News Progress

•October 29, 2025•

by DM Williamee

Greatness comes from humble beginnings; it comes from grunt work.” (Ryan Holiday). Proof of that adage is Sullivan’s Mid-State Tank Company, which recently received a grant for $50,000 from the Made in Illinois Grant Program, administered by IMEC with funding from the Department of Economic Opportunity. The check presentation/award ceremony, tour of the facilities, and award speeches were held on Wednesday, October 22nd, at Mid-State Tank’s facilities. A jovial yet humble Kevin Conlin accepted the grant and, in his address to those present, made clearly apparent his appreciation for the grant, his entire team, and the support of the Sullivan community.

•October 22, 2025•

The 94th annual Bethany High School Alumni Banquet was held on October 11th at the Okaw Valley High School gymnasium, with nearly 90 in attendance. Diane Foster Waggoner, Class of 1983, welcomed the alumni and friends to the banquet, and Bart Spencer, Class of 1980, gave the opening prayer. Terry Muzzy, Class of 1966, gave a Military Recognition and talked about the Wall of Honor with pictures of Bethany School graduates who served in the military. 

The graduating classes of 1975 were honored for 50 years, and the graduating class of 2000 for 25 years. Alumni who passed away since the last banquet were recognized, and all alumni in attendance were invited to stand for the Roll Call of Classes. The featured speaker, Dave Overlot, Class of 1977, shared his memories of attending Bethany Schools and brought back fond memories for those attending. Door prizes were awarded to Harold Keown, Class of 1946, for being the oldest graduate, 80 years ago, and to Norma Tipsword Farris, Class of 1949, for serving the longest administrative term, with 24 years as high school secretary. 

The 50/50 drawing was won by Joyce Shipman Jenkins, Class of 1954, and a drawing for a whole hog, donated by Corrington Farms, was won by Libby Larkin Booker, Class of 1980. The meal was catered by Rhodes Catering from Effingham and desserts by Sweet Vail in Sullivan. The Okaw Valley FFA students and their sponsor, Wes Wise and his wife Megan, assisted with serving and other duties. Officers for the next year will continue with Diane Foster Waggoner, Class of 1983, as President; Rita Kesterson Seelow, Class of 1983, as Vice President; Libby Larkin Booker, Class of 1980, as Secretary; and Nancy Sowers Mueller, Class of 1974, as Treasurer. The evening wrapped up with alumni visiting and taking pictures. The 2026 reunion date will be set for late September or early October. All alumni and friends are invited to attend. 
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