Okaw Valley Holds Graduation Ceremony for Class of 2022

News Progress Posted on by

Photo by Crystal Reed
Co valedictorian Savannah Hagerman speaks during the Okaw Valley High School commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 14.

•May 18, 2022•
by Crystal Reed
NP Writer

The Okaw Valley school district held graduation ceremonies for the class of 2022 on Saturday, May 14, in the high school gymnasium. This year’s co-valedictorians are Evelyn Ashley and Savannah Hagerman and salutatorian is Amelia Landreth. The class motto is “In ourselves our future lies.”
Superintendent Kent Stauder presented Hall of Fame inductees during the ceremony. For the Volunteer Hall of Fame, inductees were Soo Harris and David Benning. Shawn Creviston was inducted into the Alumni Hall of Fame. Read More

Sullivan Students Participate in 2022 Special Olympics

News Progress Posted on by

Photo furnished
Sullivan Students Participate in Special Olympics
The Sullivan School District had 15 students participate in Track and Field Area Special Olympics at Eastern Illinois University on April 29. Our students brought back many medals, with many of them qualifying to participate at the state level. Of these students, six are going to participate at the state level at Illinois State University the weekend of June 17-19.

“The Story of the Lovington Coal Mine “ is the May Program for MCHGS

News Progress Posted on by

•May 11, 2022•
Lovington, Illinois was once the home of a 900 foot deep coal mine producing the highest quality coal in central Illinois. Because of it, city fathers of Lovington expected their town to become one of the largest towns in the area. Come to the society’s regular meeting on Thursday, May 19, at 7:00 p.m. at Lovington’s Fire House on Route 32 in the heart of town to hear what happened to this productive, rich mine. Read More

Arthur Native Bringing Awareness to Domestic Violence

News Progress Posted on by

•May 11, 2022•
by Crystal Reed
NP Writer

Martha Chupp, a native of Arthur who is currently living in Fort Worth, Texas, is bringing awareness to domestic violence using her love of film. She is a domestic violence survivor. Her first film titled “Broken” has been released to YouTube as a collaborative project with Dallas actor and filmmaker Joseph Herrera. Read More

Little Theatre On The Square Preparing for Summer Season

News Progress Posted on by

•May 11, 2022•
by Crystal Reed
NP Writer

The Little Theatre On The Square is looking forward to their summer season which opens June 2 with Mamma Mia! Executive Director and Producer John Stephens said that currently the mask mandate for the theatre is not in effect but they cannot sell the first two rows of seats in the theatre for any of the shows for the protection of their actors and the audience. Other precautions being taken include thorough cleaning, vaccinating staff and actors and conducting testing twice a week ensure staff and actors are healthy. Read More

City Council Raises Gas, Water and Sewer Rates

News Progress Posted on by

•May 11, 2022•
by Crystal Reed
NP Writer

The Sullivan City Council approved rate changes for gas, water and sewer during Monday’s meeting. An item for changes to electric rates was also on the agenda but will be discussed at the next meeting.
The motion for rate changes to gas rate was a proposed increase of 4%. Mayor Richard Glazebrook said in discussion that if they had to go on the market and buy, it would cost more and added that they have not raised rates in 10 or 11 years.
Glazebrook advised that the rate change will help with inflation that is going on and will affect the gas department. “You can defer and defer and defer, but in the long run you will end up paying for it one way or another,” he said. Read More

Moultrie County Republicans Lincoln Day Dinner

News Progress Posted on by

Photo by Crystal Reed
Moultrie County Republicans Lincoln Day Dinner
The Moultrie County Republicans held their Lincoln Day dinner at the Sullivan VFW on Saturday, April 23. During that evening there were thirteen guest speakers who are running in the upcoming election in June. Pictured is U.S. representative for the 15th congressional district Mary Miller speaking at the event.

Shelby Realty After Hours

News Progress Posted on by

Photo by Crystal Reed
Shelby Realty After Hours
Shelby Realty’s new office in Sullivan had an after hours event on Thursday, April 29. The new office is located at 5 West Jefferson. Pictured are some of the realtors that are with the company. From left to right: Bruce Steinke, Sandy Steinke, Cheyenne Pieszchalski, Cathrine Craig, Debbie Cruit and owner Matt Forcum.

Illini Prairie CEO Class Holds Trade Show Featuring Student Businesses

News Progress Posted on by

Photo by Crystal Reed
CEO Trade Show
Dakota Freese, a student at Sullivan High School, promoted his student business DSF Hauling during the Illini Prairie CEO trade show on Tuesday, April 26.

•May 4, 2022•
by Crystal Reed
NP Writer

The Illini Prairie CEO class held a trade show Tuesday, April 26, in Tuscola. This year’s class was made up of nine students from Sullivan, Tuscola, Arcola and Arthur Lovington Atwood Hammond.
Three students in this year’s group were from our local schools--two students from Sullivan and one student from ALAH. Read More

10 Bones on the Marrowbone Barbecue Cookoff

News Progress Posted on by

Photo by Crystal Reed
10 Bones on the Marrowbone Barbecue Cookoff
The Second Annual 10 Bones on the Marrowbone Barbecue Cookoff was held in downtown Bethany on Saturday, April 30. This year’s winners in the steak category were: first place-2 Big Fellas Getting Sauced, second place-Team Willie, third place-Grumpy Old Ham. In the chicken category winners were: first place-2 Big Fellas Getting Sauced, second place-TB’s Pork and Smoke and third place-Smoking Oma and Papa. In the ribs category first place went to TB’s Pork and Smoke, second place-Grumpy Old Ham and third place-Team Willie. In the pork category first place went to 2 Big Fellas Getting Sauced, second place to Smoking Oma and Papa and third place was Grumpy Old Ham. The three meat overall winner was grand champion 2 Big Fellas Getting Sauced, second place was TB’s Pork and Smoke and third place was Grumpy Old Ham. Pictured is Tyler Blickensderfer of TB’s Pork and Smoke preparing one of his entries for the grill.