First Sullivan V.F.W. Jeep Crawl Unleashes Generosity

News Progress Posted on by

Droneography R.R. Best
Jeep Crawl participants gathered at the Sullivan V.F.W. preparing for the first ever Crawl for the Veterans Assistance Fund. More than 80 vehicles and 250 people crawled to Mattoon and Shelbyvile V.F.W. clubs before returning to Sullivan following a stop at The Publisher in Bethany.

•August 7, 2019•
By Willys Liberty
for the News Progress

The first ever Sullivan VFW Jeep Crawl held Saturday, August 3 was great fun and a huge success!
The Sullivan V.F.W. lot was filled with 81 jeeps and approximately 250 people who over the course of the event raised $16,600 for the V.F.W. Veterans Fund which supports Sullivan area veterans. Read More

How Cool is That?

News Progress Posted on by

Photo by R.R. Best
How Cool is That?
The Sullivan Fire District provided a water soaked end to the eight week Sullivan Summer Parks and Recreation program July 26. Firefighting volunteers gave the 155 kids some good water related fun at Wyman Park last Friday, then shed their fire helmets and coats for tongs and aprons, cooking for and serving the whole gang. The cooperative program between Sullivan Park District and the Civic Center is directed by Jake and Melissa Haegen.

Steam Threshing Days Offers Amish Appetite Pleasers

News Progress Posted on by

Photo furnished
Horsepower doesn’t always require spending $3.00 a gallon to keep moving. Visitors to the Amish Heritage Center’s Steam Threshing event will find horsepower is good for lots of chores around the farm.

August 2-3

•July 31, 2019•

By Chic Friar
for the News Progress

The Steam Threshing days set for August 2-3 at the Illinois Amish Heritage Center near Arthur will feature a chicken supper 4:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, August 2.
The supper will feature chicken, mashed potatoes, noodles, green beans and drink and is being prepared by Terry Warren Catering of Sullivan. The show runs from 1-8 p.m. on Friday and from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday, August 3.
New this year will be a horse treadmill and broom corn threshing. The horse treadmill is used to transfer horsepower to operate a variety of machinery via a power shaft coming direct from the treadmill. Also new this year will be broom corn threshing and broom making. Read More

Good Stuff

News Progress Posted on by

Photo by R.R. Best
Good Stuff
Sullivan Fire District created a water park at Wyman Park to close the eight week Sullivan Parks and Recreation program. Firefighters put on a cookout for the 155 participating kids. Above: Konyr Meador opens his chips, Aaliyah Osborn winks her approval and Alayja Jackson digs in to lunch at the Park Dist./Civic Center summer program.

Birdseye View

News Progress Posted on by

www.bestdroneography.com
Birdseye View
The Findlay Walleye Festival enjoyed perfect weather July 26-27. This R.R. Best drone photograph shows the giant American flag displayed during the Saturday parade while the OVHS band played. The festival featured walleye meals and breakfasts, kiddie tractor pulls, garden tractor pulls, a car show and music from Identity Crisis, Battle Creek, Big Spike Hammer, Sounds of Swing, Billy Coalt and the Blues Deacons, The North Enders and the Feudin’ Hillbillies.

ALAH Schools Begin Class with New District Superintendent

News Progress Posted on by

High school roof project discussed

•July 31, 2019•
By Ariana Cherry
for the News Progress

In the July meeting, ALAH Community School District new superintendent, Shannon Cheek and retiring superintendent Kenny Schwengel, attended the July school board meeting.
“I want to start off my report by saying thank you to the many people involved in welcoming us to the school district and the four communities,” Superintendent Cheek opened his report. He went on to thank Haley McGrath, his administrative aide, as well as Kelly Creek, Ken Munds, the board of education, all the administrative staff, the custodial staff and the community.
“You have made my family feel right at home from the very beginning,” he added.
In a separate interview Cheek explained what interested him in the ALAH district.
“My interest in the superintendent position here centered around the communities’ support for education and dedication to the students,” he began.
“It’s that level of dedication that I wanted to be a part of and lead.” Read More

SHS Students Travel

News Progress Posted on by

Photo furnished
Sullivan High School students traveled to Italy and Greece for 10 days with Marsha Kirby, social studies teacher at SHS. They visited the famous sites of the Colosseum, the Vatican, and the Acropolis. Next summer Kirby is planning a trip to Paris, Normandy and London and in 2021 a trip to Costa Rica. Spots are available for both trips.

Sullivan City Council Calls Special Meeting

News Progress Posted on by

•July 25, 2019•
The Sullivan City Council will have a special meeting beginning at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 31 at the First United Methodist Church.
Purpose of the meeting is to discuss and take action, if any, on the manner of distribution of the assets of the Winifred Titus-Sentel Trust, including farm real estate and Titus Manor property.

Teamwork is Key to Blue Dolphin Food Drive’s Success

News Progress Posted on by

Photo by Mike Brothers
Blue Dolphin swimmers, coaches, supporters and community leaders gathered at the Sullivan Civic Center to distribute thousands of cans of food to the local food pantry.

•July 24, 2019•
By Trout Flipper
for the News Progress

It takes teamwork to win and Sullivan Blue Dolphins coach Jason Drury extends that philosophy from competing in the pool to helping the community.
That is what led to the collection of a record breaking 3,612 cans of food for their annual donation to the Moultrie County Food Pantry and other area food banks.
Swimmers, coaches, parents and civic leaders were invited to distribute the food from the Sullivan Civic Center on July 12.
For more than a decade the Sullivan Blue Dolphins have been holding an annual food drive for the local food bank.
Head coach Drury believes in the team giving back to the community who supports them and also teaches the swimmers more then just swimming. Read More