News Progress

“Things look good for now...”

•October 26, 2016•

By Ariana Cherry
for the News Progress

The 2016 budget was presented and audited by McGuire, Yuhas and Buckley P.C. at the most recent Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond School Board meeting. They noted that the budget is looking better than it did a year ago.

Revenues exceeded expenditures, and none of the fund balances had deficits. Some of the recommendations that were made included trying to increase internal controls. The activity fund needs more than one signature when people are counting cash. Invoices or receipts also need to be turned in when using debit/credit cards. If there are any budgets where the district could go over, then they should be amended accordingly. Superintendent Ken Schwengel noted that current funds stood at $7,796,238.37, and all funds are in the black; although there have been no state payments received for transportation or special education funds. “Things look good now, but we have to be concerned as we move forward,” said Schwengel.

Other matters that were discussed or voted upon: Read More

Photo furnished
Young Chili Cookers
Not to be outdone by the adult chili cook off participants two Sullivan students decided to compete. Above Addison Minor (front) and Taylar Mercer combined hamburger, tomato sauces and juice, salsa and a variety of seasonings in the blend that would make any first year chef proud. Mercer’s father Jerod and mother Nichole (background) assisted in the cooking set up, but the girls developed the recipe and prepared all ingredients.

•October 19, 2016•

Sullivan’s 13th Annual Oktoberfest enjoyed good weather and appreciative crowds during the October 14 and 15 celebration on the courthouse square.

A weekend filled with activities for young and old alike went off without a hitch. Sullivan Chief of Police John Love noted, “Everyone was there to have a good time, and the well-organized events helped make the whole weekend go smoothly.”

From children and family activities during the day to Feudin Hillbillies and Brushville music in the beer tent Friday and Saturday nights, it was a weekend offering something for everyone.

Included was the annual chili cook off which enjoyed enthusiastic crowd tasting and voter participation from four in the afternoon until the 7 p.m. tally time.

This year’s judges’ choice: Racy Hot Pot; First Runner up: Moultrie County Counseling; Second Runner up: AmBucs

Best Chili Cook-off Booth prize also went to the Racy Hot Pot chili cooking team.

Artoberfest winners were first place photography: Greg Brandt--”Guitar Guy”; first place 2D: Amanda White’s oil painting on canvas, “Lucy”; first place 3D: Joanna Drost’s ceramic sculpture, “Wine Spirt: The Ground Is Warm”. Read More

Photo by Emily Stutzman
Sullivan Rotary President Dave Cole (from right) Dist. Governor Kevin Younce and Mary Hodson, Assistant District governor at Oct. 4 meeting.

•October 19, 2016•

By Emily Stutzman
for the News Progress

The Sullivan Rotary Club met October 4 for their weekly meeting at the local TnT. Over salads and fried chicken, cobbler, and ice-cream, they chatted about local happenings and discussed their plans for the next week. Among the topics were Oktoberfest, the Zombie 5k Run (Susan Rauch laughingly assured us, “They’re not real zombies, don’t worry”), and the chili contest.

After lunch, new assistant governor Mary Hodson introduced herself saying, “My real job is to introduce Kevin Yonce, your district governor, but anyone who knows me, knows I talk a lot, so I’m going to introduce myself as well. Since I’m from Champaign-Urbana, I’m totally new to your club so I’m really eager to get to know you.”

She went on to speak about her experience as the district awards chair, a position she had held for the last 12 years at Rotary district conferences. Hodson also encouraged Sullivan Rotary members to attend district conferences, saying that it is “a good way to meet other Rotarians and share ideas”.

She explained that since Rotary is an international organization with the goals of community service, international service, and peace and friendship, it would be a good idea for the Sullivan club to become involved in an international project.  Read More