Photo by Mike Brothers
Members of Sullivan American Legion Post 68 Honor Guard gather in front of the Moultrie County Courthouse along with Legion Auxiliary and Boy Scouts preparing for parade march to Greenhill Cemetery on Memorial Day, May 29.
Photo by Mike Brothers
Okaw Valley seniors Kailyn Marie Boyer and Keith Lloyd Bone reflect on their last few minutes as students before facing the next phase of life.
•May 31, 2017•
By Madison Uhlrich
for the News Progress
The newest batch of high school graduates was released into the world Sunday, May 28.
Okaw Valley High School Commencement was held at 2 p.m. in the OVHS gym amid a packed audience of family and friends.
Key speakers included Brianna Creviston and Tyus Brooks with the salutatory addresses, Kayla Wheeler (class president) with the class history, and Jonathan Gentry with the valedictory address.
Before the class speakers Supt. Kent Stauder presented Sam Scott as the Alumni Hall of Fame inductee. Read More
•May 31, 2017•
By Ariana Cherry
for the News Progress
City council members discussed revising their sick leave policy during a regular session.
They considered the possibility of abolishing the current 40-day policy where an employee would exhaust all of their leave before returning to work. There was discussion concerning some employees returning to work before the 40 days were up and need those extra days for doctor follow-up appointments.
A new policy where employees could retain some of the 40 day leave is under consideration. The issue was tabled and will be further discussed at the next council meeting.
During the week of June 12-16, WCIA’s “Our Town”series will be filming at various areas in Sullivan. The filming will finish up with a news broadcast from downtown Sullivan Friday, June 16. Read More
Photo furnished
SES Gold Slip Students
Sullivan Elementary School recognizes students who go above and beyond expectations by giving them “Gold Slips.” The SES Gold Slip winners from April and May are (from left to right): Cali Szabo and Emmersyn Jianonni (not pictured) helped a kindergarten student clean up his spilled tray in the cafeteria. Carigan Cole observed two students working together and noticed that one of the students was getting frustrated. Cole asked whether she could help the frustrated student because she felt she could encourage him and teach him the concept.
Cannin Hall finished early during art class. He started washing out paint brushes when students finished painting. When Mrs. Auten checked the sink he was using, it was spotless. Hall showed respect to Mr. Crowe and the school by making sure he left no mess. Aceon Fryman helped the cafeteria staff clean up the kitchen after lunch. Nevaeh Wilson and Alyssa Ray took it upon themselves to clean up a paint mess that was in the hallway. They are both very helpful throughout the year and take pride in their school.
Photo furnished
Prairie Winds Performs Free Concert
Prairie Winds is holding a free concert at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 4 at the First United Methodist Church in Sullivan.
“A Tropical Cruise Show” is the present theme for the group of 19 singers and keyboardists whose ministry includes performing shows for area nursing homes and senior residences.
During the Tropical Cruise the audience takes a musical trip aboard the Prairie Winds Cruise line featuring songs from the Hawaiian Islands.
A “floor show” of love songs includes “Beyond the Sea” and “Stranger in Paradise”, a special comedy duo and a musical tribute to “South Pacific” for the finale.
Prairie Winds group is completing 32 years of “Sharing God’s Love Through Music”.
The public is invited to come and enjoy an hour of music, comedy and lots of fun. Refreshments will be served afterwards.
First United Methodist Church Friendship Hall is located at 216 W. Jefferson St. in Sullivan.
Photo furnished
Sullivan FFA pictured with awards from left to right: Jon Gavin, 2016-2017 FFA Secretary, Blake Read; 2016-17 FFA Treasurer and 2017-18 FFA President, and Devin Warren, 2016-17 FFA President.
•May 24, 2017•
The FFA’s National Chapter Award program recognizes the top FFA chapters with innovative activities in each of the three divisions: growing leaders, building communities and strengthening agriculture.
Recognition occurs at the local, state, and national levels. The FFA Chapter’s Program of Activities is evaluated and rated as Gold, Silver, Bronze, or Superior Chapters in each of three divisions and an overall rating is presented.
The Sullivan FFA was notified that the chapter had been designated a Gold Emblem Chapter in each of the three divisions and a Gold Emblem Chapter overall.
Furthermore, Sullivan FFA was named the Section Winner in all three divisions and was also named the winner of the Section Bankers Plaque for the Top Overall Program of Activities in the Section. Read More
•May 24, 2017•
The Sullivan School District #300 board of education met in special session Thursday, May 19 to establish a timeline for the superintendent search.
Supt. Brad Tuttle accepted a position in Jerseyville, Ill. with his resignation effective June 30. Read More
Circuit Clerk Cindy Braden
•May 24, 2017•
Moultrie County Circuit Clerk Cindy Braden was appointed chairperson of the Committee on Circuit Court Clerk Education by the Illinois Supreme Court last week in an announcement from Chief Justice Lloyd A. Karmeier.
Braden’s appointment is effective July 1, 2017 when she presides over the 14 member Judicial College committee responsible for continuing eduction of the state’s circuit clerks. Circuit Judge Mark L. Levitt of Lake County is Braden’s vice-chair.
“I am thankful for the confidence and support from my colleagues in receiving the appointment,” Braden said, noting she had served with many on the committee during her past involvement in the Clerk’s Association.
“We have a good education infrastructure in place,” Braden said. “I look forward to working with everyone on the committee.” Read More
Photo furnished
OVES Tours Ag Plots
Okaw Valley High School FFA gave tours of their agriculture plots Wednesday to OVES students and staff. The high school students planted corn in the afternoon with help from Monsanto and Sloans [John Deere]. OV students will spend the summer tending to their four bee hives and keeping the area mowed while monitoring the growth of their crops.
Valedictorian Maxwell Todd
•May 24, 2017•
Sullivan high school graduated 67 seniors during an outdoor ceremony held under cloudy skies at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, May 21.
Principal Erik Young presented the class of 2017 to board president Jeff White. Senior class president Morgan Miller opening the program reflecting on her high school experiences.
Maxwell Todd is valedictorian and Grace Mauck class salutatorian.
Maxwell noted in his address that goals are something for which to strive, but graduates have to be realistic.
“It is important to be a realist,” Maxwell said. “Know what you are good at and go from there.”
He went on to reflect on the closeness of growing up in a small town, “Where you know when the sun goes down, there will be fishing in the dark. Read More