Category Archives: News Section

Food Pantry Donation

News Progress Posted on by

Photo by Mike Brothers
Food Pantry Donation
Following the Memorial Day Weekend Block Party in Sullivan, 5 West Coffee and Wine Lounge and Toy Bar donated $400 to the Food Pantry from the door proceeds of the event. Pictured are Cathrine and JR Craig, owners of 5 West, and Kristy Dawson, director of the Moultrie County Food Pantry. “We created this event to encourage more residents and tourists to visit the downtown area. But it’s also important to us to give back to the community. We’re happy to share our success,” Cathrine said of the donation.

Rotary Plants Trees in Habitat Subdivision

News Progress Posted on by

Photo by Mike Brothers
Shoveling dirt on the first Sullivan Rotary tree planting are Susan Rauch, Joe Keller, Dave Cole, Bill Highland, Dan Fultz and Brad Pullen.

•May 31, 2017•

The Sullivan Rotary Club began an ongoing program to plant trees at the Habitat for Humanity subdivision in Sullivan.

Rotarians traveled to the neighborhood north of Agri Fab following their regular meeting May 23 at TnT Pizzeria and with the help of Hild Landscaping, placed a 15 foot tall tulip tree in the front lawn.

“One of the points of focus for Rotary this coming year is protecting the environment and planting trees,” Rotary president Dave Cole said, noting the effort of the local club aligns with that theme.

He went on to explain that during a recent discussion, it was noted that the Habitat for Humanity houses had very little landscape material such as flowers, shrubs, and trees. Those items may be seen as a luxury for the homeowners there.   Read More

ALAH Transportation Deficit Offset by Sales Tax Revenue

News Progress Posted on by

•May 31, 2017•

by Ariana Cherry
for the News Progress

ALAH school board met May 17 with superintendent, Kenny Schwengel reporting the balance of all funds was $3,961,456.

This is in spite of the state still owing the district 1.2 million dollars. The transportation fund has a deficit of $186,608.04. Schwengel stated that they would take a loan from the Education Fund in order to fund transportation.  Read More

Mid-Illinois Senior Services Benefits from 5K/Walk

News Progress Posted on by

Healthcom Sponsors Event

•May 31, 2017•

By Ellen Ferrera
for the News Progress

For its maiden charity event Healthcom is sponsoring a 5K/walk in Wyman Park in Sullivan Saturday, June 10 to benefit Mid-Illinois Senior Services

“We wanted to help out in the community and coordinate with Senior Fitness Month,” Caleb Titus, Healthcom coordinator for the event, said, “ Healthcom is the largest national provider of medical alert systems for seniors so teaming with the Senior Center was a perfect match for us.”

The race will be held at 9 a.m. June 10 in Wyman Park, but participants should arrive by 8:30 a.m. Registration fee is $20 up to day of race, $30 June 10 and everyone over the age of 65 may enter free although the participant t-shirt is $10 to everyone. Read More

Greenhill Cemetery on Memorial Day

News Progress Posted on by

•May 31, 2017•

Memorial Day opened in Moultrie County with a parade from the Sullivan courthouse square to Greenhill Cemetery.

Led by the Sullivan American Legion Post 68 Honor Guard the American Legion Auxiliary and  Boy Scouts from the Lincoln Trail Council, a crowd gathered at the Veterans Memorial inside the gate at Greenhill Cemetery.

Members of the Sullivan High School band, led by Brock Feece performed the Star Spangled Banner. Legion commander Bob Sims introduced featured speaker Paul Stone.

Stone referred to Civil War Major Sullivan Ballou’s letter to his wife Sarah before he perished in the first Battle of Bull Run to show the anguish of choice between family and country. Read More

Memorial Day 2017

News Progress Posted on by

Photo by Mike Brothers
Members of Sullivan American Legion Post 68 Honor Guard gather in front of the Moultrie County Courthouse along with Legion Auxiliary and Boy Scouts preparing for parade march to Greenhill Cemetery on Memorial Day, May 29.

OVHS Graduates Move to the Next Phase

News Progress Posted on by

Photo by Mike Brothers
Okaw Valley seniors Kailyn Marie Boyer and Keith Lloyd Bone reflect on their last few minutes as students before facing the next phase of life.

•May 31, 2017•

By Madison Uhlrich
for the News Progress

The newest batch of high school graduates was released into the world Sunday, May 28.

Okaw Valley High School Commencement was held at 2 p.m. in the OVHS gym amid a packed audience of family and friends.

Key speakers included Brianna Creviston and Tyus Brooks with the salutatory addresses, Kayla Wheeler (class president) with the class history, and Jonathan Gentry with the valedictory address.

Before the class speakers Supt. Kent Stauder presented Sam Scott as the Alumni Hall of Fame inductee. Read More

Sullivan Council Improves Utility Billing Process, New Website Constructed

News Progress Posted on by

•May 31, 2017•

By Ariana Cherry
for the News Progress

City council members discussed revising their sick leave policy during a regular session.

They considered the possibility of abolishing the current 40-day policy where an employee would exhaust all of their leave before returning to work. There was discussion concerning some employees returning to work before the 40 days were up and need those extra days for doctor follow-up appointments.

A new policy where employees could retain some of the 40 day leave is under consideration. The issue was tabled and will be further discussed at the next council meeting.

During the week of June 12-16, WCIA’s “Our Town”series will be filming at various areas in Sullivan. The filming will finish up with a news broadcast from downtown Sullivan Friday, June 16.  Read More

SES Gold Slip Students

News Progress Posted on by

Photo furnished
SES Gold Slip Students
Sullivan Elementary School recognizes students who go above and beyond expectations by giving them “Gold Slips.” The SES Gold Slip winners from April and May are (from left to right): Cali Szabo and Emmersyn Jianonni (not pictured) helped a kindergarten student clean up his spilled tray in the cafeteria. Carigan Cole observed two students working together and noticed that one of the students was getting frustrated. Cole asked whether she could help the frustrated student because she felt she could encourage him and teach him the concept.
Cannin Hall finished early during art class. He started washing out paint brushes when students finished painting. When Mrs. Auten checked the sink he was using, it was spotless. Hall showed respect to Mr. Crowe and the school by making sure he left no mess. Aceon Fryman helped the cafeteria staff clean up the kitchen after lunch. Nevaeh Wilson and Alyssa Ray took it upon themselves to clean up a paint mess that was in the hallway. They are both very helpful throughout the year and take pride in their school.

Prairie Winds Performs Free Concert

News Progress Posted on by

Photo furnished
Prairie Winds Performs Free Concert
Prairie Winds is holding a free concert at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 4 at the First United Methodist Church in Sullivan.
“A Tropical Cruise Show” is the present theme for the group of 19 singers and keyboardists whose ministry includes performing shows for area nursing homes and senior residences.
During the Tropical Cruise the audience takes a musical trip aboard the Prairie Winds Cruise line featuring songs from the Hawaiian Islands.
A “floor show” of love songs includes “Beyond the Sea” and “Stranger in Paradise”, a special comedy duo and a musical tribute to “South Pacific” for the finale.
Prairie Winds group is completing 32 years of “Sharing God’s Love Through Music”.
The public is invited to come and enjoy an hour of music, comedy and lots of fun. Refreshments will be served afterwards.
First United Methodist Church Friendship Hall is located at 216 W. Jefferson St. in Sullivan.