Category Archives: News Section

ALAH Knights Win Tournament

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ALAH Knights Win Tournament
The ALAH Knights won the LOVC Tournament Championship. Front row: Marcy Petersheim, Kyla Carson, Janette Comstock, Marissa Herschberger, Hannah Wallen, Mycaela Miller, Megan Fifer, Madi Corum; back row: Shea Shlabaugh, Abby Wallace, Kimberly Davis, Abi Duzan, Drew Wingler, Callie Schable, Liz Shipman, Payton Wellbaum. Head coach Craig Moffett explained: “Rebounding is something we’re always trying to improve, being that we’re not an overly tall team. I do think we are improving in that area. In an early practice Janette Comstock said  “rebounding is all about heart/desire,” and she’s exactly right. Our balance is a luxury with unselfish players as the most important aspect of the balanced offense. We do have multiple girls who can score off dribble, in post or shooting from perimeter. Payton Wellbaum had a very good game tonight and was set up by excellent post entries.”

Sullivan’s Healthcom Reaches Out to Help Others

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Last year Healthcom celebrated 25 years of growth in Sullivan with a selfie. As the needs of senior citizens grow, so grows the staff at Healthcom.

•January 25, 2017•

By Kennedy Nolen
for the News Progress

The business was born in the small town of Sullivan in 1992 and has helped thousands ever since: Healthcom.

The founder Ralph Kirk said his idea for Healthcom all began when his aunt in Chicago had a stroke. He said she fell on the floor and lay there for three days until she passed.

At the time, Kirk worked in a hospital, and all he thought was, “Why in the world can we not do something to help people in these situations?”

Healthcom is a company that provides seniors and those with disabilities with health services at the push of a button to help them live comfortably at home. Kirk said the business partners with hospitals and home care services in all 50 states, and they rescue 1,500 to 2,000 people per month. That is nearly 25,000 a year! Read More

Bethany Church Families Come Together in Worship

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Community Worship in Bethany January 22 included Kay Atkinson, Pastor Tracy Siegman, Pastor Steve Guarneros, Pastor Ted Hartley, Jim Ulrich, and Bill Ashley.

•January 25, 2017•

By Marge Overlot
NP Guest Columnist

The Bethany Christian Church families came together to worship Sunday morning, January 22 to commemorate Christian Unity Sunday at the Bethany United Methodist Church.

The service brought nearly 100 people together to give God the praise and glory for their lives. The worship hour was conducted by Pastor Ted Hartley of the United Methodist Church, Pastor Tracy Siegman of the Presbyterian Church and Pastor Steve Guarneros of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

The pastors also came together to offer communion to the congregation that was received by all. A potluck lunch was held following the service. Read More

Judicial Steering Commission Screens Judge Applicants

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Six Express Interest in the Sixth

•January 25, 2017•

Illinois Supreme Court Justice Rita B. Garman has selected the judicial screening committee for the Sixth Judicial Circuit.

The screening committee was formed for the purpose of assessing the qualifications of those persons who have applied for appointment to the Office of Judge of the Circuit Court for the Sixth Judicial Circuit created by the resignation of Chief Judge Daniel Flannell on January 12, 2017.

Under the Illinois Constitution, the vacancy will be filled by Supreme Court appointment. Read More

WHS Homecoming 2017

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WHS Homecoming 2017
Windsor High School hosted Homecoming on Saturday, January 21st with a theme of Neon Nights. Homecoming royalty was crowned and are pictured. Front row left to right: Crown bearer Faith Hendrickson, 2017 Queen Gillian Sanders, 2017 King Travis Fox, and Crown bearer Bryce Rincker.Back row left to right: Queen candidates Jodie Harris and Kaitlyn Armes, Junior Attendant Morgan Lesko, Sophomore Attendant Rachel Miller, Freshman Attendant Ava Bennett, 2016 Queen Kristen Morlen, 2016 King Mitchell Haddock, Freshman Attendant Mason Campbell, Sophomore Attendant Ben Beck, Junior Attendant Gage Sattler, King candidates Joel Beck and Sterling Howard.

Board Approves Proclamation Honoring Judge Flannell

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Honored for Courthouse Restoration

•January 18, 2017•

By Mike Brothers

Moultrie County board proclaimed Judge Dan L. Flannell day Friday, January 13, his last day as Chief Judge of the Sixth Judicial circuit.

