Category Archives: News Section

Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is Amazing!

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Joseph and his Technicolor Dreamcoat

•July 26, 2017•

By Ellen Ferrera
for the News Progress

Joseph was not Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s first musical, but it was the first publicly performed. Webber devised a winning formula to showcase his prodigious knowledge of musical genres, and it was so successful that he used it again in other hits such as “Starlight Express” and “Cats”.

In “Joseph” we have such styles as parodies of French ballads (“Those Canaan Days”), Elvis inspired rock and roll (“Song of the King”), country western (“One More Angel in Heaven”), 1920s Charleston (“Potiphar”), Calypso (“Benjamin Calypso”), jazz (“Joseph’s Dream”), and 1950s music (“Go,Go,Go,Joseph”). Something for everyone!

If you haven’t seen the musical several times you probably do know the biblical story in Genesis of Joseph and his 11 brothers, his many-colored coat so coveted by his brothers that they sell him into slavery in Egypt. But, Joseph has a talent – he is a seer and can foretell the future. He curries favor with the Pharaoh who elevates him to a high position. He returns triumphantly to forgive his brothers and bring joy to his grieving father. Read More

Lovington VBS Kids Donate to Sparrows

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Photo furnished
The kids participating in Vacation Bible School at Lovington First Baptist Church got in the spirit of giving as they donated their daily offering to Sparrows.

•July 26, 2017•

Children attending Vacation Bible School at the First Baptist Church of Lovington demonstrated the true gift of giving.

Some 65-70 kids attended the week long VBS program, learning, participating in crafts and enjoying a meal during the 6-8:30 p.m. sessions each evening. The greater giving came after members of Sparrows of Lovington told them about the volunteer community help organization.

Donna Walker is involved in the community volunteer organization and explained that Sparrows representatives helps provide toys and other gifts for children in Lovington who might not otherwise afford them. Read More

Senior Center Participates in Sullivan Rocks 

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Photo by Ellen Ferrera Mid-Illinois Senior Services Executive Director Kathi Shackles is shown painting a rock.

•July 26, 2017•

By Ellen Ferrera
for the News Progress

Inspired by the July 13 News Progress story on Sullivan Rocks, the Mid-Illinois Senior Services will offer rock painting for seniors.

The classes will be officially offered starting in August, but anyone may come in now to paint rocks. The center has river rocks, paints, brushes, color pens, glitter, lace, ribbon and all manner of things for decorating – all you need to bring is your inspiration. No political or religious messages, please.

Executive Director, Kathi Shackles, said, “We were just taken with the story and wanted the senior citizens to participate,” she added. “I was so happy to find river rocks at Walmart. Otherwise, I was considering liberating some from someone’s rock pile.” Read More

Tragic Crash

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Photo by RR Best
Tragic Crash
Services were held Tuesday for 41 year old Robert Day of Hammond. Day, a member of the Hammond Fire Department, died as a result of a 6:30 p.m. July 20 crop sprayer/train accident on CR2000N near the Hwy. 121 intersection south of Dalton City. First responders from Sullivan, Bethany, Mt. Zion, Dora Township and Illinois State Police assisted at the scene. Area first responders formed the processional from Hammond to St. Isidore Catholic Church Cemetery.

European Vacation

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Photo furnished
European Vacation
Young adults from Sullivan recently traveled to London, Paris, Florence and Rome with Marsha Kirby through Education First Tours. Pictured from left: Lexi Elder, Kelsey Clark, Katie Webb, Jon Gavin, Brendan Rau. The students were able to visit many historical sites including Buckingham Palace, the Eiffel Tower, the Palace of Versailles, Trevi Fountain, and Pompeii. Kirby is currently putting together a trip to Germany, Austria & Switzerland for the summer of 2018 and a trip to Washington D.C. for summer 2019. This is not limited to students but is open to all members of the community. Those interested should call Marsha Kirby at 217-853-6842 for more information.

What Is This?

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Photo by Ellen Ferrera
What Is This?
Every time motorists drive north on Route 32 to Lovington they pass a monument on the right side of the road, but they may not have noticed it. It is a memorial to Charles R. France who donated some 200 acres to Masonic Charities. The inscription on the plaque reads:
Charles R. France, Apr. 1, 1888 Jan. 17, 1968.
Memorial Farm: By his widow Mrs. Enid R. France. A freemason of the past, who provided for those of the future by dedicating this farm to Masonic Charity.
This plaque erected by the Illinois Masonic Home AD 1980 AL 5980

Chesterville Derby Winner

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Photo by Mike Brothers
Chesterville Derby Winner
Winning the first Belgian Draft Horse race in the world at the Illinois Amish Heritage Center July 21 was Rose. In a two furlong race Rose won by a length, in a world record eight second time. The Cadwell entry is pictured with rider Daniel Yoder claiming the inaugural Chesterville Derby trophy which remains on display at the Amish Interpretive Center located west of Chesterville on Hwy 133. The Belgian Draft horses racing included members of the Moses Yoder house pull team from September 2016.

Summer Fun at Wyman

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Photo by Alex Menke
Summer Fun at Wyman
The Wyman Park Summer Recreation program directed by Jake and Melissa Haegen hosts recreational activities for local children every Monday-Friday for eight weeks in the summer. Activities are held throughout Wyman Park in Sullivan from 8:30 a.m. until 2:30.p.m. Kids make weekly trips to the Sullivan Civic Center pool, games of all kinds, and numerous other forms of recreation. New ventures this year include creating a mosaic on display in front of the Sullivan Civic Center with the help of the Sullivan Area Arts Council.
Melissa Haegen stated the highest number of participants this year was 150 and the least 85. Haegen said numbers have been increasing each year and is correlated with the rising poverty level in the community. The program would not be sustainable without the help of donations from the SAArts, 100 Women Who Care, Sullivan VFW, Sullivan Fire Department, and private donations.

Operation Secret Santa Success

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Operation Secret Santa Success
Jeepin in Memory of Jessi, the annual Secret Santa Fundraiser, hosted the largest crowd ever at The Toy Bar July 15. With some 175 people registered the single day event earned almost $16,000 for the local non-profit organization. The theme was Christmas Vacation with prizes for best outfits. Sparrows Inc. of Lovington participated along with other volunteer groups. Secret Santa helps families at Christmas with gifts for kids and throughout the year with families and individuals in need. Like them on Facebook at Operation Secret Santa. Operation Secret Santa is a not-for-profit organization. Photo by RR Best

Tabor Park’s “Natural Beauty” Discussed At Council Meeting

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•July 19, 2017•

By Ariana Cherry
for the News Progress

The natural beauty of Tabor Park and some of the recent destruction of its “natural state” was the topic of conversation at the last Sullivan City Council meeting.

Bill Burger shared his insight regarding the park. “It’s the best kept secret in Moultrie County,” he stated. “Every city has a Wyman Park (and it is a nice park), but very few cities have a Tabor Park,” he added.

Burger stated that it would be nice to see the park keep its natural prairie grass. He has been disappointed by the constant mowing and the tractor pulls that have been hosted there – as it has taken away some of its natural beauty.  Read More