ALAH District Increases Salary for Substitute Teachers

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•February 27 2019•

By Ariana Cherry
for the News Progress

Superintendent Kenny Schwengel stated that the balance of all the district’s funds currently is $6,955,732.69. The Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond school district received one transportation payment of $136,000 in January.
He noted that the second payment has been disbursed but has not been received. About $396,000 were paid in bills.
The board discussed raising the salary for substitute teachers. On average most districts pay $90 per day, and ALAH is set at $85. ALAH principals commented that several of their substitutes come out of town from Decatur, Sullivan, Bethany and Mt. Zion to teach. Principal Sage Hale mentioned that currently, aides are getting difficult to find. Ed Miller moved that the board increase the pay to $90 a day. It was seconded and passed unanimously by the board. Supt. Schwengel mentioned that the board can revisit the issue before next August to see whether the pay would need to be raised again when compared with other school districts. Read More

Aspen Creek Showcases Upgrades for Residents

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Photo by Ellen Ferrera
Aspen Creek strives for homelike feel.

•February 27 2019•

By Ellen Ferrera
for the News Progress

Aspen Creek held a treat-filled open house Feb. 22-23 to showcase six new resident rooms, an exercise room, luxury spa and second living/dining area. Founder Teresa Crawford and Marketing Director Kathy Albin welcomed visitors and conducted a tour of the new additions.
Aspen Creek was founded in 2009 by Teresa and Brian Crawford of Sullivan and has two facilities in Troy, Illinois in addition to the Sullivan location.
Teresa was inspired by her grandmother Madge and knew at an early age that her calling would be in health care for the elderly.
She pursued a degree in health care administration and was a past administrator at Mason Point.
When a supervisor in another job told her that she cared too much for the patients, she knew God was calling her to something greater and more rewarding. Read More

Show Choir Invitational

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Photo courtesy Luis Saravia
Show Choir Invitational
Sullivan Singers Jr. entertained visitors during the two-day Show Choir Invitational. Seven middle school groups competed on Friday, and 17 high school groups competed on Sat. bringing large crowds from surrounding communities to Sullivan. Sullivan Singers Boosters noted the Invitational’s success was made possible through support from the Sullivan School District #300 administration, maintenance and kitchen staff, Sullivan Police and Fire Departments, Sullivan Singers Alumni Association, Sullivan Singers parents and grandparents and numerous community sponsors.

Sullivan American Legion Kicks off Walk of Honor

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Photo by Ellen Ferrera
Post 68 Commander Bob Sims displays one of the Walk of Honor brick prototypes planned for the flag pole area at the Sullivan American Legion Post.

•February 27 2019•

By Ellen Ferrera
for the News Progress

The Sullivan American Legion Post #68 kicked off its 100th anniversary celebration with plans for a Walk of Honor.
Legion Commander Bob Sims revealed plans for the major Post 68 fundraiser. “We are now landscaping and building a brick Walk of Honor for the flag pole area. Post 68 is taking orders for memorial bricks to be included in the walk to honor loved ones who served,” he said.
Don’t fret if you missed this delicious meal that included fried potatoes and cornbread for there are other benefits being planned throughout the year.
On March 5 the Legion will host a lasagna dinner to not only give the community a chance to enjoy a great meal but to help with fundraising efforts for the Walk of Honor project. Read More

New Principal for Sullivan Elementary School

News Progress Posted on by

•February 27 2019•

Sullivan School Board held a special meeting at 7 a.m. Friday, Feb. 22 hiring Heather Ethell to fill the Sullivan Elementary School principal position.
The SES elementary principal position opened when Dan Allen became the Sullivan High School principal.
Ethell most recently served as an assistant principal and principal of a K-8 building, Hope Academy in Decatur.
She received her certification in elementary education as well as middle school reading and science. Apart from her teaching experience she has served as a reading coach and instructional coach. Read More

Obstruction of Justice Sentence for Warren

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•February 27 2019•

Jalon Warren, 19, pled guilty to obstruction of justice, was fined $500 and received 24 months probation ending a case that began with a bomb threat note found in a Sullivan High School restroom last year.
When arrested on March 26, 2018, Warren was charged with making a terrorism threat, threat on a school building or person (reduced to disorderly conduct) and obstructing justice.
The terrorism threat and disorderly conduct charges were dismissed in exchange for the plea bargain during his Feb 21 appearance before the Honorable Hugh Finson in Moultrie County Circuit Court. Read More

