Photo by Darian Hayes
Lovington Junefest
If it’s June, it is time for the annual Lovington Junefest Fish Fry. Above crowds braved warm summer temperatures to enjoy fish, fellowship, and this year the event was topped off with the annual fireworks show after dark. Above Ralph Zancha and Steve Fleming fry fish for an appreciative Lovington crowd.
Photo by Ellen Ferrera
Want a Durbin custom made pool cue? Get in line; there is a two year waiting list.
•June 20, 2018•
By Ellen Ferrera
for the News Progress
Few people know that about two miles north of Sullivan on Market Street in an unremarkable farm building Mike Durbin is crafting exquisite Durbin Custom Cues for professional pool players all over the U.S.
When a repair on his favorite pool cue didn’t meet Durbin’s exacting standards, he decided in 1995 that he could do better – and he has.
” We handcraft cues primarily for professional players,” Mike began. “Our cues start at $800, and the sky is the limit.”
The most expensive one he has made has emeralds and diamonds inlaid, and the customer provided all the exotic materials. It is valued at $12,000.
Because the cues are made only for professional players they are prized as collector’s items when a rare one comes up for sale.
From the selection of wood to the ebony and ivory on the shafts, Durbin has exacting standards that guide his craft.
He uses white maple wood grown near the snow line in Canada for the superior grain of the wood. Read More
•June 20, 2018•
By Ariana Cherry
for the News Progress
City council members returned to their discussion on health insurance coverage for the retired city employees during the June 11 meeting.
This topic had been discussed some months ago with several of the retirees in attendance, but during that time, no definite decisions had been made. With the time to renew health insurance approaching, the council approved increasing retirees contribution level.
Presently, full time employees of the city are paying 40% of their contributions toward insurance and retirees are paying 15%. Rising health insurance costs prompted the city to look into equalizing the level. Read More
Photo furnished
Community Band Performs
The Sullivan Community Band will present a free concert at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 28 at the south end of Wyman Park in Sullivan. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs and enjoy some patriotic and popular tunes. This 40-member group comprised of both adult and student musicians sounds fantastic and is presenting only one concert this summer; don’t miss it! Rain plan venue is the Sullivan Middle School gym. See the Sullivan CUSD 300 Facebook page for rain plan announcement.
Photo by R.R. Best
Mainstreet Music and Market
Mainstreet Music and Market was held on the Sullivan square beginning at noon Saturday, June 16. Above Sullivan Chamber and Economic Development Executive Director Laurrie Minior and Cathrine Craig of Cathrine’s Gifts and More volunteer during the Market in the afternoon which let visitors look at a variety of local artisans’ creations. Entertainment came from the Northenders beginning at noon followed by Firebox, Scott Mast, Killbourne Alley and Wreckless Whiskey who closed the event with an 8:00 p.m. set.
Photo by Dennis Fedie
Lovington Clean Up
Lovington townwide clean up was Saturday, June 9. Picking up the town with IV Container were Levi Brohez, Sebastian Eckhart, Oakley Martin, Davey Emrick, Pam Anklam, Tony Brown, Gary Smith, Josh Fedie, Dustin Rambo, Robert Riley, Austin Smith and Jim Trenholm.
Photo by Ellen Ferrera
Pastor Paul and Anne McGhghy celebrate their 44th anniversary in July.
•June 13, 2018•
By Ellen Ferrera
for The News Progress
After nearly 40 years in the Holy Ministry, Pastor Paul McGhghy will step down as pastor of Faith Lutheran Church at the end of this month.
To honor his years of service the church is planning a retirement celebration on June 24 which will be open to the public.
As a child, Pastor Paul watched the Rev. Billy Graham on TV and knew at the age of five that he wanted to be a minister. His 90-year-old mother Ruth recalled that he was an obedient child with a heart of gold and was always trying to please others.
“He had no allowance in those days so he collected beer bottles for two cents each, and that was his spending money,” Grandma Ruth began. “He shoveled walks and always did whatever was necessary.”
She is sad to miss the celebration but is grateful for the daily talks and Skype visits.
Younger sister Beth remembers him as a hard worker who was an assistant manager at Kmart by the time he was a senior in high school. They offered him a managerial position, but his focus was always on the ministry. Read More
•June 13, 2018•
By Ariana Cherry
for the News Progress
Sullivan City Council at their last meeting decided to move forward with the construction of the square pavilion.
Up to $25,000 has been confirmed in donations with the council matching up to $25,000 with city TIF funds.
City Administrator Dan Flannell is reaching out to local contractors in an effort to decide whether the city could wave the bidding process. He emphasized this would get the project underway within a reasonable timeframe. Read More
•June 13, 2018•
By Ellen Ferrera
for The News Progress
If you happen to be standing outside the Little Theatre when this musical is playing, you may see the theatre’s foundation shift and the roof rattle. There is a whole lot of shakin’ goin’ on inside because Elvis, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins are setting the stage on fire.
More than a few have said that this is the best musical they have ever seen here so don’t be that person standing outside. Get your tickets now because this will be a sellout.
This jukebox musical recounts that historic day of December 4, 1956 when Elvis, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins happened by chance to all visit Sun Records studio for the one and only time they would all play together. Fortunately, the jam session was recorded and is considered a seminal moment to rock and roll. Read More
Photo by R.R. Best
Dalton City Stand Off Ends Peacefully
A 60-year-old Pittsfield man was taken to Moultrie County jail following a five hour standoff in Dalton City Monday morning.
Moultrie County Sheriff Chris Sims reported that Albert Kimber was taken into custody at 11:10 a.m. Monday, June 11 facing preliminary charges of home invasion, unlawful restraint and armed violence. He was taken to the Moultrie County Detention Center.
It all began with a 5:56 a.m. call to the Moultrie County Sheriff’s office on a domestic violence/criminal trespass complaint at #130 Route 128 in Dalton City.
Sims explained that report quickly escalated to the suspect being armed with a firearm trying to force entry into the residence.
By the time three Moultrie County deputies arrived two rounds had been discharged as the suspect entered the residence, and a scuffle was occurring inside the front part of the house.
A deputy commanded the suspect to drop the gun, and the male fled to the interior of the home while the female victim escaped out the front.
Once free the female advised officers that a male friend of hers was still in the house with the gunman.
Sullivan police responded to assist along with the Illinois State Police Hostage Negotiation and Tactical Team as well as members of the ILEAS Tactical Team.
After negotiations and another round being discharged inside the residence, the male hostage was released without harm.
Continued negotiations conducted by Illinois State Police resulted in the suspect surrendering to officers.
Sheriff Sims emphasized the investigation is ongoing.