News – Page 333 – News Progress

Sullivan Discontinues Recycling Program

Posted on October 7, 2015 by webmasterOctober 7, 2015

•October 7, 2015•

By Ariana Cherry
Reporting from Sullivan

The recycling program was the topic of discussion at the past Sullivan City Council meeting.

With increasing costs, it was making it harder for the council to decide whether or not to keep the program.The council is paying $16,848 per year for two containers that are getting delivered twice a month. Also, once those containers are full, there are times items are left on the ground, creating extra clean-up.

Another question arose whether it is worth the cost to invest in a third container, which would be a total of $25,920 per year. Commissioner Bill Hagen commented, saying that it was necessary for a third container since trash is getting thrown on the ground.

There was speculation that not just Sullivan residents are adding items to the recycling bins. Since other communities have discontinued their recycling program, residents are bringing their items to Sullivan. With increasing costs and the possibility of more tax dollars having to pay more for the program, the council voted to discontinue the recycling program.

“It is something that we can’t really afford anymore,” Hagen noted. The last days for the program will be November 13-15.

In other matters, the council heard or acted further: Read More

Adult Scavenger Hunt This Week

Posted on October 7, 2015 by webmasterOctober 7, 2015

•October 7, 2015•

Sullivan’s Adult Scavenger Hunt is Oct. 10 with headquarters set up in Wyman Park.

Jeri Davis explained that the adult hunt is held on homecoming weekend, and the group will be part of the parade.

Because some of the prizes contain alcohol, adults only may participate, she explained. Some 40 prizes valued at more than $50 each will be awarded. First clue will be posted at 9 a.m.; second clue at noon, and the third and final clue is 1:30 p.m. Read More

Annual Senior Expo 2015

Posted on October 7, 2015 by webmasterOctober 7, 2015

Photo Submitted
Annual Senior Expo
Mid-Illinois Senior Services held the annual Senior Expo and Health Fair at the Sullivan American Legion hall Sept 29. Mid-IL Senior Services Executive Director Deb Groendal welcomed the crowd of 175 local senior citizens to the morning event. She explained that the Expo is in its 11th year and that 31 vendors were on hand to offer free screenings and information on a variety of health and financial services available in the Sullivan area. Free breakfast sponsored by legislators Chapin Rose and Adam Brown was served to the crowd who enjoyed bingo sponsored by First Mid-Illinois Bank at the end of the event. Above Joyce Jenkins from Sullivan, who attended with husband Walt, gets a free blood pressure check from Kari Moody, RN from Sullivan Rehabilitation and Health Care Center.

OV Holds September 2015-2016 Budget Vote

Posted on September 30, 2015 by webmasterSeptember 30, 2015

•September 30, 2015•

By Derek Pope
Reporting from Bethany

During their September regular meeting, Okaw Valley’s board of education will vote on whether or not to confirm their 2015-2016 school year fiscal budget. Prior to the meeting, the board held a public hearing to notify the public and field discussion of the budget in its entirety, as well as matters related to the increase or decrease in its ending balance.

Previously the News Progress reported that Okaw Valley’s “final estimated ending budget” for the 2014-2015 would end with a roughly $145,000 deficit—this turned out to not be true. In fact, the district’s final budget ended up in the positive as of its closing date on June 30. Its four major operating funds totaled roughly $4,896,000 versus the approximately $4,528,000 it started with, entailing an actual surplus of almost $380,000. Okaw Valley’s previous tentative budget did not include revenue accrued as of June 30 for operating funds budgeted for but not used during the 2014-2015 school year. The entirety of the budget voted on this month will “not be the same” as the district’s ending budget though according to Okaw Valley superintendent Kent Stauder, “due to the rising cost of salary, insurance, and capital projects.” Following the board of education’s vote, the complete 2015-2016 budget will be made available to the public and posted on the district’s website. Read More

City of Sullivan Treasurer Salmon Steps Down

Posted on September 30, 2015 by webmasterSeptember 30, 2015

•September 30, 2015•

By Ariana Cherry
Reporting from Sullivan

Sullivan city treasurer, Myron Salmon, announced his resignation at the Sept. 14 city council meeting “He made a good situation in what we do here,” commented Mike Mossman. “We wish him luck in his new endeavor,” he added. September 29 will be Salmon’s last day.

“I can’t say that I am happy, but I understand his position,” stated Mayor Ann Short.

“We appreciate everything he has done,” said Mossman. The council will begin looking for someone else to fill his position.

In other matters, the council heard or acted upon further:

-Commissioner Bill Hagen was absent. Discussion regarding the recycling program will be held at the next meeting as well as updates on the water and sewer plant projects and the 403 N Graham demolition. Read More

Celebrating 150 Years

Posted on September 30, 2015 by webmasterSeptember 30, 2015

Photo by RR Best
Celebrating 150 Years
First Mid-Illinois Bank and Trust in Sullivan celebrated 150 years with a customer appreciation cookout Friday, September 25 from 11a.m. - 1 p.m. Above: caterer and cook Terry Warren flips pork burgers which were served bank customers free along with chips, cookies and drinks.

