Photo furnished
SHS Student Council
The Sullivan High School Student Council recently held elections for the 2017-2018 school year. Officers for the next school year are President Trevor Elder, Vice President Cullen Dyer, Secretary Abby Cravatta, Treasurer Katie Webb, Sergeant of Arms Ally Elzy, and Reporter Josie Orris.
Photo furnished
Township Service Honored
Sullivan Township honored retired road commissioner Elmo Weaver and trustee Tony Sager for their years of service. Weaver served as road commissioner for 32 years and Sager 28 years as trustee. Weaver has two children as well as grandchildren. Sager has three children and continues to operate Sager Farms in Sullivan.
Photo furnished
Pollinators Planted
OV students planted pollinators that were donated by Brandon Beltz representing Pheasants Forever. The pollinator plots will help promote growth in the honey bee population and a variety of birds and insects. OV students will monitor growth and production of the plots by data collection and observation. Pictured above from left: Cory Donnell - Corps Engineer Employee, Connor Sheehan - OV Ag Student and Brandon Beltz - Pheasants Forever.
For Community Input
•May 17, 2017•
Sullivan Chamber and Economic Development is ready to help accelerate area growth by becoming an information hub for the community.
“We have always tried to gather information about what is going on, utilizing social media, the web page and print media to get the word out,” Executive Director Laurrie Minor explained.
In an effort to best utilize the resources of the Sullivan area and its potential for increasing tourism income, SCED is reaching out for ideas from the community including civic organizations, ministerial alliances and individuals who have information to share about themselves and ideas on how the community can grow. Read More
•May 17, 2017•
Moultrie County board members approved $25,000 to have a new Comprehensive Plan prepared by Coles County Regional Planning and Development Commission during the May 11 meeting.
County board chair Dave McCabe reported that he felt a new plan could be a useful tool to help promote economic growth for the county.
Planning commission executive director Kelly Lockhart explained that the Moultrie County plan would include an overview of the county and incorporated areas including economic factors, land use, housing and zoning information.
He went on to point out the planning commission had completed the Coles County Comprehensive Plan earlier which will be used as Moultrie County’s model. Lockhart explained the process would include information collected with advice and consent of a 12-18 member committee. Read More
Photo by Mike Brothers
Last week 36 Lunch Buddies from Okaw Valley elementary school in Bethany and the middle school in Findlay gathered at OVES to celebrate the year of companionships developed during lunchtime mentoring. Students presented their Lunch Buddies certificates following the celebration.
•May 17, 2017•
By Mike Brothers
Okaw Valley District schools realize it takes a village to raise a child, and the villages served get it.
Last week 36 Lunch Buddies gathered at the elementary school in Bethany honoring the adult and student mentors for these young students.
“At Okaw Valley we are a family” Lunch Buddy and Supt. Kent Stauder said. “We strive to help our students succeed in and out of the classroom.”
“What I have discovered is that we get as much from the time with our lunch buddies as we give,” he continued.
How the district got people outside the classroom involved began five years ago with an idea developed by two district staff members and a community member.
Middle and elementary school counselor Paula Coffer explained she, high school counselor Jena Atchison, and parent Vanessa Patient were brainstorming ways to collaborate with the community to help the kids. Read More
Interested Party Registry Opens
•May 17, 2017•
By Ariana Cherry
for the News Progress
The Sullivan TIF IV proposal went through a public hearing February 14 for people to ask questions.
There is an “Interested Parties Registry,” to receiving mailings, updates or hearing notices as the process moves forward. Presently, no one has signed up to be on that registry.
Some questions asked at the first public meeting and those who had residences near the proposed district automatically received mailings.
One common question that many residents in Sullivan have asked is whether a new TIF District will raise property taxes.
“Nobody’s taxes are increased by the adoption of TIF,” city administrator Dan Flannell said. Read More
Photo by Mike Brothers
Farris Signs with Millikin
Sullivan senior Bryce Farris signed a letter of intent to play football with the Big Blue at Millikin University while family and friends witnessed in the Sullivan High School gym May 11. Sullivan athletic director Ryan Aikman pointed out Farris’s 38 receptions for 855 yards placed him on the All Central and All Conference first team as wide receiver. In basketball he made All Central and All Conference averaging 12.8 points a game and in baseball his .286 batting average with 11 RBIs illustrates Farris’ total athletic and academic commitment.
Photo by Ellen Ferrera
Jo Goes
For 32 years Jo DeVore has been delivering meals with a smile to hungry people. On Saturday, May 13 Jo served her last meal at TnT Pizzeria in Sullivan as she had served so many in that same building when it was The Spot.
photo furnished
Heartland Honor
Cody Carlson, OVHS senior is pictured with Aidan Tierney, Heartland Tech Academy Welding Instructor. Carlson was honored at the Heartland Tech Academy Banquet Thursday, May 4 . He was recognized for his outstanding performance in the Heartland Tech Academy Welding Program. Carlson is a second year welding student and senior at Okaw Valley High School.