Photo courtesy OVHS
Corps of Engineers and Okaw Valley School District recently began a vocational cooperative program on 40 acres of Corps property in Shelby and Moultrie counties. Pictured above are Okaw Valley students, administration and the Corps of Engineers during the agreement’s official signing at the Lake Shelbyville headquarters.

•August 31, 2016•

By Derek Pope
For the News Progress

Shortly after the 2016-2017 school year commenced, Okaw Valley’s administration announced a milestone addition to their schools’ growing vocational education programs—a focal point for the district over the last few years.

In a partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Okaw Valley was granted an in-kind lease on 40 acres of land around Lake Shelbyville for educational purposes. The plots, which span both Moultrie and Shelby counties, are intended to provide students with numerous opportunities for field studies in agriculture, engineering, and science. The first of its kind collaboration was officially approved with a signing held at the Lake Shelbyville Visitor Center on August 29.

Col. Anthony Mitchell, commander of the USACE St. Louis District, who was on hand for the signing, said of the program, “What you see here is a community effort. What you hear amongst these people is a shared vision. That breeds innovative thought, and innovative thought leads to creative ideas and critical thinking” . Read More

Photo by Bernie Sanders
Seth Webner of Bethany isn’t letting juvenile rheumatoid arthritis slow him from collecting toys for other patients at Shriner’s Hospital in St. Louis. He is collecting more toys from the public at the Sullivan Church of God on Aug. 20.

To Shriners Hospital Kids Like Him

•August 17, 2016•

Seth Webner has suffered with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis for the past three years, and the treatment he has received at Shriner’s Hospital has inspired him to give something back.

Children from all over the country are treated free of charge at Shriners hospitals, and the Bethany seventh grader wanted to show his appreciation for the care he continues to receive.

“When I went through my first surgery at the old hospital, there was this lady who entertained me and gave me a toy,” Webner said, explaining the gesture did a lot to make him feel better about the treatments he was having to go through.

After his last visit in July, he told his mother Brooke he wanted to have a toy drive for Shriners Hospital, and so it began. Read More

•August 17, 2016•

Stu D. Baker
For the News Progress

With school beginning and the Moultrie County Food Pantry’s supplies exhausted the Little Theatre on the Square is offering a unique chance to see a show and give to the food pantry.

For the third week of Shear Madness Aug 23-28 anyone who brings in canned or non-perishable goods for the food pantry will receive a $17.50 ticket discount.

“We are extremely happy to be able to give back to the community,” Little Theatre executive director John Stephens said of the cooperative arrangement to help rebuild stock in the Food Pantry.

Stephens noted that patrons may bring in as many as 10 items and that would help the Food Pantry tremendously. Read More

Photo by Mike Brothers
CIMBA members Todd Harris (front) and Doug Lee of Sullivan ride a new section of the Camp Camfield trail in preparation for the Aug. 14 Clash at the Camp.

CIMBA Hosts Sanctioned Event Open to Public

•August 10, 2016•

By Mike Brothers
For the News Progress

Camp Camfield, located five minutes southwest of Sullivan, hosts mountain bicycling enthusiasts from all over the state at Clash at the Camp this Sunday, August 14.

Central Illinois Mountain Bicycling Association not only allows riders to compete for points in a sanctioned event this weekend, but club organizers are planning a family friendly event including a free ride. Kids 12 and under may bring their bikes for a scenic cruise.

“We offer different level trails for every kind of rider,” Eric Harris said of the trail system that grew from a 2.5 mile walking trail in the 1970s to the well-manicured 7.5 miles that wind the hills around Lake Shelbyville today.

He emphasized the trail is for multi-use. Bicyclists, walkers and runners are accommodated with choices of three different difficulty level trails, all with scenic lake views at every turn.

Harris explained the kids race includes a special half mile course that is just for fun.

“This is a whole lot of fun for all the kids and parents,” Harris said, explaining his nine year old daughter is excited about the possibility of winning a race in which she ran third her first time out.  Read More

•August 10, 2016•

Sullivan Community Unit #300 board appointed Ann Wheeler to serve as new member of the board during the August 8 meeting.

Wheeler will serve until the spring 2017 school board elections. She replaces board member Scott Atchison, who resigned earlier this year.

The retired Arthur school district English teacher applied for the opening after 11 years of retirement. “I would like to give something back to the community,” she explained of her application.

Sullivan veterinarian Justin Florey also applied for the opening.

Both candidates were interviewed by the school board in executive session following the regular business session. Read More