See You At the Pole

Posted on September 30, 2015 by webmasterSeptember 30, 2015

Photo by Mike Brothers
See You At the Pole
Pictured above senior Blake Stewart reads scripture prior to the group prayer. Sullivan school students, staff and community members gathered around the flag pole at Sullivan Middle School for the annual “See You At the Pole” prayer at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept 23. The event was coordinated by parent Amy Diener. Senior Adam White gave some background on the event. Scripture and prayers were given for the faculty, administration and students.

Tending the Butterflies in Lovington

Posted on September 30, 2015 by webmasterSeptember 30, 2015

Photo by Darian Hays
Butterflies are illusive creatures but Francis Seelow of Lovington has found a way to attract them to his garden.

Harvest time

•September 30, 2015•

By Nick Fiala
Reporting from Lovington

To everything there is a season...A time to plant, and a time to harvest - Ecclesiastes 3:1-2

A sunny sky looks down on a yard full of beautiful plant life, a kind of raw oasis in the middle of endless squares of concrete road running through the town of Lovington.

Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, all fly around in a symphony of colorful motion and calming ambience. The habits of each of these creatures are well known to the man who runs the garden they enjoy so.

“They go clear down to South America in the winter.” the man says, pointing at the hummingbirds. “You know, That’s a long ways.”

Hard work over a long distance is something this man, Francis Seelow, knows well. His talent for prolific gardening has earned the attention and gratitude of his friends and neighbors.

Seelow’s talents were honed over a lifetime spent farming endless acres in local counties. His first teacher was his father, who farmed provincially for a living, himself the son of a hard-working immigrant.

“Dad farmed all his life. My grandfather came over here from Germany after World War 1. He was a blacksmith and railroad worker.” Read More

Morale Matters for Sullivan Schools’ Faculty

Posted on September 30, 2015 by webmasterSeptember 30, 2015

Photo by Mike Brothers
This inspirational stone was selected by Don Lockwood to help connect Sullivan teachers during the course of the school year. Lockwood chose “Inspire” for the rock he keeps on his classroom desk. Each teacher was given a stone and asked to write one word that represents a school year goal as part of the “ Morale Matters” program which started districtwide at the beginning of the school year.

Teachers Learn to Rock

•September 30, 2015•

By Mike Brothers

In a world of cut school budgets, unpredictable evaluations and a questionable pension plan it isn’t easy being a school teacher these days.

Sullivan Unit 300 administration and teachers are trying a proactive approach at improving morale.

Morale Matters was implemented by the Sullivan Education Association at the beginning of the school year.

“So many of the causes for lack of morale are simply out of our control,” SEA president Don Lockwood said of education. Teachers don’t control the state budget; they cannot control the changing times of how students are evaluated and they have no control over the mismanagement of their pensions by state government.

“It’s an excellent concept,” superintendent Brad Tuttle said of the Morale Matters program.

He explained the uncertainty teachers face these days has led to fewer people choosing education and even fewer wanting to get into public school administration.

“This is the third year the state has cut our budget by a quarter million dollars,” he continued, noting there is a negativity surrounding public education. “Schools aren’t getting the funding the way they were five years ago, yet the costs of operations continue to rise, and it forces cutbacks,” he continued

All things that contribute to lowering the morale in the schools. Read More

Remember When? 9-30-2015

Posted on September 30, 2015 by webmasterSeptember 30, 2015

Compiled by Bekki Ferguson-Stevens

25 Years Ago This Week

Sullivan High School will crown a new queen this Friday during homecoming festivities. Senior candidates are Stacey Anderson, Laura Pound, Angie Johnson and Misha Coy. Princess attendants Mandy Collins, Jennifer Daily and Nicki Wood will also take part in homecoming festivities all week at Sullivan High School.

Bryan Yoder of rural Lovington recently took home seven prizes for his corn exhibits at the Illinois State Fair. He dedicated his prizes to Howard Phillips of Arthur, superintendent of the Moultrie-Douglas Fair for many years.

Sandi Cameron was recently elected president of the United Way Board of Moultrie County for 1990-91. Also elected were Terry Shaw, vice president; Sheila Muzzy, secretary; Margaret Ann Smith, treasurer; and Darrell Davis, campaign chairman.

Bethany’s Ben Osman was just a few yards from catching a pass from Burl Coclasure during the Mustangs 14-2 victory Friday night over Maroa-Forsyth.

After 27 years as chief cook, bottle washer and owner of Wilson’s Cafe in Dalton City, Dorothy Wilson recently hung up her apron and leased the family style restaurant to a young Dalton City woman. Michele Phelps, 22, who previously worked at the restaurant as a teenager before she launched her own career in the food industry, leased the business Sept. 1 and has renamed it Michele’s Cafe.

Two more military service personnel with local ties are reported to be serving in the Middle East as part of Operation Desert Shield. Army Pvt. 1st Class Robert S. Hale, son of Robert Hale and Carol Hale Bolin of Sullivan, was recently dispatched to Saudi Arabia. He is a 1989 graduate of Sullivan High School. Linda Hall of Harrisburg, Pa., a member of the Pennsylvania National Guard and the daughter of Warren and Dorothy Hall of rural Sullivan, left last week for Saudi Arabia. She is a 1966 graduate of Sullivan High School. Read More