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March 17, 2026 Election Results

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‘Fairly Solid Budget’ presented for upcoming year

News Progress Posted on July 10, 2024 by webmasterJuly 10, 2024

•July 10, 2024•

by E. Scott England 

The Sullivan CUSD #300 school board held their first meeting of the 2024-2025 school year. Only five of the seven members were in attendance. Justin Florey and Erik Stollard were the two absent board members. Those present managed to navigate the meeting in sixteen minutes due to little to no discussion on all agenda items. Zachary Horn was the only member to engage in some discussion outside of President Jeff White and Secretary Tyson Grooms performing their officer duties.

The meeting started off with the consent agenda. These are items that routinely make an appearance on agenda either monthly, annually, or somewhere in between. The idea of a consent agenda is to expedite meetings. Any item in the consent agenda can be pulled for further discussion by the board. This is typically done when reviewing bills or other items needing further clarification. This school board once again opted for no discussion on any of the items. Read More

Posted in Top Stories

Arthur’s Freedom Celebration: A day of rain, sunshine, and spectacular fireworks

News Progress Posted on July 3, 2024 by webmasterJuly 3, 2024

•July 3, 2024•

by Ariana R Cherry 

On June 29th, Arthur’s Freedom Celebration began on a gloomy note with some intermittent showers. Despite the rain and gloomy forecast, out of town visitors streamed into the charming town, eager to witness the evening’s spectacular show. 

However, a light storm moved in bringing heavier rain, and casting a momentary shadow over the upcoming festivities. But with some answered prayers, the rain subsided by about 1:30 pm, making way for sunshine and humidity to settle in. Despite the heavy humidity, the parade marched on as scheduled showcasing the majestic horses trotting gracefully, followed by veterans, boy scouts, local organizations, young baton dancers, fire trucks and even appearances by Santa Claus and Uncle Sam himself. 

As the parade concluded, Jurgens Park and the surrounding countryside of Arthur filled with people claiming their seats, ready to be captivated by the magnificent firework show - complete with its own soundtrack. The Arthur fireworks proved to be another wonderful success, leaving attendees eagerly anticipating the next Freedom Celebration.

Posted in News

FY2024 amended budget approved

News Progress Posted on July 3, 2024 by webmasterJuly 3, 2024

•July 3, 2024•

by Ariana R Cherry 

Members of the Board of Education held a hearing for the Amended Budget for Fiscal Year 2024. Superintendent Shannon Cheek stated that since 2021 with a reduction in staff, the district has saved a total of $600,000. 

At last month’s meeting, the figures for the FY 2024 Amended Budget were shared. Education Fund: $5,216,690, Operation and Maintenance: $1,669,812, Transportation Fund: $347,349 and Working Cash: $900,798. The projected fund balances for June 30, 2024 were: Education Fund: $6,109,964, Operations and Maintenance: $1,818,594, Transportation Fund: $177,412 and Working Cash: Read More

Posted in News

Kirk named a Teacher of Excellence

News Progress Posted on July 3, 2024 by webmasterJuly 3, 2024

•July 3, 2024•

Lori Kirk, a Sullivan High School and Sullivan Middle School teacher, recently was named a Teacher of Excellence for the Regional Office of Education #11.

“It’s truly humbling to be recognized in this way. I am grateful to be part of the Sullivan Tribe with colleagues and administration that think of students first. I am blessed to be recognized with this incredible honor,” stated Kirk.

She added that “My classroom team consists of two very dedicated paraprofessionals and a group of amazing students. This award motivates me to continue striving for excellence in education.” Read More

Posted in News

Athletic trainer services drastically reduced for upcoming year at SHS

News Progress Posted on July 3, 2024 by webmasterJuly 3, 2024

•July 3, 2024•

by E. Scott England

The Sullivan CUSD #300 school board held a special meeting last Thursday to close out fiscal year 24. All seven members attended the fifteen minute meeting where they breezed through six action items with little to no discussion.