County board chairman Dave McCabe added the proclamation at the end of the regular Jan. 12 business meeting.

McCabe’s proclamation emphasized the county’s appreciation for Judge Flannell’s efforts to help restore the historic Moultrie County Courthouse. He continued to note his service to Moultrie County as a sitting judge from 1988 through 2012 when he was appointed chief administrator of the Sixth Judicial Circuit has been exemplary. Read More

What Keeps Readers Reading After They Move Away?

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•January 18, 2017•

By Ellen Ferrera
for the News Progress

There is something almost ethereal about Thursday mornings when I bring in the paper, grab my pot full of tea, snuggle into the couch and settle down for a good read.

At my age, it is news of a deceased classmate or friend, an 80th birthday party, what poor soul got caught speeding on Route 121, and good stories that either bring tears or make the heart go pitty-pat.

What interests former residents who live thousands of miles away and keeps them subscribing year after year? I caught up with two sisters who grew up in Bethany and have subscribed to the News Progress for many years.

Audrey Oathout Gasdorf was a classmate who went to college, married and for many years has lived in Michigan.  Read More

Enhanced 911 Ready for Test

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•January 18, 2017•

By Mike Brothers

Coles-Moultrie 911 coordinator Bernie Buttram reported at the January 4 Moultrie County Public Health and Safety Committee meeting that a few landline connections are holding up the initial test for the new Emergency 911 system.

Designed to pinpoint emergency call locations for all Coles and Moultrie counties, Buttram explained the enhanced system was prepared for testing February 1, 2017.

He explained INdigital Telecom, which coordinates E911 in Indiana, is coordinating the effort for Coles and Moultrie to get emergency 911 in operation. Some delay occurred when Consolidated Communications, the original coordinator for landline service, backed off the project. INdigital took over with  the initial test moved from December 2016 to February 2017.

Moultrie County board member Kevin McReynolds and Sullivan firefighter Larry Edwards, who have been involved in the 911 program since it began, are the Moultrie County representatives on the nine person bi-county board. Read More

Senior Center Provides Medical Equipment For Loan

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Photo by Ellen Ferrera
Kathi Shackles stands among the various medical equipment available at the Senior Center.

•January 18, 2017•

By Ellen Ferrera
for the News Progress

If you or a loved one is scheduled for hip or knee replacement surgery, the hospital has probably told you that you need to arrive with a walker.

You may also need an elevated toilet seat and shower seat. Many of these items are not covered by medical insurance, but you may get all of them on loan at the Senior Center.

“We take all kinds of walkers, canes, wheelchairs for loan to others. We also have a large supply of Depends and some oxygen supplies such as tubing,” executive director  Kathi Shackles said. “The center will also take almost any kind of medical supplies as long as they haven’t been opened.”

Many times when a loved one dies, the family has many of these items and is not aware that the senior center will take them. Clean bed pads are also accepted. Several styles and makes of walkers and canes are available so you may select the one that best suits your needs.

Shackles advises calling in advance to reserve the equipment as supplies are limited. The items are available only to senior citizens and are signed out. The center just asks that all items be returned as soon as possible because some are on a waiting list, such as wheelchairs. Donated items may be dropped off at the senior center during regular business hours. Unfortunately, the center cannot  pick up donated items. Read More

An English Influence from This Mason Point Knitter

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Photo by Ellen Ferrera
Jean Dulik is always on the move.

•January 18, 2017•

By Ellen Ferrera
for the News Progress

The little English garden outside with miniature gnomes, birdhouses, whirligigs and such is the first hint an artist of sorts lives here.

Jean Dulik welcomes you in with her lovely, lilting English accent. Attention immediately focuses on the many beautiful artificial flower arrangements in equally beautiful containers throughout her home.

“Oh, it’s nothing, you just get some flowers and stick them in,” she said modestly. “I just love anything “crafty” to keep me busy.”

Jean married a G.I. and came to America at age 20, moving around to various military bases, arriving in Sullivan to be near a son in Mt. Zion and a daughter in Lovington.

That’s a long way from where she grew up in Faringdon, England - the oldest village in England. A brother, sister, aunt and uncle still live there.

Her sister lives in the village of Bampton, famous as the place where “Downton Abbey” was filmed. “The town you see on TV is completely fake - just sets that they take down after filming.” Jean misses the show and all the gossip her sister provided on the movie stars. Read More