Photo by Mike Brothers
Fun Time at Library
Elizabeth Titus Library’s summer reading program added a little physical fun to the weekly story time and craft adventures last week. Above Asher Hendry, 5, races through rings on the library lawn August 3.
Photo by Mike Brothers
CIMBA members Todd Harris (front) and Doug Lee of Sullivan ride a new section of the Camp Camfield trail in preparation for the Aug. 14 Clash at the Camp.
CIMBA Hosts Sanctioned Event Open to Public
•August 10, 2016•
By Mike Brothers
For the News Progress
Camp Camfield, located five minutes southwest of Sullivan, hosts mountain bicycling enthusiasts from all over the state at Clash at the Camp this Sunday, August 14.
Central Illinois Mountain Bicycling Association not only allows riders to compete for points in a sanctioned event this weekend, but club organizers are planning a family friendly event including a free ride. Kids 12 and under may bring their bikes for a scenic cruise.
“We offer different level trails for every kind of rider,” Eric Harris said of the trail system that grew from a 2.5 mile walking trail in the 1970s to the well-manicured 7.5 miles that wind the hills around Lake Shelbyville today.
He emphasized the trail is for multi-use. Bicyclists, walkers and runners are accommodated with choices of three different difficulty level trails, all with scenic lake views at every turn.
Harris explained the kids race includes a special half mile course that is just for fun.
“This is a whole lot of fun for all the kids and parents,” Harris said, explaining his nine year old daughter is excited about the possibility of winning a race in which she ran third her first time out. Read More
•August 10, 2016•
A Moultrie County jury found Lyle Roger Harrison, 43, of Evanston guilty of theft on Friday, August 5.
The jury’s verdict was returned on two counts, ending a week long trial and a case that began with the arrest of Harrison in November 2013.
From 2011-2013 Harrison Farm Management handled 640A in Moultrie and Piatt counties, including the Whiteman tracts. Moultrie County Sections 19 & 20 were under disputed ownership.
In 2013 Harrison sold grain from Section 19 and 20 under contract to Okaw Farmers Coop in Cadwell, Topflight Grain in La Place and Cargill Grain in Tuscola.
After Harrison was paid $8900 by Cargill, the remaining grain harvested from Section 19 and 20 was seized and Harrison arrested by the Moultrie County Sheriff’s Dept. on the theft charge. That grain has remained in storage at Topflight and Okaw Farmers Coop since 2013. Read More
•August 10, 2016•
Lovington Village Board met Monday, August 8 to finalize ordinance changes with utilities, motor vehicles- golf carts and UTVS permits and open burning offenses.
During the July 11 meeting, the animal control contract with Lisa Clark was amended to a $25 per animal fee but with no hourly amount.
Dennis Garmon reported the the condition of the park condition is excellent and reported that Lovington Homes is being sold. Pam Anklam and Jim McMahon moved to send a letter to the board to reconsider the sale. Read More
Price Reflects Grain Market
•August 10, 2016•
By Mike Brothers
Bids on the Moultrie County farm opened August 3 reflect changes in the grain market, with this year’s $367 per acre bid, $50 per acre less than the previous two year contract.
Building and grounds committee chairman Gary Smith opened proposals from two local farmers for a two year contract.
