Nostalgia aside, proposed Illinois legislation takes aim at school’s mascot; Part III

News Progress Posted on by

•April 3, 2024•

In a continuation of the discussion surrounding HB 5617, we take a look this week at the history of the name Sullivan uses for its identification: Redskins. Rep. Maurice West’s (D-Rockford) HB 5617 says “that a school board shall prohibit a school from using a native name, logo, or mascot that names, refers to, represents, or is associated with Native Americans, including aspects of Native American cultures and specific Native American tribes.” 

Ask almost anyone in Sullivan how long the school has been the Redskins and the most common answer will be, “We’ve been the Redskins forever.” While it has been a long time, it hasn’t quite been forever. Read More

Moultrie County officially designated as dementia friendly

News Progress Posted on by

•April 3, 2024•

The Dementia Friendly Network of America has officially designated Moultrie County as Dementia Friendly Moultrie County. The county has achieved this milestone following extensive planning and collaboration among local leaders and partners since early 2023.

In honor of this achievement, Dementia Friendly Moultrie County will host an Open House on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, starting at 2:30 p.m. The event is at the Elizabeth Titus Memorial Library at 2 W. Water St., Sullivan, IL. Read More

Spring weather preparedness

News Progress Posted on by

•April 3, 2024•

By Angela Hogan

Experiencing the return of warm weather and all that it brings is always refreshing. However, being prepared for this weather transition is essential to stay safe from weather-related hazards. 

Due to its location in the Midwest, Illinois is no stranger to dramatic weather shifts, especially during the spring months. The state experiences various weather phenomena, including thunderstorms, tornadoes, flooding, and even occasional snow and ice storms. Subsequently, the transition from winter to spring can be turbulent, with rapid changes in temperature and atmospheric conditions.

Sudden storms and severe weather events can pose significant safety risks to individuals and communities. Being prepared allows residents to respond quickly and appropriately to emerging weather threats. Preparedness reduces the risk of injury and property damage. Read More

Shed Fire

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Photo by R.R. Best
Shed Fire
A small brush fire was suspected of catching the wooden shingles of a nearby storage shed on fire at the former Masonic Home last Friday. When the Sullivan Fire Department arrived on scene, the deck gun knocked down most of the roof, saving the structure from being a total loss. Bethany was called in for mutual aid. Pictured is Bethany Fire Chief Mike Jennings.

2024 Fish Habitat Day

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Photo furnished
2024 Fish Habitat Day
Many individual volunteers and several volunteer groups showed up Saturday, March 23 and made quick work of the donated Christmas trees, placing them in Lake Shelbyville to continue efforts of Fish Habitat Improvement. The trees were tied together in bundles and then dropped into the lake along with cubes and stumps that were built during recent Fish Habitat Build Events.

Nostalgia Aside, Proposed Illinois Legislation Takes Aim at School’s Mascot; Part II

News Progress Posted on by

•March 27, 2024•

by E. Scott England

In last week’s News Progress, HB 5617 was discussed. This bill, introduced by House Representative Maurice West, II, says “that a school board shall prohibit a school from using a native name, logo, or mascot that names, refers to, represents, or is associated with Native Americans, including aspects of Native American cultures and specific Native American tribes.” It does go on to say that “a school may continue to use uniforms or other materials bearing a native name, logo, or mascot that were purchased on or before the effective date of the Act until September 1, 2027. Read More

The Growing Problem of Loneliness

News Progress Posted on by

•March 27, 2024•

The personal, social, and health implications for individuals and communities

By Angela Hogan

According to the 2023 Surgeon General’s Advisory, around 20% of adults in the United States reported feeling lonely or socially isolated.

Loneliness and isolation are separate but related concepts. Isolation is a lack of social connections, while loneliness is the emotional experience of feeling alone, even when surrounded by others.

Overall, older adults, people with disabilities, and geographically isolated people are particularly vulnerable to loneliness. Social and economic factors such as poverty, unemployment, and discrimination also increase the risk of loneliness and isolation. Read More

City Council Makes Appointments, Receives Planning Report

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•March 27, 2024•

By Sharon Barricklow

The Sullivan City Council made several personnel changes and appointments and received what was called a “roadmap to future development” at their regular council meeting Thursday night.

The council took action to appoint deputy treasurer Nakayla Swisher as Interim Treasurer following the resignation of treasurer Jill Bushue. Mayor Mike Mossman said Swisher, City Clerk Carrie Creek and he would all be available to sign checks for the city. The council also gave Street Department employee Ryan Nuding permission to enter into contracts and joint participation agreements between Sullivan and the State of Illinois. Commissioner Douglas Shook said the authorization would help with purchasing items through the state in addition to executing plans between agencies.  Read More

Easter Donation

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Easter Donation
The Kirby Foods meat department delivered hams to the Moultrie County Food Pantry on Monday thanks to generous anonymous donation. The hams will provide for a nice Easter dinner. Pictured are meat department members Blake Eller and Cameron Eccles.

Bushue Recognized as a 2024 State FFA Proficiency Winner

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•March 27, 2024•

by E. Scott England

Kate Bushue was selected as the State FFA Proficiency Winner in Food Service Entrepreneurship. She was previously chosen as the Chapter, Section, and District awardee of this area.

Illinois FFA recognizes students in forty-eight different areas based on their work-based learning, also known as Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs). FFA members who demonstrate outstanding agricultural skills and competencies through record keeping, leadership, and scholastic achievement may be considered for this award.  Read More