Photo by R.R. Best Construction Before Dawn Construction at the new Dollar General location on Jackson St. in Sullivan got an early start as concrete finishing crews were floating floors at 6:30 a.m. last Tuesday. This Tuesday the steel frame is going up. Overland Corp of Missouri is developing the $1.4 million property for Dollar General Stores. The property is the former location of Jackson Chevrolet which had been abandoned for a decade. According to Dollar General completion of the 106 N. Main St. store is expected in the fall of 2019. The store is the Dollar General Plus format. The Plus format is the traditional store with an additional 2000 sq. ft. additional sales space to include expanded cooler and freezer space. Dollar General has not sought TIF financial relief. Sulllivan has upgraded electrical service, and developers have paid for gas line relocation.
Photo by R.R. Best All-Conference The Central Illinois Conference announced its all-conference teams this past week. Sullivan senior Caden Ellis earned second-team honors. Sullivan’s basketball team finished with a 4-25 overall record this year.
Battle of the Badges 2019 Photo by R.R. Best The Battle of the Badges basketball game took place March 14 at the Sullivan High School with law enforcement winning the game. More photos can be viewed at www.sullfire.org
Photo by R.R. Best Two Injured in Sunday Crash Deborah S. Ryan, 54, Bethany was transported by Carle Evac Life team with serious injuries following a single vehicle crash at 7:00 p.m. Sunday, March 10. The Moultrie County Sheriff’s Dept. was called to the scene on CR 400E south of 2000N where a passenger, Ryan L Sieber was transported to a local hospital by Lovington Ambulance Service. Deputy Paul Hildebrandt is pictured following rescue of the crash victims.Sullivan, Bethany and Findlay fire depts. assisted at the scene of the accident.
Photo by R.R. Best More Smoke than Fire Sullivan firefighters were called to 1004 W. Roane St., Apt. 4 at 4:06 p.m. Saturday afternoon. Sullivan police reported the fire and were involved in rescuing an individual at the scene who was transported by Sullivan ambulance service to a local hospital. Above Sullivan PD and Moultrie Co Sheriff’s Dept. are determining the condition of the rescue victim. Assistant chief Larry Edwards reported the first truck and equipped firefighters arrived and had the fire under control with fire extinguishers. The room and contents fire was limited to one room with the remaining apartment receiving smoke damage. Edwards noted the fire was of a suspicious nature, and the State Fire Marshal’s office was called to investigate. Most equipment cleared the scene by 5:06 p.m. with one unit remaining until the fire marshal’s arrival at 6 p.m. Bethany and Lovington Fire Depts. were called to assist. The News Progress learned that Brandon Orr, a resident of the apartment, was rescued at the scene and taken to the hospital for treatment.
Photo courtesy Luis Saravia Show Choir Invitational Sullivan Singers Jr. entertained visitors during the two-day Show Choir Invitational. Seven middle school groups competed on Friday, and 17 high school groups competed on Sat. bringing large crowds from surrounding communities to Sullivan. Sullivan Singers Boosters noted the Invitational’s success was made possible through support from the Sullivan School District #300 administration, maintenance and kitchen staff, Sullivan Police and Fire Departments, Sullivan Singers Alumni Association, Sullivan Singers parents and grandparents and numerous community sponsors.
Photo by Jason Brown Sweet Success! Sullivan came out of the half time break on fire Monday taking control to start the fourth quarter with a 19-2 run to extend the lead to 63-40. After late substitutions, Sullivan won the game 65-42. Sullivan faces Teutopolis in the sectional championship game scheduled for 7:00 p.m. at Tuscola High School Thursday, Feb. 14.
Photo furnished Where’s My Pencil? Students won’t have to ask that question in Sullivan. Sullivan Middle School teacher Deena Lee holds sign thanking K.C. Summers in Mattoon for the generous donation of 2000 pencils. “Our entire student body, as well as our teachers, are overwhelmed with this act of kindness,” Lee explained as students gathered for their share.
Photo by R.R. Best Headon in Bethany A head on collision in Bethany Friday afternoon severely injured a Decatur woman and held up traffic for more than an hour. Moultrie County Sheriff’s Department Chief Deputy Gary Carroll reported the accident call on Highway 121 was received at 3:22 p.m. Jan. 18. According to the accident report Shirley J. Quinlan of Decatur was westbound at the Bethany curve west of town when her car crossed the center line into the path of the eastbound vehicle driven by Camden Coleman of Shelbyville. Bethany and Sullivan Fire and Rescue squads responded transporting Quinlan and Coleman to area hospitals.
Photo by R.R. Best Hang On! Greenhill Cemetery was well covered with snow over the weekend and well travelled. So well traveled this young sledder closed his eyes as he went airborne during his flight down the hill.