•October 21, 2015•

By Ariana Cherry
Reporting from Arthur

Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond superintendent Kenny Schwengel reported that the checkbook balance is $5,166,153.63. “Everything looks good at this point,” he noted. Although he did state that the district still had not received any reorganization incentive funding yet. “It has been prorated at 76% which is about a $250,000 cut,” Schwengel stated. The superintendent also informed the board that there are about 13 other districts still waiting on funding also.

Other matters that were discussed or voted upon:

- The new driveway at Lovington Elementary School has been completed. A sidewalk will be put in soon in order that students don’t have to cross the circle drive. Within the first year, a traffic pattern will be established.

-Superintendent Schwengel noted that the district is still researching the possibilities of creating a vocational/career center. “We are exploring nearby options and funding. It is in the early stages,” he said.

- Lovington principal Brandon Stone said his enrollment went up another six students this month which puts it at 238. “This is the highest it has been since I’ve been here in the past four years.”   Read More

•October 21, 2015•

By Mike Brothers

Aging heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems and spongy rooftops were discussed at the Sullivan Community Unit #300 school board meeting October 13.

Maintenance director Kevin Landrus explained the elementary, middle and high school had places where water had pooled, damaging roofs.

He also pointed out air conditioning systems were gaining age and becoming costly to maintain, noting that two units on the high school gym were not working at all.

Mike Zellers of Graham and Hyde Architects presented a power point showing the condition of the roofs and the HVAC systems that are located there.

Landrus said that the HVAC system replacements would need to be completed before new roofs are installed.

Zellers and HVAC engineer Frank Maris pointed out that the middle school steam heating system is slated for upgrading to hot water heat such as in the other two buildings, with the air conditioning systems for all buildings submitted to the Illinois State School Board for approval under Health Life Safety guidelines. Read More

Compiled by Bekki Ferguson-Stevens

25 Years Ago This Week

Candidates for homecoming queen in Bethany are Allyson Ferguson, Heidi Emel, Stephanie Brewer, Kristen Scott, Mike Bryant, Corey Weddles, Brian Plummer and Clint Cribbett.

The time of 47.26 in the 100-yard freestyle has ranked Seth Dunscomb number one in the nation for boys ages 13 and 14. According to the October issue of Swimming World Magazine, Dunscomb is also fourth in the 50 freestyle with a time of 21.90.

Joan Laugher, a school bus driver in Sullivan, has been recognized for her outstanding contributions to the education of special needs students. She was one of eight recipients from 32 districts selected by the Eastern Illinois Area of Special Education for the award of merit.

Lovington High School teacher Rosemary Brown will be one of 12 Illinois high school teachers honored during a “Great Teachers” luncheon Oct. 25 at Eastern Illinois University.

Bradley Orris, son of Mike and Connie Orris of Dalton City, enrolled as a sophomore this fall at Eureka College. His intended major is history.  Read More

•October 14, 2015•

Businesses in Moultrie County are getting a chance to help veterans by providing discounts and incentives through the Honors Rewards program.

“With everything going on these days the least we can do as a community is honor those who have sacrificed so much,” Moultrie County Clerk Georgia England said of the rewards program.

The Honors Rewards program is for all eligible veterans. England explained veterans may sign up online www.honorrewards.com or in person at the county clerk’s office.

The veteran must have a DD214 on file. England explained that once the proof of discharge is recorded the veteran receives an Honor Rewards card containing essential information, along with the insignia of his or her branch of service. Read More