More Requirements for Early SHS Graduates

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•February 20, 2019• By Mike Brothers Sullivan students wishing to graduate early have a few more requirements following the February school board meeting. Supt. Ted Walk explained the grade point averages and most requirements for graduation at the end of the seventh semester remain the same. The new guidelines seek more information on why the students want to graduate early. G.P.A. of 3.0 at the end of the sixth semester and a 95% or better attendance rate are required. Applications made by June 15 prior to the senior year must now include a five-page summary of future goals and career … Read More

Sullivan Mayoral Candidates Participate in Meet and Greet

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•February 20, 2019• By Ellen Ferrera for the News Progress Mayoral candidates were guest speakers at a free luncheon provided by Mason Point at the Senior Center in Sullivan on February 15. Current mayor Ann Short introduced herself to the 65 seniors in attendance and recalled that after moving to Sullivan, “I began my career in the treasurer’s office, and in 1975 when the office became vacant, I was voted the first woman treasurer of Sullivan.” She retired as treasurer in 2003 but was asked to run for mayor—an office she has held for the past 16 years. Short stressed … Read More

Senior Services and Courtyard Host 11th Valentine Poetry Contest

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•February 20, 2019• By Cupid Valentine for the News Progress The Courtyard’s dining room and lobby were filled to capacity as more than 150 red clad seniors gathered for the 11th annual Valentine Poetry Contest and luncheon on February 8. This year’s event was so successful that many had to be turned away. The tables were decorated with red covers, clusters of red balloons and heart dishes filled with candies. Ellen Ferrera provided love-themed piano music prior to the lunch. Courtyard’s popular and traditional meal of beef tips, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans and roll was served. Their famous … Read More

OV Elementary Exceed Goal in Valentines for Heroes

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•February 20, 2019• By Ellen Ferrera for the News Progress Like many other congressmen Representative John Shimkus participates in the annual program of Valentines for Heroes. Each February in Illinois Boy and Girl Scouts, 4-H groups, church youth groups and elementary school children create over 10,000 valentines for military veterans. OVES set a goal of 500 valentines, but with two days to go they were below their goal. “I just got goosebumps when I saw these children put their hearts into creating 805 valentines to exceed their goal,” school counselor Paula Coffer said. “The big, red paper thermometer to measure … Read More

SES Gold Slip Winners

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•February 20, 2019• The Gold Slip winners at Sullivan Elementary School for the month of February are Cali Szabo, who once again, showed her kindness when she jumped in to help another student. A young boy had dropped a lot of things in the hallway. Without hesitation, Cali knelt down by him and helped him pick up everything he dropped. Molly Owens waited on an adult who had trouble walking into the school by holding the door open. She followed the adult into the building to open the second door so they could come into the office. Liam Coil had … Read More

From a Scare in the Hay Loft to Cantankerous Hogs

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•February 20, 2019• By Evelyn Burtcheard NP Guest Columnist One morning Dad sent Donny to the hayloft to throw down a bale of hay. Danny of course followed Donny running as fast as they could go. It wasn’t long before the bale of hay fell to the ground. I was to put the hay in the hay bunk for the calves to learn to eat and the cows would finish later. Donny stood in the hayloft door surveying his domain. I soon heard the boys talking in low anxious voices. Then Danny began to cry, and Donny started to yell … Read More

Remember When? 2-20-2019

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25 Years Ago This Week Tim Uphoff of Findlay delivered his own baby girl, Taylor Alyssa, in their home when his wife went into labor. Uphoff said his wife woke him up, and they began timing the contractions. Her water broke, and Tim called the ambulance. Two minutes later he delivered the baby. The ambulance arrived five minutes later and took the family to St. Mary’s Hospital. Pauline Briney, former mayor of Findlay, says she doesn’t remember the last time a baby was born at home in the village. A fundraiser was held for J.E. Miller, Republican candidate for State … Read More

Okaw Valley Schools Plan Major Building Improvements

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•February 20, 2019• By Mike Brothers Okaw Valley School District #302 plans for major improvements were unveiled before a crowd of interested citizens Feb. 13. Parents and civic leaders filled the high school cafeteria as Supt. Kent Stauder gave background on the proposed $6.5 million project which includes a new high school gym, secured entry improvements at the high school and middle school in Findlay plus new playground equipment for the elementary school. “We are investing in future generations’ memories,” Stauder said. He pointed out when the existing gym was built in 1937-38, some said it didn’t make sense, but … Read More

Bratton Piano Concert Reflects on a Family History in Music

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•February 20, 2019• By Speck Rhoads for the News Progress Dave Bratton spent the past 56 years playing piano, and on Sunday, Feb. 17 he shared his musical history in a free concert at the First United Methodist Church in Sullivan. Folks from Sullivan Methodist Church listen to Bratton play before and after the 10:30 a.m. service each Sunday, but few know the extent of his musical background. Born in Shelby County Bratton was weaned on music. His mother Bertha Bratton was playing fiddle at 13 in her parents band J.L. Milby and the Okaw Valley Ridgerunners. “They were a … Read More