Gaither Faces Uphill Battle with Central Illinois Determination

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Photo by Mike Brothers
U.S. 15th Congressional District Democrat candidate Kevin Gaither attended a Bethany Town Hall meeting at Marrowbone Library, August 23. Some of those visiting were Moultrie County Democrat Central Committee Chair Stuart Wade, Treasurer candidate Diane Waggoner, Connie Dunscomb, 15th District candidate Gaither, Circuit Clerk Beth Pruitt, Margi Gaither and Jim Gaither.

•August 29, 2018•

By Mike Brothers

Kevin Gaither, Democrat candidate for the 15th U.S. Congressional District, hasn’t got much money, but he does have a vision for the future.
Gaither, a Sullivan High School graduate, shared that vision at a town hall meeting held in Bethany at the Marrowbone Library on August 23.
In a campaign echoing predecessor Glenn Poshard, Gaither won the primary nomination accepting personal donations, without the benefit of party, political action committee or lobbyist funds.
Last week during Democrat Day at the Illinois State Fair U.S.Senator Dick Durbin recognized Gaither and his struggle to win the 15th district. “It was a thrill to have our campaign recognized by Senator Durbin in his opening remarks,” Gaither remarked, noting party recognition was gratifying. Read More

Clubs Offer Fun at Elizabeth Titus Library

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•August 29, 2018•

By Arianna Cherry
for the News Progress

Although summer vacation has come to an end, Elizabeth Titus Memorial Library still has plenty in store for students in the upcoming fall.
The Sullivan library offers opportunities for supplemental learning that also includes a bit of fun too. These clubs and classes are geared toward a variety of age groups focusing on math, science and reading skills.
The Crazy 8’s Math Club started August 27 but is still accepting late registrations. It is an eight-week long program for students who are in grades K-5. Students in grades K-2 meet Mondays at 4 p.m. and grades 3-5 Tuesdays at 4 p.m.
A science club begins on October 22 and is for students in grades K-5. Depending on how many register for this program will depend on whether or not the students split up depending on their age group. Read More

Anonymous Donor Helps Fund Balance Classes At Senior Center

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•August 29, 2018•

By Ellen Ferrera
for the News Progress

Senior Center Executive Director, Kathi Garvey was worried that the popular Matter of Balance classes for seniors wouldn’t be held this year.
“We had the grant funds but no volunteers to teach the classes so we were in jeopardy of losing the grant,” Garvey said. “Fortunately, the volunteers came forward and now, thanks to an anonymous donor, we also have funds for those who can’t afford but need the classes.”
For those with concerns about falling, have fallen recently or have restricted activities because of falling concerns, these classes can help.
Classes begin Sept 18 and are held twice a week on Tuesday and Thursday for four weeks until Oct. 16. Each class is two hours from 9-11 a.m. at the Senior Center in Sullivan. Read More

Butterflies are Free

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Photo by Ellen Ferrera
Butterflies are Free
Zinnias are attracting butterflies in Ellen Ferrera’s Sullivan garden on warm sunny days, but as the days grow shorter so do the opportunities for these butterflies to be free.

ADM Cares Gives to SMS

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ADM Cares Gives to SMS
ADM Cares recently awarded a $5,000.00 grant to Sullivan Middle School for STEM curriculum resources. Students will spend time working collaboratively to solve problems that involve science, technology, engineering and math. Pictured are SMS STEM recipients John Bertetto, Troy Rogers, Nicole Garrett and Micah Heddins with ADM representative and Sullivan School Board member Erik Stollard.

SCED Future Explored During Special Council Meeting

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•August 22, 2018•

By Mike Brothers

Sullivan Chamber and Economic Development and its future was discussed in a special city council session at Titus Library.
With about 50 people attending the 5:00 p.m. August 20 session the changing role of the Chamber in order to meet the changing needs of the city was front and center.
As background, Mayor Ann Short explained economic development was placed with the Chamber with an ordinance approved in 2015. The mayor went on to explain the city funding source of $70,000 annually expires along with the TIF districts in May 2019.
Commissioner Jerry Risley pointed out Excecutive Director Laurrie Minor is stretched in many directions, balancing duties of a Chamber that has grown to include 220 members along with Economic Development and Tourism responsibilities. “One change is that we now have a city administrator,” Risley added. Read More

Little Theatre Ends Season With Hilarious “Noises Off”

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•August 22, 2018•

By Ellen Ferrera
for the News Progress

Years ago, the main goal of vaudeville performers was to “always leave them laughing” and the opening night’s audience of “Noises off” was absolutely convulsed in laughter by play’s end.
The sight of Luke Rose hopping up a flight of stairs with his pants down to his ankles will forever haunt my memories.
“Noises Off” is a play within a play of a sex farce entitled “Nothing On”. Imagine a Carol Burnett skit where everyone blows their lines, and the whole thing comes unglued. Then imagine that skit as directed by the brilliantly mischievous Therese Kincaide to its hilarious extreme and you have some idea of the comic catastrophe about to unfold on stage.
The play opens on a frantic dress rehearsal where the harried and sarcastic director, Lloyd Dallas, is desperately trying to coax a performance from his mediocre actors who not only lack talent but are beset by personal problems that will derail the play. Read More

Bus Stop

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Photo by Mike Brothers
Bus Stop
Schools all over Moultrie County are back in session. During this busy time of finding classes, getting to classes and getting to school it is important to remember students are getting on and off buses and drivers around the schools and buses should use extreme caution as the cargo is precious.

Gypsy Soul Revival

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Photo by Mike Brothers
Gypsy Soul Revival
Gypsy Soul Revival is now open at 101 Jefferson St. in Sullivan, occupying the same building as the new Sullivan Chamber and Economic Development office. The building is being restored by Quality Network Services owner Mel Workman and the main floor includes space for Darby Berry’s Gypsy Soul, which features 15 local artisans’ works under one roof. Berry is open Tuesday through Friday 11-5 and Saturdays 10-3. Berry opened August 11 in the new location and is welcomed above by Chamber Executive Director Laurrie Minor. The Chamber office and a small business incubator are also located in the building.

Sullivan Community Garden Grows More Than Vegetables

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In addition to help from school staff and the community students got to see how the community garden grew. Student gardeners from left: Addy and Asher Hendry, Zaden Hissong, Aubrey and Alex Fultz, and Nora Becker.

•August 15, 2018•

By Turnip Sprout
for the News Progress

Starting a garden on school property began as a way to show city kids where vegetables come from, but it ended up yielding more than produce.
Sullivan Elementary School fourth grade teacher Nichole Hendry had wanted a garden at school for some time, and this year possibility became reality.
“At the end of winter we planted some seeds and placed them in the windows of the classroom,” Hendry recalled how the project sprouted.
When her students saw the plants developed, they pushed her toward finding a way to plant a garden.
“From the start the students wanted to raise vegetables to donate to the Food Pantry,” she continued, noting approval to replace one of two prairie garden plots with the vegetable garden opened the door.
With a lot of help from students, school staff, teachers and volunteers from the community the garden started developing. Read More