•July 11, 2018•

By Ellen Ferrera
for the News Progress

Summertime and America’s thoughts turn fondly to baseball. And there is no finer baseball musical than the sizzling production of “Damn Yankees” currently at The Little Theatre on the Square in Sullivan. Based on the old Faustian legend of a man selling his soul to the Devil, “Damn Yankees” opened in 1955 and made overnight stars of choreographer Bob Fosse and his future wife Gwen Verdon. It swept all the major Tony awards in 1956 and ran for nearly 2,000 performances.
It was revived in 1994, and this production is based on that 1994 shorter version.
It’s Washington in the 1950s, and Joe Boyd (Dick Borders) is sick and tired of his beloved Washington Senators getting beaten by those “damn Yankees”. If only the Senators had a young, strong, long ball hitter, they could tromp those Yankees.
Presto! The Devil appears in the guise of Mr. Applegate (Drew Stark) and offers Joe the chance to become “Joe Hardy”, the young, 22-year-old slugger the Senators need. The catch is Joe must give up his beloved wife Meg (Ann Borders). Joe accepts but the real estate agent in him makes him insist on an escape clause.
The Senators’ last game is Sept. 25, and if he plays in it, he must remain Joe Hardy forever. If not, he has until 9 the night before to walk away and resume his former life. Read More

Photo furnished
It was snorkeling day at Rainbow River for the 24 Sullivan school students taking the Science Trip to Florida.

•June 27, 2018•

By Mike Brothers

The fifth annual Sullivan school science trip was taken to Tampa, Fla. June 11-14 with 24 students attending.
“It was a way for the kids to have four days of fun while accidentally learning something along the way,” said science teacher Troy Rogers who leads the every other year trip for interested middle school students.
He explained the trip is through World Strides and is not a school district function. Rogers and his wife Kari chaperoned along with Aaron Kirk and Kimberly Wallace who had attended the 2010 trip.
Geared for those interested in science and nature, student vacationers dissected squid at Clearwater Marine Aquarium and even got to swim with manatees.
Rogers noted that the group learned about the manatee family with the baby manatee impressing the kids with its playfulness.
“This is a short trip, early in the week so those involved in other summer activities could get back and not miss anything,” Rogers said, explaining that son Drew got back in time for basketball camp. Read More

Photo by Ellen Ferrera
Pastor Paul and Anne McGhghy celebrate their 44th anniversary in July.

•June 13, 2018•

By Ellen Ferrera
for The News Progress

After nearly 40 years in the Holy Ministry, Pastor Paul McGhghy will step down as pastor of Faith Lutheran Church at the end of this month.

To honor his years of service the church is planning a retirement celebration on June 24 which will be open to the public.

As a child, Pastor Paul watched the Rev. Billy Graham on TV and knew at the age of five that he wanted to be a minister. His 90-year-old mother Ruth recalled that he was an obedient child with a heart of gold and was always trying to please others.

“He had no allowance in those days so he collected beer bottles for two cents each, and that was his spending money,” Grandma Ruth began. “He shoveled walks and always did whatever was necessary.”

She is sad to miss the celebration but is grateful for the daily talks and Skype visits.

Younger sister Beth remembers him as a hard worker who was an assistant manager at Kmart by the time he was a senior in high school. They offered him a managerial position, but his focus was always on the ministry. Read More

Photo by Ellen Ferrera
March to Greenhill Cemetery
American Legion Post #68, Honor Guard, Sons of American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary members led the Memorial Day parade from the Sullivan square to Greenhill Cemetery ceremonies on Memorial Day.

•May 30, 2018•

By Ellen Ferrera
for The News Progress

We watched them approach in the distance with flags unfurled taking measured steps as they marched down Water Street towards Greenhill Cemetery.

The American Legion Honor Guard and a Boy Scout troop entered the cemetery to the intermittent command of “hut, hut” and took their positions for the solemn memorial services.

After a prayer, Marine Corps Major Lynn Lowder addressed the crowd of some 100 people. A graduate of Sullivan High School and a frequent speaker there, he noted that both his parents and grandparents are buried in Greenhill.

Major Lowder recalled that his first military ceremony was here, and he knew it was important because of all the flags and the music. Read More

Photo by R.R. Best
Tabor Park’s Concert series began recently thanks to neighbor Bill Burger (back) who got help from Mason Point sponsor representatives Nikki White and Leeanna Stickels. In the front Vonnie Lee and Kathi Garvey from Mid Illinois Senior Services serve refreshments.

•May 16, 2018•

By Ellen Ferrera
for the News Progress

Bill Burger had wanted to showcase Tabor Park in Sullivan and thanks to Mason Point a concert at the park series began Friday, May 1.

For many years Sullivan residents have enjoyed the benefits of having two wonderful parks. The Tabor family donated the land for Tabor Park with the plan that benefits be free to all.

Sullivan City Council and the Sullivan Chamber and Economic Development, however, have been challenged to provide continuous programs for both parks. That’s where Bill Burger came in.

Burger lives near Tabor Park and runs there every day.

“Tabor Park is the best kept secret in Moultrie County,” he began. “It is a wonderful park. People walk their dogs there, and I have met many wonderful people there.”  Read More