•May 25, 2016•

The Michael Yost jury trial begins at 9 a.m. August 1 in the Moultrie County Courthouse.

Yost, 42, is charged with the March 5, 2015 death of Sheri Randall, 34, of Sullivan and was not present for the status hearing May 24.

Public defender Brad Rau, State’s Attorney Jeremy Richey and special prosecutor Ed Parkinson appeared before Chief Judge Dan L. Flannell set August 1 as the first day for jury selection and discussed a letter from Yost, complaining of jail conditions.

Directing state’s attorney Richey and Yost’s attorney Rau to discuss the complaint with sheriff Chris Sims, Judge Flannell pointed out this was the second complaint made by the Moultrie County inmate. Read More

Photo by Mike Brothers
Pomp and Circumstance-Sullivan High School seniors Evan Baker holding the flag and Ben Berner line up during the processional Sunday. It was the 138th high school commencement held at 5 p.m. May 15 on the high school football field.

•May 18, 2016•

The weather blessed Sullivan High School with outdoor graduation ceremonies at 5 p.m. Sunday with 83 seniors receiving diplomas.

District 300 board president Steve Poland announced the salutatorian Zane Uphoff and valedictorian Emily Stutzman.

In her valedictory address Stutzman recalled arriving at Sullivan High School as a new student.

“When I arrived here three years ago, I was amazed how quickly news travels,” she began, “I wasn’t used to everyone knowing everyone.”

She explained the dread she felt in the beginning was relieved when unfamiliar classmates quickly became friends. “Now I’m not quite ready to leave.”

“How we see others is a reflection of how we see ourselves,” Stutzman said, pointing out the friends and memories of high school are priceless.

“Ours is a bright, untouched future, where the possibilities are endless,” she continued, encouraging her classmates to work for their dreams. Read More

•May 18, 2016•

By Ariana Cherry
For the News Progress

Last school year after experiencing rising costs in services with Aramark, Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond questioned the possibilities of finding alternatives. The new 2016-2017 contract with a 2.6% increase (due to cost of living) was brought to the table at the last ALAH board meeting.

“With new regulations and menus that have come about in the last few years, it would be a huge undertaking to find other companies,” commented superintendent Kenny Schwengel .

“High school lunch numbers have gotten bigger since there is an open menu. More kids eat here,” noted principal Buck Condill.

“The menu has changed drastically since last year,” said Lindsay Blickenstaff, Atwood-Hammond elementary principal. “Some complaints I have heard are portion size—some students may not be getting enough to eat. Although our breakfast numbers are large, there are a lot of people who eat breakfast,” she added.

At Lovington Elementary School, the story was a little different. “Our lunch numbers are down,” informed principal Brandon Stone. “The main complaint heard in Lovington is the variety. Variety is lacking. Even the students who receive free and reduced lunches are bringing their own lunch. That is rare,” he said.

Sage Hale, principal of Arthur Elementary School reported little change in numbers served. After some discussion among the administrators and school board, the 2016-2017 contract was approved unanimously. Read More

Photo furnished
Culvert Replacement
Sullivan Township Road Commissioner Elmo Weaver explained Moultrie County Road 1100N, south and east of Kirksville will need to be closed a couple days when weather permits. Then this drainage improving 50 foot long, six foot tall culvert can be installed. Above Township operator Rich Rutledge puts pressure on end loader tires as he unloads the five ton culvert, which was trucked from Kirksville, Missouri to Kirksville, IL.

•May 11, 2016•

By Ariana Cherry
For the News Progress

Those attending the No Job Left Behind May 3 session at Yoder’s Kitchen in Arthur learned the value of the Talent Management Pipeline.

Guest speakers Vicky Haugen, Executive Director and Kim Kuchenbrod, Workforce Development of Vermillion Advantage presented the Talent Management Pipeline Program.

Several businesses were in attendance: Hydro-Gear, Agri-Fab, GSI, IHI Turbo, Moultrie County Counseling Center, MasterBrand Cabinets, U of I Extension, several school officials and business teachers, Arthur Tourism and the City of Arcola.

The Talent Management Pipeline Program was put into movement in 2014 to help an American economy  facing threats with a skill gap that is hindering growth and competitiveness of companies. A growing number of students are finding trouble managing their transition to employment and business. In a troubling economy, there are businesses who are in need of new workers with fresh talent. Read More

•May 4, 2016•

By Ariana Cherry
For the News Progress

No state funds force the Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond School District, teachers and other staff to look for other ways to pay for the tools they need to continue to educate students as well as cope with the rising costs of technological needs.

With the advancements in technology and learning, schools’ funding needs are more pressing. While ALAH is in good shape from a network point of view in the technology department, there are still several items the district needs to continue to grow.

“Over the last two school years Quality Network Solutions of Sullivan has done a great job of renovating the wired and wireless infrastructure in all four of our district’s buildings,” technology coordinator Jeremy Rodebaugh told the board. “This work has been done in large part due to a $119,698.34 federal grant we received this school year. This hard work has left our district in very good shape from a network standpoint for the foreseeable future,”  he added. He did state that the wiring in the high school and a server at Atwood-Hammond are in need of updating, which could cost approximately $15,000 for both projects.

Rodebaugh said, while it isn’t urgent, the district will need to look to grants and other outside funding in order to make those projects happen. Without funding from the state though, providing adequate bandwidth will be an issue for all of the schools within the district. Read More