Category Archives: News Section

Okaw Valley Schools Lunch Buddies Mentor Students

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Photo by Mike Brothers
Last week 36 Lunch Buddies from Okaw Valley elementary school in Bethany and the middle school in Findlay gathered at OVES to celebrate the year of companionships developed during lunchtime mentoring. Students presented their Lunch Buddies certificates following the celebration.

•May 17, 2017•

By Mike Brothers

Okaw Valley District schools realize it takes a village to raise a child, and the villages served get it.

Last week 36 Lunch Buddies gathered at the elementary school in Bethany honoring the adult and student mentors for these young students.

“At Okaw Valley we are a family” Lunch Buddy and Supt. Kent Stauder said. “We strive to help our students succeed in and out of the classroom.”

“What I have discovered is that we get as much from the time with our lunch buddies as we give,” he continued.

How the district got people outside the classroom involved began five years ago with an idea developed by two district staff members and a community member.

Middle and elementary school counselor Paula Coffer explained she, high school counselor Jena Atchison, and parent Vanessa Patient were brainstorming ways to collaborate with the community to help the kids. Read More

Sullivan Looks into New TIF District with Hopes for Growth

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Interested Party Registry Opens

•May 17, 2017•

By Ariana Cherry
for the News Progress

The Sullivan TIF IV proposal went through a public hearing February 14 for people to ask questions.

There is an “Interested Parties Registry,” to receiving mailings, updates or hearing notices as the process moves forward. Presently, no one has signed up to be on that registry.

Some questions asked at the first public meeting and those who had residences near the proposed district automatically received mailings.

One common question that many residents in Sullivan have asked is whether a new TIF District will raise property taxes.

“Nobody’s taxes are increased by the adoption of TIF,” city administrator Dan Flannell said.  Read More

Farris Signs with Millikin

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Photo by Mike Brothers
Farris Signs with Millikin
Sullivan senior Bryce Farris signed a letter of intent to play football with the Big Blue at Millikin University while family and friends witnessed in the Sullivan High School gym May 11. Sullivan athletic director Ryan Aikman pointed out Farris’s 38 receptions for 855 yards placed him on the All Central and All Conference first team as wide receiver. In basketball he made All Central and All Conference averaging 12.8 points a game and in baseball his .286 batting average with 11 RBIs illustrates Farris’ total athletic and academic commitment.

Jo Goes

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Photo by Ellen Ferrera
Jo Goes
For 32 years Jo DeVore has been delivering meals with a smile to hungry people. On Saturday, May 13 Jo served her last meal at TnT Pizzeria in Sullivan as she had served so many in that same building when it was The Spot.

Heartland Honor

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Heartland Honor
Cody Carlson, OVHS senior is pictured with Aidan Tierney, Heartland Tech Academy Welding Instructor. Carlson was honored at the Heartland Tech Academy Banquet Thursday, May 4 . He was recognized for his outstanding performance in the Heartland Tech Academy Welding Program. Carlson is a second year welding student and senior at Okaw Valley High School.

Moultrie County Sunshine Draws Solar Farm Interest

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Local Farmers Contacted

•May 17, 2017•

By Mike Brothers

Solar farm interest in Moultrie County prompted the county planning and zoning committee to look into regulating the possible growth in this area.

Planning and zoning director Jan Haegen reported a single solar farm company had made about 400 contacts in 15 area counties.

Farm advisor Tyler Harvey noted that some 150 landowners had been contacted in Douglas and Moultrie counties and some of the contacts were about 40-60 acre parcels.

Director Haegen reported that, of those counties where contacts were made, none had active resolutions to regulate solar farming. He explained he was reviewing information concerning where the farms could be located, financial protection to cover possible removal of equipment and a number of issues relating to neighboring property owner concerns. Read More

SES Wax Museum

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SES Wax Museum
It was a chance to view a variety of celebrities and historic figures at the annual Sullivan Elementary School Wax Museum May 11. Sarina Voegel (fourth grade) is dressed as Dolly Parton and Karson Robinson (first grade) is viewing her display.

WHS Prom Royalty

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WHS Prom Royalty
Windsor High School held their Junior-Senior Prom May 6 at the Knights Hall in Sullivan with the theme Fire and Ice. A coronation was held, and the new royalty was crowned. Pictured front row (left to right): Crown bearer Addison Montgomery, 2017 prom queen Desirae Milligan, 2017 prom king Sterling Howard, crown bearer Jackson Hartman. Back row: 2016 prom queen Autumn Bennett, queen candidates Jodie Harris and Bailey Fleshner, king candidates Nic Hutchinson and Zack Van Hyfte, and 2016 king Zach Caywood.

OV Council Attends Convention

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OV Council Attends Convention
Student Council members from Okaw Valley High School attended the state convention in Lombard this past weekend. The students were able to experience a variety of activities including breakout sessions, speakers, and team building activities. Two OV students lead discussion groups, and the group was awarded a plaque for their honor book. Mrs. Bonnie Scott and Mrs. Jeni Yantis are the Okaw Valley Student Council sponsors.

Sullivan Rotary Honored

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Sullivan Rotary Honored
The Sullivan Rotary Club recently received two awards at the District Conference in Champaign including the Youth Service Award for the sponsorship of the One Book One Sullivan Program and the Star Club Award for giving at least $100 per member for the Rotary Programs throughout the world such as clean water and medical equipment programs. David Cole is shown accepting these awards for the club.