Photo by R.R. Best
Knee High Plus 35
Colleen Zenk is pictured with Boo and Little Theatre Executive Director John Stephens beside Tony Sager’s crop in this year’s annual News Progress Knee High by Fourth of July photo monitoring central Illinois corn yields. Zenk starred in “Hello, Dolly!” at the Little Theatre in 2018. In 1983 she was headlining “They’re Playing Our Song” along with Michael Crouch and was photographed by R. R. Best on Guy Little’s farm south of Sulilvan.
Photo by Mike Brothers
Summer Refreshment
These Sullivan entrepreneurs decided to take advantage of extra traffic created this week due to Sullivan Independence Celebration setup across the street at the Sullivan American Legion Post 68. Above Alaina Moore (left) and partner Kendall Penberthy create a special mixture of grape Kool-Aid and lemonade as a signature summer drink. Lemonade, grape Kool-Aid or any mixture of the two is only 75 cents this week on Main Street in Sullivan.
Photo by R. R. Best’
Muddy Good Time!
Cody Carlson right and Wesley Bone put forth the true spirit of mud volleyball competition at the Bethany Celebration held this past weekend. The Friday and Saturday events also included three on three basketball and ended with Saturday evening fireworks at Crowder Park.
Photo furnished
First Grade Visits Ballard Center
Sullivan Elementary School’s first grade recently went on a field trip to Ballard Nature Center in Altamont. They spent the day exploring and learning about Illinois habitats. This is all thanks to the Illinois Biodiversity Grant—Daniel and Ada Rice Foundation, The Independence Tube Corporation, D.F. and M.T. Grohne Foundation and others.
Photo by Darian Hayes
Lovington Junefest
If it’s June, it is time for the annual Lovington Junefest Fish Fry. Above crowds braved warm summer temperatures to enjoy fish, fellowship, and this year the event was topped off with the annual fireworks show after dark. Above Ralph Zancha and Steve Fleming fry fish for an appreciative Lovington crowd.
Photo furnished
Community Band Performs
The Sullivan Community Band will present a free concert at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 28 at the south end of Wyman Park in Sullivan. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs and enjoy some patriotic and popular tunes. This 40-member group comprised of both adult and student musicians sounds fantastic and is presenting only one concert this summer; don’t miss it! Rain plan venue is the Sullivan Middle School gym. See the Sullivan CUSD 300 Facebook page for rain plan announcement.
Photo by R.R. Best
Mainstreet Music and Market
Mainstreet Music and Market was held on the Sullivan square beginning at noon Saturday, June 16. Above Sullivan Chamber and Economic Development Executive Director Laurrie Minior and Cathrine Craig of Cathrine’s Gifts and More volunteer during the Market in the afternoon which let visitors look at a variety of local artisans’ creations. Entertainment came from the Northenders beginning at noon followed by Firebox, Scott Mast, Killbourne Alley and Wreckless Whiskey who closed the event with an 8:00 p.m. set.
Photo by Dennis Fedie
Lovington Clean Up
Lovington townwide clean up was Saturday, June 9. Picking up the town with IV Container were Levi Brohez, Sebastian Eckhart, Oakley Martin, Davey Emrick, Pam Anklam, Tony Brown, Gary Smith, Josh Fedie, Dustin Rambo, Robert Riley, Austin Smith and Jim Trenholm.
Photo by R.R. Best
Dalton City Stand Off Ends Peacefully
A 60-year-old Pittsfield man was taken to Moultrie County jail following a five hour standoff in Dalton City Monday morning.
Moultrie County Sheriff Chris Sims reported that Albert Kimber was taken into custody at 11:10 a.m. Monday, June 11 facing preliminary charges of home invasion, unlawful restraint and armed violence. He was taken to the Moultrie County Detention Center.
It all began with a 5:56 a.m. call to the Moultrie County Sheriff’s office on a domestic violence/criminal trespass complaint at #130 Route 128 in Dalton City.
Sims explained that report quickly escalated to the suspect being armed with a firearm trying to force entry into the residence.
By the time three Moultrie County deputies arrived two rounds had been discharged as the suspect entered the residence, and a scuffle was occurring inside the front part of the house.
A deputy commanded the suspect to drop the gun, and the male fled to the interior of the home while the female victim escaped out the front.
Once free the female advised officers that a male friend of hers was still in the house with the gunman.
Sullivan police responded to assist along with the Illinois State Police Hostage Negotiation and Tactical Team as well as members of the ILEAS Tactical Team.
After negotiations and another round being discharged inside the residence, the male hostage was released without harm.
Continued negotiations conducted by Illinois State Police resulted in the suspect surrendering to officers.
Sheriff Sims emphasized the investigation is ongoing.
Photo by Mike Brothers
Serving the Masses
While most folks were bustling around Sullivan looking for deals at the townwide rummage sales Friday, June 8 and Saturday, June 9 Boy Scout Troop #39 was serving the masses during their annual two day cookout on the Sullivan IGA parking lot. First Community Bank of Sullivan joined Sullivan IGA and The News Progress in sponsoring the annual townwide rummage sales.