More Requirements for Early SHS Graduates

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•February 20, 2019•

By Mike Brothers

Sullivan students wishing to graduate early have a few more requirements following the February school board meeting.
Supt. Ted Walk explained the grade point averages and most requirements for graduation at the end of the seventh semester remain the same.
The new guidelines seek more information on why the students want to graduate early. G.P.A. of 3.0 at the end of the sixth semester and a 95% or better attendance rate are required.
Applications made by June 15 prior to the senior year must now include a five-page summary of future goals and career aspirations and four letters of reference. Read More

Sullivan Mayoral Candidates Participate in Meet and Greet

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Photo by Ellen Ferrera
Sullivan Mayoral candidates Bill Burger, Incumbent Mayor Ann Short and Richard Glazebrook visited the Senior Center in Sullivan last week.

•February 20, 2019•

By Ellen Ferrera
for the News Progress

Mayoral candidates were guest speakers at a free luncheon provided by Mason Point at the Senior Center in Sullivan on February 15.
Current mayor Ann Short introduced herself to the 65 seniors in attendance and recalled that after moving to Sullivan, “I began my career in the treasurer’s office, and in 1975 when the office became vacant, I was voted the first woman treasurer of Sullivan.” She retired as treasurer in 2003 but was asked to run for mayor—an office she has held for the past 16 years.
Short stressed that government is a “we” thing. There are five commissioners, and they all work together really well.
She admitted to bein

g “old school” but really loves being mayor of Sullivan and would like to continue serving the community.
William “Bill” Burger spoke next, and he is running on a platform of “Change and Transparency”. He has spent the past two years researching, in particular, the rate of Sullivan’s population to the appropriations and also the TIF districts. Read More

Okaw Valley Schools Plan Major Building Improvements

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Photo by Mike Brothers
Tom Caldwell from Stifel Investments explained financing during the public information session.

•February 20, 2019•

By Mike Brothers

Okaw Valley School District #302 plans for major improvements were unveiled before a crowd of interested citizens Feb. 13.
Parents and civic leaders filled the high school cafeteria as Supt. Kent Stauder gave background on the proposed $6.5 million project which includes a new high school gym, secured entry improvements at the high school and middle school in Findlay plus new playground equipment for the elementary school.
“We are investing in future generations’ memories,” Stauder said. He pointed out when the existing gym was built in 1937-38, some said it didn’t make sense, but that gymnasium has provided more than 80 years of memories for the students who passed through it.
“We want our kids to have the best experience they can have,” he continued, emphasizing the recently completed erg facility and the athletic complex illustrate the commitment of the community and school board to provide Okaw Valley students a well-rounded education.
Stauder explained administrators including high school principal Matt Schoaff, middle school principal Russ Forlines and elementary principal Heidi Vander Burgh were crucial to the success of the #YnotOV philosophy and would be on hand to help answer questions.
Members of the OVHS student council were escorts for the evening as the group was divided. Damien Schlitt of BLDD Architects went over the schematics of the construction in the new biology room with Tom Crabtree of Stifel Investments, the bond seller, explaining the financial side in the new chemistry room. Read More

Eagle Creek Resort Becomes Fire Training Ground

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Photo by R.R. Best
Firefighters from Sullivan, Bethany, Lovington, Windsor and Shelbyville removed chemicals from the shuttered Eagle Creek Resort over the weekend as local departments prepare to burn the mold infested resort in three different training sessions over the next two months.

•February 20, 2019•

By Mike Brothers

Eagle Creek Resort could be little more than a memory following an IDNR decision to allow area fire departments to burn the structure and haul it away.
Over the weekend Sullivan Fire Protection District fire fighters traveled to the resort for preliminary inspection of conditions and removal of chemicals and some equipment prior to the training exercise that includes: Bethany, Lovington and Windsor, Shebyvlle and Arthur firefighters.
“Following an earlier assessment of the Eagle Creek resort facilities, IDNR worked with local officials to determine the best path forward for the community,” Ed Cross IDNR Dir. of Communications, said in a release.
“That plan includes the demolition of the resort buildings and seeking out development proposals for a modern resort in the area. IDNR is also partnering with the Illinois Fire Service Institute and local officials to allow firefighter training on the resort complex and to ensure the site is cleared for redevelopment.” Read More