Years of Memories in the Making at the Arthur Cheese Festival

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Photo by Ariana Cherry
All About the Cheese at the Arthur Cheese Festival as these artists compete in the cheese carving contest at the 45th annual festival held Labor Day weekend.

Many Visitors Return

By Ariana Cherry
for the News Progress

Beautiful warm sunny skies and the welcoming of Labor Day weekend found itself celebrating at the 45th Annual Arthur Cheese Festival.

Crowds flocked the streets of the small town of Arthur as they browsed various vendors and dined on the delicious appetizing festival foods that included everything from the salty addicting fries, the ever American pork-chop on a stick, corn dogs, lemon shake-ups, an array of flavorful shaved ice, a variety of sandwiches, kettle corn, free cheese samples and even a ham and bean dinner from the Arthur United Methodist Church.  Read More

Children Were Among First Residents At Mason Point 

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Children of Mason Point- Phoebe Rose Crapp, Laura Marie Crapp, Stephen John and Robert Crapp were the first and only children to live at the Masonic home in Sullivan. They are pictured during the Masonic Home’s 1905 opening ceremony.

Stayed One Year

By Ellen Ferrera
for the News Progress

Robert A. Miller, a lifelong Mason, owned some 260 acres of farmland east of Sullivan, and when he died, he bequeathed all his land to the Masons. If they refused the offer, then the land was to be given to Moultrie County, and we know how that ended.

The governing board of Masons decided that a retirement home would be built to house 100 residents – indigent Masons, their wives, widows and orphans from Masonic lodges throughout Illinois.

The cornerstone was laid in 1903 and contained a copy of Mr. Miller’s Last Will and Testament, copies of Moultrie City News and the Sullivan Democrat for June 18-19, 1903 and coins of 1903. The building was built by W.F.W. Benson of Peoria at a cost of $36,926.

Most people assume that the large building facing the entrance to what is now Mason Point was the first building, but that is not the case. The first building was actually the Men’s Building or Home Building and is now called the Hart Apartments. Read More

Farm Progress Tribute

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Photo by Mike Brothers
Farm Progress Tribute
When the Farm Progress Show comes to town, Tom Gregory of Bethany lines up a few reminders of how much progress farms have made. Farm Progress is over, and now Tom’s antique tractor display returns to storage for another two years.

OV Students in Field

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OV Students in Field
Okaw Valley students Dalton McGill  and Garrett Tippit volunteered at the Corps Of Engineers Dove Hunt Saturday morning, Sept 2. They participated in all aspects of the hunt and even were able to learn how to age the birds. The hunt took place at Whitley Creek Dove Field.

Harry Potter Theme for OVHS Homecoming

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Photo by Jeni Yantis
Okaw Valley Homecoming Candidates Front - Junior Attendant Kailey George, Senior Queen Candidates Paige Robinson, Natalie Jeffers, Hannah Landreth and Grace Harlin, Sophomore Attendant Baylie Wagner and Freshman Attendant Tali Roberts.  Back - Junior Attendant Garrett Tippit, Senior King Candidates Dylan Holt, Garrett Fritz, Hayden Francisco and Tanner Coleman, Sophomore Attendant Canaan Christensen and Freshman Attendant Luke Vander Burgh.

•August 30, 2017•

Okaw Valley High School Student Council has announced that their annual Homecoming Week is September 5-9 with the theme “Harry Potter”.

Each day will highlight a special theme at OVHS, and students are encouraged to participate accordingly. The week kicks off Tuesday as the students dress for “Quidditch Team Day”, whereby they will be encouraged to wear their favorite team jersey. Wednesday’s theme is “Defend Your House Day” with the “Powder Puff” football games beginning at 11:40 a.m. followed by the “Powder Tuff” volleyball games.  Read More

Partnering With Community to Develop Long Term Growth

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Photo by Ellen Ferera
Brenda Crowell of My Garden waters one of the planters sponsored by the Chamber. My Garden and Buxton’s Flowers alternative care of the city planters each year.

SCED Part II

•August 30, 2017•

By Ellen Ferrera
for the News Progress

Last week’s article on SCED focused on the Chamber’s work with tourism and restoration enhancement. The other half of their work involves events and economic development.

“I am especially proud of our economic development efforts to beautify the city, our No Jobs Left Behind and our partnership with the city”, said SCED Executive Director, Laurrie Minor. ‘We absolutely couldn’t do it without the city’s commitment”.

As previously mentioned, SCED’s budget is $140,000 with $70,000 provided by the city which may only be used for economic development. All other projects are made possible by members’ dues, fund-raising, grants and private donations.

A good place to learn of the Chamber’s economic development is their website where you will find how to write a business plan, a list of real estate for sale, job listings, resources, area events and upcoming events. Read More

Steel Magnolias – Strong as Steel, Fragile as Magnolias

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•August 30, 2017•

By Ellen Ferrera
for the news progress

They told me it was a chick-flick, but I really enjoyed it”, said Weldon Brown. Mitch Miller said, “I thought it was really well done” as they exited the Little Theatre after seeing “Steel Magnolias”.

And, indeed,” Steel Magnolias” has a cast of six southern women whose friendships are old as dirt and just as permanent. Their standing Saturday appointments at their she-shack, Truvy’s beauty salon, are never to be missed. “The beauty salon is women’s territory”, says M’Lynn. And, unlike the movie, the male characters are only alluded to and never seen.

The author, Robert Harling, is well-known for his sensitive portrayals of women’s relationships in other movies such as “Terms of Endearment”, The Evening Star”, and “First Wives Club”. “Steel Magnolias” was written about his sister’s death from diabetes and his need to tell her son how very special she was. The title suggests that the female characters are strong as steel but fragile as magnolias. Read More

Rose Meets Rotary

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Rose Meets Rotary
State Sen. Chapin Rose (R-Mahomet) met with local officials and community leaders from Moultrie County in Sullivan Aug. 22. Rose discussed jobs and economic growth initiatives for the area during the Sullivan Rotary Club luncheon.

Oil Rises to Top of City Council Discussion

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•August 23, 2017•

By Ariana Cherry
for the News Progress

City commissioners revisited the discussion concerning cooking oil dumped into the city’s sewer system back in July.

Commissioner Grant Wade reported that the city ran tests to determine the type of oil clogging the sewer system. A portion of the cooking oil partially clogged the system and then came through later. Wade stated that it had taken at least three truckloads to remove all of the oil. Presently, there has been no more disposing of the oil.

A motion was made to give the Sullivan Blue Dolphins a $3400 donation after their very informational report that they presented at the previous meeting. It was stated that the team contributes greatly to the community and the Civic Center.

Other items that were discussed/voted upon: Read More

Chalk Art

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Photo by Mike Brothers
Sullivan third grader Ellie Lehman works diligently on her Chalk Art creation along with 40 other entries during the Sullivan Chamber and Sullivan Area Arts Council contest held last Friday.