Photo furnished
Lions Donate Discovery Cave
Sullivan Lions Club recently donated the Discovery Cave in the preschool area in Wyman Park. Members pictured are John Ruscin, Dave Walker, Dick Martin, Bob White, Dave Reed, Jess Barker, Ed Taylor, Roger Tice, Bob Elder, and Verna Tice.
•June 15, 2016•
By Ariana Cherry
For the News Progress
Sullivan City Council took action toward scheduling a citywide clean up day at the June 13 meeting.
Mayor Ann Short explained that it wasn’t because of the cost that the city couldn’t have citywide clean up day after the townwide rummage, it was because both Doty and Advanced Disposal had refused to do the services.
Without the existing collectors on which to rely, the city is seeking outside services and decided to contact PDC/Area Disposal for quotes.
PDC/Area Disposal of Peoria has serviced Arthur’s townwide clean up in the past. After doing some research, it was found that they had charged $1,950 per truckload in Arthur. Read More
Photo furnished
Arthur kindergarten teacher Kristin Nall says goodbye to her class as she moves into the principal’s office at Atwood-Hammond Grade School next year.
•June 8, 2016•
By Ariana Cherry
For the News Progress
The principal of Atwood-Hammond Grade School Lindsay Blickenstaff resigned in April.
This left an open position within the Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond school district finding a replacement who wouldn’t be too far away. Arthur Grade School kindergarten teacher Kristin Nall was interested in the vacancy.
“I have had my administration degree since 2007. I have been looking to move forward in administration the last couple of years. My heart is and always will be in this school district. When the opportunity came up for me to stay in the district that I am raising my family in, I knew I wanted to move forward,” Nall commented.
Nall had been teaching kindergarten in Arthur for the past four years. Before that, she taught early childhood special education for six years in Sandoval, Illinois as well as preschool in Arthur for six years. She is a graduate of Eastern Illinois University and the Arthur High School class of 1995.
Transitioning from kindergarten teacher to principal is quite a change, but Nall is up for the challenge and has become established with communication and building relationships within the school system. Read More
Photo by Mike Brothers
Boy Scout Troop 39 Cook Out
Sullivan townwide rummage sale shoppers had a chance to stop by the Sullivan IGA parking lot on June 3 and 4. Boy Scout troop 39 was offering delicious steak, pork chop and brat sandwiches giving busy shoppers a convenient lunch break. Troop 39 pictured preparing for lunch are back from left-Lake Atchison, Matthew Ellinger, Alex Menke, Khayman Van Loon, Seth Rice; front Beau Fleming, Seth Weaver and Laytin Pratt with Scoutmaster Jeff White manning the grille.
Office Input Encouraged
•June 8, 2016•
By Stu D. Baker
for the News Progress
Moultrie County employees could be facing increased health coverage costs if a plan presented by the county board insurance committee is approved.
Dave McCabe, committee chair, pointed out a spike in 2015 claims that reached $900,000, teamed with the changing health care industry, prompted the committee to look into ways to save on health coverage for the 55-60 county employees.
“The county can not sustain spending 25 percent of the total general fund budget for coverage, and we are concerned about keeping employee premiums unchanged,” McCabe began.
“As a general rule five percent of the employees account for 50 percent of claims, and we are pretty close to that average,” he continued. Read More
Photo by RR Best
Woods Lake Reopens
Saturday, June 4 marked the grand reopening of Woods Lake south of Sullivan. Above the Burgess family from Sullivan enjoys the new fishing pier and handicap accessible boat dock which completed the U.S.Corp of Engineers project with help from volunteers of Sullivan AmBucs and Lincoln Trail Council Boy Scouts and others. The 30 acre lake was drained and cleaned and restocked with select fish. Part of the ceremony Saturday included a kid’s fishing tournament, hot dog roast, boat rides, archery and BB gun shoots. A plaque listing partners in the project was put on display as part of the 2 p.m. ribbon cutting ceremony.
•June 8, 2016•
By Brynna Sentel
For the News Progress
Kick off your Summer with Shrek the Musical.
Shrek the Musical is showing in Sullivan’s The Little Theatre on the Square through Sunday, June 12.
This delightful spin off of the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film is a must see for the whole family.
Shrek the Musical follows a rare duo of a humorous donkey and an angry ogre. This long and difficult journey to ultimately save their swamp will leave the audience thinking, “What the Shrek Just Happened?”. Read More
•June 8, 2016•
At the request of several alumni, the Lovington High School Alumni Association will host two homecomings this year.
The summer homecoming kicks off at Tom Conn Park Friday, June17 during the Community Club Junefest fish fry from 4:30-7 p.m. Entertainment including Steve Fleming, Dennis Garmon, and others will start at 5.
Anyone wishing to help with the fish fry may contact Pam Workman at 217-358-3936 or pworkman49@yahoo.com.
Saturday morning starts with the firemen’s pancake breakfast and a bake sale at the firehouse. The bank, telephone company and library will be open so alumni may see LHS memorabilia. Read More
Photo by Mike Brothers
Progress is underway on straightening Wilborn Creek Road as part of the county’s road rehabilitation project. Above Moultrie County employees check measurements at the straightening site. The project is expected completion by August.
Project Makes Progress
•June 8, 2016•
County Highway engineer Jeff Birch reported Wilborn Creek road is reopened following culvert replacements as part of the overall $1.8 million improvement project.
Birch told members of the Moultrie County Road and Bridge Committee last week that preparations to recycle should take up to four days in early July.
Target date for project completion, which includes a new transition curve on the road south of CR1150N, is August 15.
The Moultrie County Highway Department road rehabilitation project to improve the roadway smoothness and safety on (Wilborn Creek Road, CR 625E) began on May 2. Read More