File Photo
Kathy and Andy

•February 22, 2017•

By David McCumber
Special to the News Progress

Andrew Schneider, an acclaimed investigative reporter and public-health journalist, died Friday. He was 74.

Mr. Schneider, who lived in Missoula, Montana, died of heart failure in Salt Lake City, where he was being treated for pulmonary disease.

For several years, he worked at the Seattle Post-Intelligencer and was remembered by colleagues Saturday as a relentless, inspiring reporter who built indelible relationships with people from all walks of life.

Mr. Schneider won two Pulitzer Prizes, journalism’s highest honor, while at The Pittsburgh Press — one for specialized reporting in 1986 and another for Public Service in 1987.

The public service Pulitzer was for “Danger in the Cockpit,” co-written with Matthew Brelis and photographed by Vincent Musi, a story revealing dangerous gaps in airline safety, including that pilots with alcohol and drug issues were not prevented from flying. The 1986 winner, written with Mary Pat Flaherty, detailed violations and failures in the organ-transplantation system in the U.S. Read More

•February 15, 2017•

Jeremy Doggett, water and sewer superintendent, attended the meeting of the Lovington Village Board and distributed handouts from the engineering firm, Farnsworth Group, regarding the chlorine feed modification for the Chlorine Disinfection Exemption Revocation. The cover letter listed the requirements which need to be done by May 1, 2017. Doggett will try to have an estimation of the cost for the next meeting but believes it will be under $10,000. He is of the opinion that Roland Birt and Scott Connelly will be able to do the required work by April 1. Read More

Photo furnished
FUMC Tuesday Pancake Supper
Shrove Tuesday 2016: Pastor Charliam Renner (back) mixed batter and Joyce Shellabarger fried sausage to serve guests at the FUMC Shrove Tuesday pancake supper in Sullivan.

•February 15, 2017•

The third annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper at the Sullivan First Methodist Church is 4:30-6 p.m. Feb 28 in the Fellowship Hall. This free event marks the end of Mardi Gras and the anticipation of Lent, which begins the next day on Ash Wednesday. Everyone is invited to the celebration, which will include pancakes with toppings, sausage and drinks. Since it is a party, all who come eat free of charge. Fellowship Hall will be decorated in purple, green and gold with lots of beads on display.

Trivia questions and festive music will add to the party atmosphere.

Pancake suppers are popular events on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday and not just in New Orleans.

Since rich foods are often given up for Lent, the practice is to empty the pantry of flour and sugar by making pancakes. People enjoy the butter and syrup, knowing that during Lent they will eat a much blander diet, some even choosing to fast.

Photo by Ellen Ferrera
Mrs. & Mrs. Larry Baker celebrated their 30th anniversary on Valentine’s Day.

•February 15, 2017•

By Ellen Ferrera
for the News Progress

Courtyard Estates was the place to be last Friday, Feb 10 for the most anticipated party of the year for area seniors - the annual Valentine’s Day luncheon and poetry contest sponsored by the Senior Center.

Over 100 seniors were greeted by the sight of clusters of pink balloons on the tables festooned with pink placemats and candy dishes overflowing. Most of the ladies had chosen to wear either a red blouse or sweater and some gentlemen sported red plaid shirts.

The traditional meal of beef tips, mashed potatoes, and green beans was served with a dessert choice of coconut, strawberry or chocolate pie.

Seven people submitted or read poems, and the winners were first place - Marilyn Leonard for “Living the Dream”; second - Pamela Mann for “The Golden Years?” and third - Ed Dixon for “I’m Old”.  Read More