News – Page 371 – News Progress

Attempted Murder Suspect Leads Police on High Speed Chase

Posted on June 25, 2014 by webmasterJune 26, 2014

Franklin Lee Small Jr.

Updated June 25, 2014

Pursuit goes through Sullivan, Windsor, before ending in Effingham County

A man wanted for attempted murder in Macon County led local authorities on a 30 minute car chase last Tuesday afternoon before being apprehended in Effingham County.

According to Lovington police chief Christian Swisher, at approximately 4:54 p.m. Tuesday a Lovington officer was dispatched to the Casey’s General Store for an irate male subject. Officer Jay Clark responded to the Lovington Casey’s and spoke with the complainant about the male subject, later identified as Franklin Lee Small Jr., 33, who is wanted for attempted murder in Macon County. Read More

Agri-Fab®, Inc. Launches New Split Second Kinetic Log Splitter With Industry First Features

Posted on June 25, 2014 by webmasterJune 25, 2014

Submitted
Pictured is Agri-Fab®’s new Split Second Kinetic Log Splitter in action.

June 25, 2014

When it comes to splitting wood for home use or firewood sales, having the right equipment for the job can alleviate backbreaking work and a time consuming task. Yet, finding a log splitter that stands up to the tough logs and makes the job not only easy, but also comfortable was hard to find. Until now.

On June 25, Agri-Fab®, Incorporated launched the new Split Second Log Splitter to help “take the time and back bending pain out of splitting wood.” Engineered using kinetic technology, the Split Second log splitter uses rotating twin 90 pound fly wheels along with a high strength heat treated steel rack and pinion gear to generate the splitting force, which allows it to split a whole cord of wood in just one hour. Read More

OV Bass Fishing Awards

Posted on June 25, 2014 by webmasterJune 25, 2014

Photo by Keith Stewart
OV Bass Fishing Awards
The Okaw Valley Bass Fishing Team held their award’s banquet May 28, awarding Tyus Brooks (left) big bass of the year and MVP, while Corey Clark (right) received highest finish. Not pictured is Derek Herzog who received most improved.

With Big Act and Entertainment Tent, Celebration Enjoyed by Many

Posted on June 25, 2014 by webmasterJune 26, 2014

Photo by Stan Smart
Members of Sullivan based band “Them Gringos” Lauren Harris (left), Steffen Shook (middle), and Jerry Snyder (right) perform Saturday evening at the Bethany Celebration.

June 25, 2014

New additions, important aspect

by Keith Stewart
keith@newsprogress.com

From the SOV fundraiser dinner Friday to the firework display Saturday evening, the day-and-a-half long Bethany Celebration was once again a success according to organizers.

“We feel it went over really, really well this year,” said Heidi Ward, the Bethany Celebration chairperson. “We have heard nothing but great feedback from everyone that attended so far. There were people in the park constantly enjoying activities, whereas in the past few years, attendance seemed to die down somewhat during the Saturday afternoon hours.”

But with this year featuring an entertainment tent from which patrons could enjoy an adult beverage as well as a larger musical act in Gracia Harrison not to mention local talent in Slant Six and Them Gringos, the Bethany Celebration enjoyed rave reviews following its conclusion Saturday night. Read More

SOV Boys’ Track Awards

Posted on June 25, 2014 by webmasterJune 25, 2014

Photo by Keith Stewart
SOV Boys’ Track Awards
The Sullivan-Okaw Valley boys’ track team held their awards’ banquet on May 28. Pictured, left to right, are: Alex Harvey, co-captain; Ethan Hill, co-captain; Zane Uphoff, varsity points leader; Adam Davis, co-captain; Ethan Lehman, co-captain; and Reagan Miller, co-captain, most improved. Not pictured is Lucas Morse, co-captain, Redskin award.

OV Softball Awards

Posted on June 25, 2014 by webmasterJune 25, 2014

Photo by Keith Stewart
OV Softball Awards
The Okaw Valley softball team held their awards’ banquet May 28. Pictured is Amy Orris who received oustanding defensive player, MVP, and second-team all-conference catcher. Not pictured is Shania Whitrock, most improved and hustle award; Jessica Robinson, oustanding offensive player.

Mediacom to Upgrade Cable Network in Eastern Illinois

Posted on June 25, 2014 by webmasterJune 25, 2014

Photo by Keith Stewart
Pictured is the digital adapter Mediacom customers will need come mid-July when the company goes to eliminate analog reception for channels 23-78.

June 25, 2014

Analog phase-out makes way for more HDTV

Mediacom Communications announced recently it is upgrading network technology to provide area customers with a major expansion of its high-definition (HD) lineup, while also eliminating analog reception for Family Cable video channels.

Mediacom’s upgrade will affect the Family Cable channel series local subscribers find on their lineup between 23 and 78. Those channels will transition to a digital-only frequency in July and continued reception will require the use of either a digital converter or a digital adapter. Current customers may receive up to three digital adapters at no cost through July 31, 2015. Read More

State’s Attorney Receives Grant to Aid Violent Crime Victims

Posted on June 18, 2014 by webmasterJune 18, 2014

Will help victims find resources often needed but unable to find

by Keith Stewart
keith@newsprogress.com

Moultrie County State’s Attorney Jeremy Richey announced at Thursday’s county board meeting that his office has been named the recipient of a Violent Crime Victims Assistance (VCVA) grant in the amount of $11,000.

“About six months or so ago I applied for this grant. The purpose of this is to get a victim witness coordinator, someone who will be a contact person when you have a victim of a violent crime or even a property crime. They can contact our office to know what the status of the case is, they’ll send letters out to the victims to keep them informed on the case,” said Richey. “[It can] provide them with resources, [like] victim compensation or referrals to different counselor organizations–all the sort of things victims may need but may not necessarily know how to get.” Read More

Lovington Says “No” To Sunday Liquor Sales

Posted on June 18, 2014 by webmasterJune 18, 2014

Ministers speak out against proposition

by Joash Tiarks
Reporting in Lovington

It could have been contentious, but in an anti-climactic, routine village board meeting last week Lovington trustees voted five to one against allowing the sale of package alcohol on Sundays within the village.

The topic originally came up for discussion at the May meeting but several trustees were uncomfortable putting it to a final vote because it was thought the matter had to be posted for public consideration. And given the extra time, the public did in fact weigh in on the matter. Read More

Lighting the Luminaria

Posted on June 18, 2014 by webmasterJune 18, 2014

Photo by RR Best
Lighting the Luminaria
Hannah Schlieker lights luminaria before the ceremony at Friday evening’s Moultrie County Relay for Life at Sullivan High School. According to the American Cancer Society Relay for Life Specialist Alicia Pettyjohn, 25 teams participated in this year’s Relay, raising $62,000, and the opening lap saw 30 survivors walk. Plans for the 2015 Relay for Life will begin forming soon. If interested in helping plan next year’s Relay, call Pettyjohn at 217-356-4861 or visit relayforlife.org/moultrieil