Art Sparked in the Parks
by Wyman Tabor
for the News Progress
Art In Tabor Park is an ongoing outreach program of the Sullivan Chamber and Economic Development Spark initiative.
It was held in conjunction with Music in the Park June 7 which began at 6:30 next door in Wyman Park
Molly (Reeder) Foust was the featured artist this month creating a pottery piece with her pottery wheel before the audience who also enjoyed background music from the community band.
Photos furnished
Summer Readers
The Elizabeth Titus Memorial Library summer reading kickoff was Friday, May 31. Librarian Laura Davison said some 200 children and adults enjoyed the morning filled with activities, treats and a wonderful introduction to summer reading in Sullivan.
Photos furnished
Summer Readers
The Elizabeth Titus Memorial Library summer reading kickoff was Friday, May 31. Librarian Laura Davison said some 200 children and adults enjoyed the morning filled with activities, treats and a wonderful introduction to summer reading in Sullivan.
Photo furnished
Courageous Kids at SES
Asher Hendry of Sullivan makes his way across the slackline that was set up at Sullivan Elementary School May 28. More than 400 elementary school students participated in the opportunity to try walking across a slackline. The slackline was set up by Courageous Kids Climbing, who traveled from Idaho to conduct the event. Courageous Kids Climbing provides free opportunities for
children between the ages of three months and 103-years with special needs, physical or developmental, to experience the various forms of rock climbing at events held throughout the western United States. They also conduct slacklining events at elementary schools during their travels. The event was coordinated by Sullivan Elementary School fourth grade teacher Nichole Hendry, who also provided accommodations for the representative from Courageous Kids Climbing.
Photo by Mike Brothers
Green Garden Alzheimer’s Center broke ground on West Street in Sullivan May 29. Pictured during the 1 p.m. groundbreaking were: Sullivan commissioners Abbey Sherwood and Mike Fowler, Dr. Fasil Bukhari of Sullivan Family Services and partner Joe Keller of Keller Trucking; commissioners Peggy Hargis and Chuck Woodworth along with Mayor Richard Glazebrook.
•June 5, 2019•
By Ellen Ferrera
for the News Progress
Dr. Fasil Bukhari of Sullivan Family Services and Joe Keller of Keller Trucking have formed a partnership to build a new Alzheimer’s facility in Sullivan.
Groundbreaking for the Green Garden Alzheimer’s Center on property adjacent to the Keller operation was 1:00 p.m. May 29 at the north end of West Street. Mayor Richard Glazebrook and city commissioner attended.
“Dr. Bukhari came up with the business plan, and I had some land available for development,” Keller said of the partnership. “We look on it as an investment in Sullivan which is known for its retirement facilities.”
“There is a population of aging baby boomers who will need residential homes tailored for them individually,” Dr. Bukhari said. Read More
•June 5, 2019•
By Ariana Cherry
for the News Progress
Eagle Scout Benjamin Matheny wants to create a wall in the high school that will feature past high school students who are veterans.
He presented his Eagle Scout project idea to the ALAH School Board.
Matheny intends to list names and photos of those who served from the past five years. The wall will have a magnetic background to which photos will attach. The cost is estimated at around $4,000 and will be paid for through donations.
Superintendent Kenny Schwengel reported that the current balance of all funds are $5,100,153.73. The district received a transportation payment of $134,000. Three for this year were received as well as one from last year, and the district may receive one in July. The school district also received $80,000 in personal replacement tax money.
The amended 2019 budget was presented to the board. Schwengel noted that there is a deficit in transportation funds and that money may have to be moved from the education fund to make up for it. “The district still isn’t receiving the transportation funds that it should,” noted Schwengel. The first budget hearing is scheduled June 19 prior to the board meeting.
Only two bids were received to repair the roof of the high school. One bid was from Top Quality Roofing at $229,800, and the other was from Industrial Services at $239,400. Top Quality was awarded the low bid. Read More
Photo by R.R. Best
St. Jude Dash & Bash
The fifth annual St. Jude’s Dash & Bash was held at the Sullivan American Legion last weekend. Above kids enjoyed demo derby action in the afternoon with loads of events and entertainment enjoyed by St. Jude supporters from May 31 to June 1.
•June 5, 2019•
By Mike Brothers
The new Sullivan City Council was greeted with public participation at their second session May 28 with a variety of items discussed. After mayor Richard Glazebrook called the meeting to order, the first 20 minutes were filled with questions from the public and suggestions for the Council to improve transparency.
Land acquisition discussion in closed session was raised concerning the Titus Trust, hiring the former city clerk as consultant and retiree health benefits were all aired during public comments.
City administrator Dan Flannell explained that Busey Bank of Decatur controlled decisions concerning the Titus Trust which includes Titus Manor at Wyman Park and 900 acres of farmland. He noted potential land acquisitions have been discussed by commissioners during closed session in the past.
Mayor Glazebrook assured the audience in the Elizabeth Titus Library meeting room that any action by the council would be made in public session. Read More
•June 5, 2019•
By Ariana Cherry
for the News Progress
On a very warm spring Friday evening May 24, the ALAH gym was packed to the brim with family, friends, teachers and school staff all ready to bid adieu to another graduating class.
This year it was 78 excited seniors from the class of 2019 ready to turn their tassels. As “Pomp and Circumstance” from the ALAH High School band filled the air, relieved and happy students began filing down the aisle two by two, while a few teardrops fell from parents’ eyes, and cameras flashed. It would be “another one for the books.”
Before the ceremony began, as tradition, all stood in honor of the flag for the “Star Spangled Banner.” Afterward valedictorian Makenna Green took the podium to open with her welcome speech mentioning that it “seemed like just yesterday that our parents kissed our cheeks as we went to kindergarten, and it seemed just like yesterday that they dropped us off for our freshman year as we were all afraid to meet the kids from the other schools.” Afterward, four graduating seniors from the ALAH chorus sang a beautiful rendition of John Denver’s “Country Roads” as their farewell. Read More
Photo by R.R. Best
WHS Class of 2019
The Windsor High School commencement was held Friday, May 24 with Supt. Erik Van Holveln presenting the 26 seniors. Class president Beau Bennett welcomed a capacity crowd to the WHS gymnasium for the 7:00 p.m. ceremony. Valedictorians are Logan Greuel, Lauren Hendershot and Maranda Tarvin. Carson Cole presented the class history. Bennett, Cole, Greuel, Hendershot, Liam David Horenstine, Rachel Ann Miller, Payton Christopher Nichols, Logan Curtis Stremming and Tarvin are National Honor Society members. Junior attendants were Ava Bennett and Hannah Reed.