Sullivan AMBUCS Deck Roof On Habitat House

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Photo furnished
Sullivan Ambucs members Tony Feeler and Bob Waelde work at the Habitat home site recently. A group of Ambucs members helped to deck the roof that day.

•September 22, 2021•
The Sullivan AMBUCS partnered with the Moultrie County Habitat for Humanity on September 9 to put the roof on the newest Habitat build. According to Bob Gillespie, the club suggested that Habitat find a day where they could come out and help build the home. The prefaced their offer by saying they would be willing to do any job no matter how hard, dirty or crummy. “Given the advancing ages of out Care-a-vanner builders who are all retired couples/individuals we don’t have many volunteers who are able to work at heights such as on a roof,” he said. Read More

Badge Fair at Rhodes-France

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Photo by Susan McGrath
Badge Fair at Rhodes-France
Scouts from the Greater St. Louis Council gathered at Rhodes-France Scout Reservation Saturday, Sept. 11 for Trades Day to earn merit badges in areas like welding, automotive repair, and digital technology, among others. Scouts from a troop in Sullivan were part of this Welding class. There were 56 Scouts in attendance for the day and about 6 badge counselors, as well as Camp Chef Scott Sims of Pana, to keep everyone well fed.

For Pete’s Sake, You Can Start a Sentence With a Conjunction

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•September 22, 2021•
By Jim Baumann
NP Guest Writer

Tired of my blathering?
Well, you’re in luck.
My mailbag is in serious need of a fall purging, so here are some quick hits as short and sweet as anything you’ll find in the back of the TV Guide:

Pled
Susan Biskner wrote to me: “When I said he ‘pled guilty’ during a conversation with a friend, she replied, ‘I am so glad you didn’t use the word “pleaded.” I think “pleaded” is used too much when speaking of guilt or innocence.’ I had to agree. What do you think?”
I probably spent as much time punctuating Susan’s quote within a quote within a quote as I spent on coming up with a response.
The good old (new) Associated Press Stylebook urges us to use plead/pleaded/pleading and not to use the colloquial past tense form “pled.” Read More

National Whole Grain Month

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•September 22, 2021•
By Cheri Burcham
Family Life Educator

September is national whole grain month and Extension Educator Diane Reinhold has a great article about how we can incorporate more fiber into our diets. Diane says: whole grains are an essential part of a healthy and well-balanced diet. They provide fiber and vital nutrients our bodies need, such as B vitamins, antioxidants, and trace minerals like iron and zinc.
Dietary fiber is a form of carbohydrate that your body cannot absorb or digest. Because dietary fiber cannot be digested or broken down, it adds bulk to our stool, which helps you to stay regular and promotes a healthier gut microbiome. Those consuming a diet rich in fiber generally have a reduced overall calorie intake because many high-fiber foods are low in calories. Foods rich in fiber helps you feel fuller longer, eat less, and stay satisfied longer, which helps in weight management. Read More

Remember When? 9-22-2021

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25 Years Ago This Week

The News Progress took home three awards from the 1996 Illinois Press Association newspaper contest. Managing Editor Dan Hagen won second place in Feature Writing for his June 1995 story headlined “Bronze Star Unfaded.” General Manager R.R. Best added to his long list of photography awards with a first honorable mention for a short entitled “Flood peril.” The newspaper won in the Division B, or large weekly category. Read More

OV Homecoming Parade 2021

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Photo by Crystal Reed
Okaw Valley Homecoming Parade Grand Marshall
The Okaw Valley Homecoming Parade Grand Marshall this year was Charlie Bland.

Photo by Crystal Reed
High School Band
Pictured is the Okaw Valley High School Band during the Homecoming Parade.

Photo by Crystal Reed
2019 Royalty
Pictured are 2019 Homecoming Queen and King Madalyne McPheeters and Ethan Bartimus.

Photo by Crystal Reed
Crown Bearers
Homecoming crown bearers were Mara Inman and Ren Ruppert.

Photo by Crystal Reed
Senior Class Float
The Okaw Valley senior class float had a recognizable theme to it during this year’s Homecoming Parade.

Photo by Crystal Reed
Okaw Valley Elementary
Okaw Valley Elementary staff and teachers were part of the Okaw Valley Homecoming parade last Friday.

Photo by Crystal Reed
Bethany Royalty
Miss Bethany Calista Clark waves during the OV Homecoming Parade.

Photo by Crystal Reed
More Bethany Royalty
Young Miss Bethany Bristol Wilderman and another member of Bethany royalty were also in the parade.

Rotary To Turn Sullivan Into Pumpkin Town

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•September 22, 2021•

The Sullivan Rotary is currently running a fundraiser called Rotary Pumpkin Town. This fundraiser is open to local businesses.
For businesses there are two options for $100 you can rent a pumpkin and decorate it yourself or for $200 you can get a fully decorated pumpkin by a Sullivan High School Art Student. You are limited to four colors and design ideas are to be e-mailed to the art department. Read More

Menu 9-22-2021

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Senior Peace Meal

For additional information or for reservations, please call 1-800-543-1770

Sept. 27 - Pork Chop in Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, Lima Beans, Roll, Cranberries
Sept. 28 - Spaghetti with Meat Sauce, Romaine Lettuce Salad, Seasoned Green Beans, Roll, Oatmeal Raisin Cookie
Sept. 29 - Saucy Ham Loaf, Sweet Potatoes, Seasoned Peas, Cornbread, Overnight Fruit Salad
Sept. 30 - BBQ Meatballs, Scalloped Potatoes, Spinach, Texas Toast, Chunky Applesauce
Oct.1 - Chef’s Choice

Letter to the Editor 9-22-2021

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Dear Editor,

All towns, like yours I’m sure, like to know when out-of-towners like me have a very pleasant interaction with local people. It was so nice in fact that it makes me want to visit your area! I hope your readership will enjoy hearing about my experience working with Linda in the County Clerk’s office! Read More

‘All The Men and Women Merely Players’

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•September 15, 2021•
By Jim Baumann
NP Guest Writer

Reader Bill Thomas served me up a softball question for last Sunday’s column before getting to the meat of his email.
At the risk of his hogging my attention, it’s a topic worth exploring in its own column.
Without further ado, the windup aaaand the pitch:
“How did the title ‘actor’ ever get applied to named women acting on stage and movies? Shouldn’t ‘actress’ be the correct term?” he asked.
Gulp.
“I recognize that an actor is defined as one who acts. An actress is defined as a woman who is an actor,” he wrote. “My traditional understanding is that ‘actor’ was used as the male’s title and actress was the female’s title. Do we need to designate a different title for men who act?”
This is a difficult topic. Read More