Mark Kuhn, who is currently farming the 217.58 acre county farm, submitted the $367 per acre bid, totaling $79,851.86. Smith noted an additional $5.40 fee from Ag Answers insures soil fertility is maintained. Read More
Photo by Mike Brothers
Slick Ramp Claims Vehicles
Campers John and Sara Wilson of Hillsboro were preparing to take friends on a pontoon boat tour of Lake Shelbyville at approximately 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 3. The afternoon of lake fun was spoiled when the Jeep Liberty pulling the pontoon got pulled into the lake at the Bo Wood ramp. Sheriff Chris Sims arrived as the top of the Jeep was still visible and its windshield wipers continued to work. Wilson explained he had lowered the trailer with pontoon down the ramp. He stopped, put on the brake and got out of the Jeep to unhook the pontoon from the boat trailer. Sara alerted John that the Jeep was sliding toward the water. He was able to get inside, but attempts to pull the Jeep away from the algae coated boat ramp were in vain. Shelby County dive team members pictured above: Austin Prichard, Scott Jefson, Mark Shanks and Matt Menis with Moultrie dive team member Amanda Farley in background, prepare to go into the lake to hook up the Jeep for Walker’s Towing Service to pull it out. Moultrie County Sheriff’s Department and the Illinois Department of Conservation closed the ramp for about two hours during the Jeep rescue. Later that night the sheriff’s department returned to the Bo Wood ramp where yet another vehicle fell victim to the algae covering on the concrete ramp. On Saturday night another vehicle incident was reported at the Wilborn Creek boat ramp, and rescue workers returned to the lake. The U.S. Army Corp of Engineers noted that stagnant conditions in water levels teamed with warm temperatures increase algae growth. Ramps are inspected daily and treated with algaecides and power washed when needed.
•August 10, 2016•
Sullivan Community Unit #300 board appointed Ann Wheeler to serve as new member of the board during the August 8 meeting.
Wheeler will serve until the spring 2017 school board elections. She replaces board member Scott Atchison, who resigned earlier this year.
The retired Arthur school district English teacher applied for the opening after 11 years of retirement. “I would like to give something back to the community,” she explained of her application.
Sullivan veterinarian Justin Florey also applied for the opening.
Both candidates were interviewed by the school board in executive session following the regular business session. Read More
Photo furnished
Hole in One at Eagle Creek
Ben Gordon of Shelbyville got a hole in one on Eagle Creek Golf Course at hole No. 17. The play date was 8:30 a.m. Thursday, July 21.His Hole in One Club was a 52 deg. wedge hitting a Noodle+ ball 107 yards.
Photos by Stu D. Baker
Travis Phelps displays an antler rack from a four year old buck, about twice normal size.
Animal Crackers Treat the Herd
•August 3, 2016•
By Stu D. Baker
For the News Progress
Travis Phelps Moultrie County Monsters Deer Farm northwest of Sullivan is anything but scary.
To prove his point Phelps scooped a cup full of animal crackers up and headed in to the eight foot high corral that’s home to five young deer. As the yearling does and bucks gathered around the cups of animal crackers, Phelps pointed out one of the his favorite benefits of deer farming.
“It doesn’t matter how rough work has been,” Phelps, a veteran Illinois Department of Corrections employee, said, “As soon as I enter the pen, I’ll sit down on a bucket, and the deer gather around for a few animal crackers, and all the stress of the day drops away.”
The monsters theme of the farm started with one deer who got a little eager for the animal crackers.
“Each deer has its own personality, and we gave them fun names like Cookie Monster,” he said, noting they even went as far as to incorporate Silence of the Lamb movie characters Hannibal and Clarice into the monster mix. Read More
Photo by Brynna Sentel
SOV Cheerleading Camp offered training for those competing to make this year’s expanded squad. Above Cassie Freese (front) and Aspen Bridges work on choreography.
•August 3, 2016•
By Brynna Sentel
For The News Progress
Sullivan Okaw Valley cheerleading squad is expanding thanks to the generosity of a local business.
The ability to offer positions to more students trying out was made possible in June thanks to the donation which could allow the squad to expand from 16 to 21 cheerleaders this school year.
That donor covered additional costs in uniforms, equipment and transportation, enabling the cooperative venture between Okaw Valley and Sullivan school districts to expand with no additional school expense.
The additional cheerleaders present new challenges for coach Marsha Kirby.
The second year coach has improved not only the support of the team but the desire to get involved. Last year Sullivan had only 13 cheerleaders tryout and make the team. This year 19 girls have managed to get a spot on the team. Read More