Photo furnished OV Visits SIU-E Thirteen juniors and seniors from Okaw Valley visited SIU-E March 1. Students toured the campus and learned more about what SIU-E has to offer. Sarah McDowell, OVHS science instructor, Misi Jones,PE, and SIU-E alumni accompanied the students on the trip.
Photo by R.R. Best
Four Injured in Coles Station Crash
A two-vehicle collision on Highway 121 at Coles Station 11:00 p.m. March 3 sent four people to area hospitals. Aydin Garcia, 18, of Mattoon was northbound on Hwy. 121 and Adrienne Powell, 29, of Mattoon was westbound on 1000N. Powell struck Garcia’s vehicle at the intersection. Emergency medical service crews took Garcia and his passenger, Makayla N. Watkins, 19, and Powell and Powell’s passenger, Lori R. Flinspach, 56, to Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana for treatment of injuries. Powell’s other passenger, Kerri J. Roley, 48, was taken to Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center. The investigation of the crash is pending. Coles County deputies were assisted at the scene by personnel from Mattoon, Sullivan and Wabash fire departments, Dunn’s and Windsor ambulance, Mattoon Police Department, and Moultrie County Sheriff’s Dept.
Photo furnished
Sullivan Gold Slip Winners
Gold Slip winners at Sullivan Elementary School for the month of February (pictured from left to right): October Artrip and Avery Casteel were picking up trash from the bleachers before school. Mikaeylah Cunningham immediately went up to a new student, introduced herself and asked to be friends. Cannin Hall saw a teacher ask for a responsible student to help one of her students get back to his classroom. He eagerly volunteered and was very kind to the boy, placing his hand on his back and guiding him gently while speaking reassuringly to him. DaCorey Austin saw a kindergarten student trip and fall while leaving the cafeteria. He stepped out of line, helped her up and made sure she was okay.
Photo furnished
Sullivan Visitor
State Sen. Chapin Rose (R-Mahomet) hosted Rudy Huber (right), from Sullivan, as his guest for the day at the Capitol Feb. 27. Huber sat alongside Rose on the Senate floor during session and met other lawmakers and staff.
Photo furnished
OVHS Welders Design Signs
The OVHS welding class recently finished a sign project for the USACE. Last fall Jon Summers of the USACE asked the welding class to design and fabricate new signs for the Lake Shelbyville region. Currently, the signs in place require yearly maintenance and repair because of rot and vandalism. In response to this problem the OVHS students created a steel powder coated sign that resist rot and destruction. Additionally, these signs are much more affordable, costing less than a quarter of what the current signs cost the USACE. Once the prototype was approved by the USACE Jon Summers put in an order for 75 signs to be made by the OVHS welding class over the next several years. This order gives welding students valuable hands on experience and saves the USACE valuable funds.
Photo furnished
WHS Vendor Binga
The Windsor class of 2019 will host a Vendor Binga Fundraiser March 10 at Windsor High School. Doors will open at 5 p.m., and the games start at 6. Tickets are on sale now from a senior class member or call Lindsay Smith-Sines at 459-2636. Tickets will be available at the door.
Photo by Sonya Best
The Okaw Valley girls’ basketball team took the 2017-18 season all the way to the state finals at Illinois State University Redbird arena. The Lady Timberwolves trio of seniors Paige Robinson, Natalie Jeffers and Hope Ruppert display the fourth place trophy following the consolation bracket game with Lebanon Saturday. See the News Progress special section on Okaw Valley’s journey to state in today’s (Feb. 28, 2018) edition.
Photo by Mike Brothers
Abe Lincon’s Hat
Moultrie County Sixth Circuit Judge Brad Rau read Abe Lincoln’s Hat to Lovington Grade School kindergartners last Friday. The children’s book by Martha Brenner is recommended by the Illinois Judge’s Association and explains how Lincoln kept important notes in his top hat to aid his poor memory. The kindergartners quizzed Judge Rau on the slavery issue as well as expressing their delight that Lincoln grew a beard following his election as president.
Photo by R.R. Best
State Finals for Okaw Valley
Coach Brad Ackers keeps the Okaw Valley girls’ team focused during Super-Sectional action against Mounds-Meridian in Salem Monday night. Elite Eight turned to Final Four as the Timberwolves travel to Redbird Arena in Bloomington for first round state final action against Stockton at 11:00 a.m. Friday.
Photo furnished
Voter machine set up
The Moultrie County Clerk’s office was busy Friday, Feb. 16 as Ken Gibson of Liberty Systems LLC set up the county’s voting machines. Early voting was delayed but has begun with Democratic Attorney General candidate Scott Drury approved for inclusion on the March 20 ballot. Gibson, along with assistants of the Liberty Systems team, had Moultrie County machines ready for use by Friday afternoon.