Category Archives: News Section

ALAH Schools Begin Class with New District Superintendent

News Progress Posted on by

High school roof project discussed

•July 31, 2019•
By Ariana Cherry
for the News Progress

In the July meeting, ALAH Community School District new superintendent, Shannon Cheek and retiring superintendent Kenny Schwengel, attended the July school board meeting.
“I want to start off my report by saying thank you to the many people involved in welcoming us to the school district and the four communities,” Superintendent Cheek opened his report. He went on to thank Haley McGrath, his administrative aide, as well as Kelly Creek, Ken Munds, the board of education, all the administrative staff, the custodial staff and the community.
“You have made my family feel right at home from the very beginning,” he added.
In a separate interview Cheek explained what interested him in the ALAH district.
“My interest in the superintendent position here centered around the communities’ support for education and dedication to the students,” he began.
“It’s that level of dedication that I wanted to be a part of and lead.” Read More

SHS Students Travel

News Progress Posted on by

Photo furnished
Sullivan High School students traveled to Italy and Greece for 10 days with Marsha Kirby, social studies teacher at SHS. They visited the famous sites of the Colosseum, the Vatican, and the Acropolis. Next summer Kirby is planning a trip to Paris, Normandy and London and in 2021 a trip to Costa Rica. Spots are available for both trips.

Sullivan City Council Calls Special Meeting

News Progress Posted on by

•July 25, 2019•
The Sullivan City Council will have a special meeting beginning at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 31 at the First United Methodist Church.
Purpose of the meeting is to discuss and take action, if any, on the manner of distribution of the assets of the Winifred Titus-Sentel Trust, including farm real estate and Titus Manor property.

Teamwork is Key to Blue Dolphin Food Drive’s Success

News Progress Posted on by

Photo by Mike Brothers
Blue Dolphin swimmers, coaches, supporters and community leaders gathered at the Sullivan Civic Center to distribute thousands of cans of food to the local food pantry.

•July 24, 2019•
By Trout Flipper
for the News Progress

It takes teamwork to win and Sullivan Blue Dolphins coach Jason Drury extends that philosophy from competing in the pool to helping the community.
That is what led to the collection of a record breaking 3,612 cans of food for their annual donation to the Moultrie County Food Pantry and other area food banks.
Swimmers, coaches, parents and civic leaders were invited to distribute the food from the Sullivan Civic Center on July 12.
For more than a decade the Sullivan Blue Dolphins have been holding an annual food drive for the local food bank.
Head coach Drury believes in the team giving back to the community who supports them and also teaches the swimmers more then just swimming. Read More

New SES Principal Impressed by Community School Spirit

News Progress Posted on by

SES Principal
Heather Ethell

•July 24, 2019•

By Ellen Ferrera
for The News Progress

Heather Ethell, new principal at Sullivan Elementary School, grew up in the Chicago suburb of Mt. Prospect. Her mother was a librarian, and her favorite school subjects were science and math. She also remembers loving to play all sorts of card games.
Ethell entered the University of Illinois planning to be a pediatrician but decided a career in teaching seemed more practical.
Looking back, she recalls, “All went well until the student teaching segment. It was a horrible experience. There was little supervision, and I didn’t connect with either the students or the teachers.”
She returned home that summer and told her mother that teaching was not going to be her career. “Mother reminded me that they had invested a lot in my education, and that I should make use of it. Mom encouraged me to apply at her school for a paraprofessional position.”
This experience was a revelation. Read More

EXTRA! EXTRA! “Newsies” is a Blockbuster at The Little Theatre on the Square

News Progress Posted on by

•July 24, 2019•
By Ellen Ferrera
for The News Progress

If you have seen and loved a production of “Les Mis” you will stand up and cheer for “Newsies” playing at the Little Theatre on the Square in Sullivan through July 28.
“Newsies” is the inspiring story of the historic strike by news hawkers against the most powerful publishers of the time.
Act One opens on a stunning set of the gritty, grimy underbelly of New York where many of the newsboys live.
In the background is a beautiful scrim of old, enlarged newsprint, and the proscenium arch is a crumbling brick wall. Scenic designer Alexander Capeneka has created magic from lumber and pipe fittings.
The newsboys’ leader, Jack Kelly in the musical, is rousing his crew for their day’s work.
Jack, played by Bradley Cashman, has a dream beyond his present lot. He gazes into the horizon and passionately sings of “Santa Fe” where there is space and things and clean and green. He longs to go there. Read More

Public Airs Thoughts on Sullivan’s Windfall: The Titus Estate

News Progress Posted on by

Photo by Mike Brothers
Titus Manor closed last year, and its fate is included in Sullivan City Council’s action toward the Winnifred Titus estate.

•July 24, 2019•
By Mike Brothers

When any government gets a large sum of money, it’s soon gone, was attorney Paul Stone’s concern if the city of Sullivan gets a $10-12 million lump sum inheritance from the Winnifred Titus Estate.
Stone and 120 people attended the Sullivan City Council meeting at Building 1225 Monday to air opinions on what the city should do.
Stone supported the city’s earlier decision to request the Titus Estate trustee to sign Titus Manor and 923 acres of farmland directly over to the city.
Zak Horn stated that Winnifred Titus provided clear direction in her will for a public sale of the property and the proceeds to be given to the city for civic improvements.
“The city should respect her wishes, accept the cash and make civic improvements,” Horn emphasized.
Kathy Hawbaker, past Titus Manor administrator and president of the Titus Sentel trustee board operating the Manor, reminded the audience Winnifred was ambitious and proud of where she lived and wanted that home for those ladies.
Titus Manor at Wyman Park’s residential care for ladies closed when residency dropped last year and the estate’s execution was left to the trust controlled by Busey Bank. Read More

Golden Rocket Launch

News Progress Posted on by

Photo furnished
Golden Rocket Launch
Elizabeth Titus Library in Sullivan commemorated the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission to the moon by hosting a rocket launch. Although hindered by the rain, summer park and recreation program kids enjoyed launching several water bottle rockets which flew over the ball diamond fence at Wyman Park. One engine powered rocket was launched and never found. It presumably landed on the dark side of the moon.

Memorial Walk of Honor Dedicated by Sullivan American Legion

News Progress Posted on by

•July 17, 2019•

By Ellen Ferrera
for the News Progress

Three hundred will be honored during dedication ceremonies at the American Legion Walk of Honor in Sullivan.
On Sunday, July 21 Post 68 is celebrating its 100th anniversary, and the public is invited to the American Legion Hall for the dedication of the new Memorial Walk of Honor.
Post Commander Bob Sims emphasized that “Our Walk of Honor is not just for veterans. The memorial bricks can honor anyone, be it a fireman, policeman, classmate, or a special person in our life. One family dedicated their brick to the three Eagle Scouts in the family. We have over 300 bricks that will be dedicated in this first installation.” Read More