Category Archives: News Section

Bake sale encourages peace with worldwide sweets

News Progress Posted on by

•June 26, 2024•

Submitted by Rebecca Lawson

Advisor of the East Central Illinois Red Cross Club

When people are hurting and going through tough times, other people often bring them food to show that they care and to bring comfort. Since the Red Cross helps people in tough times, our club thought that we could do something to help people around the world that would involve selling something most people really like - food,” said Rebecca Lawson, advisor of the East Central Illinois Red Cross Club.

“The kids took it from there,” she added.

Originally the club thought about having a dinner with a bake sale and presentations, displays, games, music, dancing, and language lessons about different countries at an event on World Peace Day in September. However, that seemed like a lot to do in the very short time between the start of school and the special day. Read More

Power plant renovations planned

News Progress Posted on by

•June 26, 2024•

by Sharon Barricklow

The Sullivan City Council moved forward last week with plans to renovate equipment at the City Electrical Plant. 

“We need to get on the stick here to get this done,” Commissioner Mike Kirk said. 

At issue is a Colt-Pielstick engine necessary for the operation of the electric plant. The engine, originally put in service in 1973, was last overhauled in 1989. With only one company in the country, Fairbanks-Morse, doing the work, the council agreed to waive the bidding process and accept the estimate of just over $500,000 to do a complete engine overhaul. 

Kirk said the engine will be off line for six to eight weeks during the process and that Fairbanks-Morse is estimating a 12 to 18 month time frame before they can begin work.  Read More

Road construction causes confusion among many drivers

News Progress Posted on by

•June 26, 2024•

by Megan Russell 

Summer in the midwest is unlike any other, hot long days with humidity so bad you almost need a pool or splash pad locally to stay cool. One thing that many start to see pop up in the summer in the midwest is city renewal or construction projects. On a recent trip of mine, I got slightly lost in the Indianapolis downtown area. After missing an exit and taking two wrong exits, me and a friend ended up in a student driver’s nightmare, all but one lane of traffic closed for construction. Read More

Sullivan High School construction update

News Progress Posted on by

•June 26, 2024•

Submitted by Ted Walk

If you have driven down Main Street over the past few months, the vertical construction of the new Sullivan High School probably has you thinking about the educational opportunities that await our students. Construction at Sullivan High School continues to progress on-schedule and on-budget.

As of June, several key milestones have been achieved. The foundation has been laid, and the initial structure is taking shape. First floor classroom interior framing and rough in has started, and masons are currently working on gymnasium shell enclosure and locker rooms spaces. This gym will support both physical education classes and the school’s athletic programs. It will include a second floor walking track, as well as a weight room that will double as a storm shelter in the event of severe weather. Read More

Lehmans exhibit Reserve Champion pair

News Progress Posted on by

Photo furnished
Lehmans exhibit Reserve Champion pair
Rhett and Ellie Lehman, of Sullivan, recently exhibited the Reserve Champion Cow-Calf Pair at the Illinois Junior Hereford Preview Show with Perks Cato 5049 Cady 1124 and her January 2024 bull calf RL JEL 1124 201 Silver Oak 402. Rhett and Ellie are the children of Jamie and Erica Lehman.

Summer’s newest splashing surprise

News Progress Posted on by

•June 19, 2024•

by Megan Russell

 

Next to the legion building at the Wyman Park there has been come construction started where the city is building a splash pad within the park. Splash pads are great ways for people of all ages and all accessibility to access the water and cool off in the summer heat.  Over June 12th-14th there was more activity from the construction site, getting more of the project done day by day. The difference from the previous weekend with the Dash and Bash was unrecognizable from where it stood within the active construction days. The most recent development for the project was the water and proper sewage components being installed and covered back over so the already laid system couldn’t be damaged by outside sources.

Single car accident

News Progress Posted on by

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Single car accident
At the Sullivan post office the afternoon of Friday June 14th, there was a small single car accident where the driver’s foot slipped and caused the car to come crashing into the post office building. Fortunately this accident had no injures reported from both the driver or others involved. The post office is still open aside from any damages.

Sullivan Civic Women’s Club officers

News Progress Posted on by

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Sullivan Civic Women’s Club officers
New 2024-25 officers were installed for the Sullivan Women’s Civic Club. Officers include treasurer Cindy Richardson, secretary Kathy Denham, vice president Beth Wood, president Sonya Best. A new session starts in August. The group is always looking for new members so contact any one of the officers for more information.

Lake Shelbyville lands IHSA Fishing Tournament

News Progress Posted on by

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Garet Martz and Parker Spellman represented Okaw Valley High School at the IHSA State Bass Fishing Tournament on Lake Carlyle.

•June 19, 2024•

by Sharon Barricklow

Patience and consistency help fishermen land the big fish and the same qualities worked for the Lake Shelbyville area as the Illinois High School Association selected the lake as the next home of the IHSA State Bass Fishing Tournament. The tournament, begun in 2009 has spent 15 years at Lake Carlyle. The new agreement promises the tournament to Lake Shelbyville for five years.

“We are excited to start a new chapter as the IHSA Bass Fishing State Finals transition to Lake Shelbyville in 2005,” said IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson. 

Shelbyville High School Principal Kyle Ladd first brought up the possibility of hosting the tournament in 2022. After meeting with the City Council, the U.S Army Corps of Engineers, and the Chamber of Commerce, and the Okaw Valley School District, Ladd said the group decided to bid on the tournament. Read More

Sullivan FFA honored at 96th Annual Illinois State FFA Convention

News Progress Posted on by

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Pictured (from L to R): Parents Josh and Jill Bushue, Kate Bushue, Alex Tungate, FFA Advisor

•June 19, 2024•

The 96th annual Illinois State FFA Convention was held from June 11-13 in Springfield. Members of the Sullivan FFA chapter were joined by more than 5,000 other FFA members, advisors, and guests. The three day event, with the theme for 2024 of “United As One,” recognized achievements of Illinois FFA members, elected the major state officer team, and celebrated agriculture.  Read More