Photo by RR Best
NP Accepting Santa Letters
Cami and Conner Denton place their letters to Santa in his mailbox Monday outside of the News•Progress office. Letters may be dropped in the mailbox or emailed to santa2014@newsprogress.com up through Friday, December 12 by 5 p.m. For more information, call 728-7381. Santa letters will be printed in the December 17 edition of the News•Progress.
Two levy rates presented, but board errs on side of caution
by Keith Stewart
keith@newsprogress.com
Earlier this month, the Sullivan school board agreed to schedule a truth in taxation hearing early next month, though presented two different levy rates, one of which will be decided at next month’s regular board meeting.
Citing recent speculation that school districts across the state might be facing a cut in their already cut state aid for this financial year, Sullivan Superintendent of Schools Brad Tuttle presented two tentative tax rates, both of which represent increases over last year’s levy amount, but one that would require a truth in taxation hearing, at an increase of 6.69 percent, and one that would not at an increase of 4.99 percent, just under the five percent limit that decides whether such a hearing is legally required.
“As early as this financial year, we could get a prorated version of our prorated version,” said Tuttle, who had travelled to Springfield earlier that day. “For the first time, I heard from some people that understand in Springfield that there is a legitimate chance we could not get 89 percent this year. They don’t know that, but that’s speculation that could happen.”
Districts were told earlier this year that they would receive 89 percent of their otherwise full amount for this financial year. In addition to this level of funding being potentially cut further, Tuttle cited “major concerns” about the income tax extension likely to run its course and end come January and the implications that, too, could have on school revenue.
“The only reason I tell you that is because I think it’s important as we think about this tentative (levy), that we talk about this,” said Tuttle, “to guarantee that we would be able to levy the amount to get our maximum rates.” Read More
Submitted
FFA Support Recognized
Alan C. Horn of Sullivan was recently presented with a plaque of appreciation by local FFA officers for the more than 25 years of monetary support to the foundation. Horn accepted the honor on behalf of Camazi Corp.
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Lions Club Members Recognized
Recently two members of the Sullivan Lions Club were recognized for their many years of service. John Ruscin is a 60 year member of Lions, while Bill VanKeuren has been a member for 10 years. Those pictured, from left to right, are Cindi Reed, Sullivan Lion’s Club president, VanKeuren, Ruscin, and Bill Hazelhorst, District Governor who presented the awards.
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Boberg Arrives at SHS
The University of Illinois Agricultural Education program has placed student teacher Jennifer Boberg, with SHS agricultural science instructor Don Lockwood. From January through April, Boberg will be teaching classes including Introduction to Agriculture, Eighth Grade Exploratory, Greenhouse Management, Agricultural Science, and Agribusiness. The student teaching experience will also include advising FFA activities such as career development events, leadership conferences, and FFA week promotions.
Photo by Jeni Yantis
OV NHS Induction
Okaw Valley High School held its National Honor Society induction ceremony recently. Pictured are the inductees and ceremonial officers. Front row, left to right: Olivia King, Madison Uhlrich, Skyler Birch, Seth Yeakel, Tyus Brooks, Sydney Hagerman, Brianna Creviston and Catherine Dwyer. Second row: Devan Nave, Nicole Miller, Savannah Birch, Gretchen Macklin, Charli Uhlrich, Justin Vander Burgh, Caity Ohm, Paige Harlin, and Amy Orris. Third row: Amanda McClain, Abby Vander Burgh, and Keeley Benning. Not pictured: Joe Jeffers and Nick Tipsword.
Submitted by Aspen Cassady
OV FFA Attends National Convention
Okaw Valley’s FFA traveled with nine of its members to Louisville, Ky. in October for the National FFA Convention. While there students were involved in numerous activities including a private tour with Churchill Downs trainers and jockeys, a tour through the SeaWorld exhibit and numerous other educational exhibits at the convention center. Among all of this the students were able to witness several motivational speakers discussing how to prepare for the future. “The five hour journey always is a highlight for FFA members every year at Okaw Valley so this gives students something to work hard for,” said senior Amy Orris who was one of the nine chosen to go. In addition to this trip being educational, it also afforded members of what opportunities lie ahead for them in their FFA career. Since the National FFA Convention has one of the largest career shows, students may plan for their future with popular colleges and big companies.
Photo by RR Best
Area firefighters prepare to extinguish a house fire located at 115 W. Mattox in Sullivan last Wednesday evening.
November 26, 2014
Sullivan home suffers extensive heat and smoke damage
by Keith Stewart
keith@newsprogress.com
A fire left a Sullivan home badly damaged Wednesday evening.
According to Sullivan fire chief Mike Piper, the home located at 115 W. Mattox caught fire from a propane heater that was being used temporarily to heat the house since the furnace had previously gone out and was waiting to be replaced.
Piper said other than pinning the fire to the heater, which was located in the southwest room near the front of the house, his department is unsure what exactly caused the heater to cause the fire. The propane tank had been recently changed, however. Read More
New levy increases $7,141
Barry Featheringill
Sullivan Reporter
Once again the city of Sullivan had the first reading of the ordinance for the levy and assessment of taxes for the fiscal year beginning May 1, 2014 and ending April 30, 2015. This year the total appropriation, or money spent, of $28,173,950.00 is down from past year’s total appropriation by $663,850.
“This reduction is due to several factors but mainly fewer transfers from general fund, fewer gas fund purchases and a reduction in the water and sewer department expenses since the construction projects will not be completed in the fiscal year as had been previously hoped,” explained city treasurer Myron Salmon.
The receipts from sources other than the tax levy are also down by $697,991 from last year, and the amount raised by the new tax levy represents an increase of $7,141. Read More
November 12, 2014
Photo by Keith Stewart
Sullivan high school students Cody Kay (left) and Tristin Minard (middle), who are both currently enlisted in the Army, march with a ceremonial wreath under the guidance of Steve Jenne (right), a retired Army E5. The wreath was placed on the Veterans Monument in front of the high school after the Veterans Day assembly Tuesday afternoon.
Bragg reflects on service to country
by Keith Stewart
keith@newsprogress.com
Dallas Bragg doesn’t recall ever finishing one book in high school. Well, that is with the exception of one.
As a sophomore in Rebecca Lawson’s Career English Class, Bragg along with his late friend Brian VandenBrink, set out to finish the novel “Fallen Angels” before their instructor could.
They won. Read More