News Progress

Photo by R.R. Best WAFFLES ON THE MOVE - Scott Buxton serves up one of many specialties with a little help from son Matthew at a recent festival.

•August 12, 2015•

By Nick Fiala
Reporting from Bethany

At 214 West North Street, just off the main road in the small town of Bethany, a large red trailer sits in the driveway. It’s next to a plain white yard sign advertising Scotty B’s, a concession business founded by Sullivan native and former Navy cook Scott Buxton.

“It definitely did not look like that when I got it,” said Buxton, laughing and pointing at the trailer.

As the president of Sullivan’s own Junior Football League, Buxton has always valued his connection to his neighbors.

“We’re trying to just offer something for our community,” Buxton said. “I like making people happy when I cook… I’m just trying to offer something a little bit different...another slice of life out there for folks.”

That other slice is a Monday-Friday menu that includes pulled pork (on Fridays), burgers, a tenderloin measuring ten-and-a-half inches, French and sweet potato fries, chicken tenders, hot dogs, grilled cheese sandwiches, and funnel cakes (on Wednesdays).

There’s also a special challenge meal with a 30-minute time limit. It’s called the boss hog, and it’s a sandwich weighing more than four pounds, consisting of two pieces of Texas toast, one giant tenderloin, a pound of pulled pork, a pound of fries, a pound of bake beans, a pound of coleslaw, plus cheese and jalapeños. Read More

Annual community tradition starts Thursday

•August 5, 2015•

by Nick Fiala
Reporting in Windsor

Central Illinois is a land of rich history and deep traditions. One such tradition is taking place in the town of Windsor next weekend. Virtually every year since 1896, the town has held an annual Harvest Picnic on its park grounds with music, entertainment, and plenty of good food for the large crowds regularly in attendance. This year it will begin at 4 p.m. Thursday, August 13 and run through 9 p.m. Saturday.

Of course, keeping a 119 year-old tradition going strong is no small feat. And few know this better than Betsy Stilabower, the treasurer of the Harvest Picnic Committee.

“[Originally] It was only held one day, the last Thursday in August,” said Stilabower. “People would come to town and pack a picnic lunch, and they’d have band concerts and visit. It was a time to get together before harvest or after harvest.” Read More

Photo by Keith Stewart
Dorothy Gale, played by Daniella Davila, clutches her companion Toto, played by Compo.

•July 15, 2015•

By Dan Hagen
NP Theatre Critic

The Little Theatre’s family-focused season, which began with “Mary Poppins,” continues today with “The Wizard of Oz.”
And yes, it’s THAT “Wizard of Oz,” the 1939 MGM film version with which the world is most familiar, slightly expanded and extended with a song by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice.
Fantasy is a much simpler sell on film, of course, and there’s a moment or two when the capable performers could use a little extra special effects help. Mollyanne Nunn, for example, tries valiantly to be ethereal as Glinda the Good Witch, but could use a boost from something shiny, at least a pin spot.
But what director John Stephens may lose in movie magic, he more than makes up for in the magic of immediacy. All the familiar characters are there, right in front of you, sustained by the performers’ belief in them, something you can see in their eyes. You may be surprised at how well a very strong cast can keep this Baum ticking. Read More