One of the main purposes of this special meeting is to approve the amended budget. This is a common practice in school districts as it is typically necessary to make adjustments to a budget that was approved ten months prior. Superintendent Walk reported that the budget this year is balanced and overall was very positive. He did caution the board that in the coming years they would most likely be presented with a deficit budget in order to spend down certain accounts. Read More

Posted in Top Stories

Knee high by the 4th of July 2024

News Progress Posted on July 3, 2024 by webmasterJuly 3, 2024

Photo by R.R. Best
Knee high by the 4th of July
Seen here in a cornfield belonging to Phil and Laura Martin of rural Sullivan is Anna Selby, Avvi Whitten, and Presley Van Loon showing that the corn is above knee high. There are fields in the county that are only a foot high as well as fields that are 8 foot high and starting to tassel.

Posted in Standalone Photo

Bake sale encourages peace with worldwide sweets

News Progress Posted on June 26, 2024 by webmasterJune 26, 2024

•June 26, 2024•

Submitted by Rebecca Lawson

Advisor of the East Central Illinois Red Cross Club

When people are hurting and going through tough times, other people often bring them food to show that they care and to bring comfort. Since the Red Cross helps people in tough times, our club thought that we could do something to help people around the world that would involve selling something most people really like - food,” said Rebecca Lawson, advisor of the East Central Illinois Red Cross Club.

“The kids took it from there,” she added.

Originally the club thought about having a dinner with a bake sale and presentations, displays, games, music, dancing, and language lessons about different countries at an event on World Peace Day in September. However, that seemed like a lot to do in the very short time between the start of school and the special day. Read More

Posted in News

Power plant renovations planned

News Progress Posted on June 26, 2024 by webmasterJune 26, 2024

•June 26, 2024•

by Sharon Barricklow

The Sullivan City Council moved forward last week with plans to renovate equipment at the City Electrical Plant. 

“We need to get on the stick here to get this done,” Commissioner Mike Kirk said. 

At issue is a Colt-Pielstick engine necessary for the operation of the electric plant. The engine, originally put in service in 1973, was last overhauled in 1989. With only one company in the country, Fairbanks-Morse, doing the work, the council agreed to waive the bidding process and accept the estimate of just over $500,000 to do a complete engine overhaul. 

Kirk said the engine will be off line for six to eight weeks during the process and that Fairbanks-Morse is estimating a 12 to 18 month time frame before they can begin work.  Read More

Posted in Top Stories

Road construction causes confusion among many drivers

News Progress Posted on June 26, 2024 by webmasterJune 26, 2024

•June 26, 2024•

by Megan Russell 

Summer in the midwest is unlike any other, hot long days with humidity so bad you almost need a pool or splash pad locally to stay cool. One thing that many start to see pop up in the summer in the midwest is city renewal or construction projects. On a recent trip of mine, I got slightly lost in the Indianapolis downtown area. After missing an exit and taking two wrong exits, me and a friend ended up in a student driver’s nightmare, all but one lane of traffic closed for construction. Read More

Posted in News

Sullivan High School construction update

News Progress Posted on June 26, 2024 by webmasterJune 26, 2024

•June 26, 2024•

Submitted by Ted Walk

If you have driven down Main Street over the past few months, the vertical construction of the new Sullivan High School probably has you thinking about the educational opportunities that await our students. Construction at Sullivan High School continues to progress on-schedule and on-budget.

As of June, several key milestones have been achieved. The foundation has been laid, and the initial structure is taking shape. First floor classroom interior framing and rough in has started, and masons are currently working on gymnasium shell enclosure and locker rooms spaces. This gym will support both physical education classes and the school’s athletic programs. It will include a second floor walking track, as well as a weight room that will double as a storm shelter in the event of severe weather. Read More

Posted in News

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OVHS 2026 Prom Court



News Progress


Front row: (L to R) Katelin Livingston, Reese Bruns, Aubree McBride, and Ava Harshman. Back Row: (L to R) Brady McQuilling, Ames Drollinger, Tucker Montgomery, and Wyatt Hildebrandt. This year’s Prom will be held on April 25th, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Mt. Zion Convention Center.


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