are getting on and off buses and drivers around the schools and buses should use extreme caution as the cargo is precious.