Gray’s Legacy Leaves A Bridge To The Future For Southern Illinois

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•December 12, 2018• By Holly Kee Of the Southern Illinois Local Media Group In 1956, a little-known freshman congressman from Franklin County in southern Illinois gave his first major speech on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, receiving a standing ovation for his efforts. In that speech, amateur magician Kenneth J. Gray from West Frankfort, used his skills to illustrate the “rosy” prospects of then-President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s Interstate Highway Act. Carrying a bouquet of red roses, Gray illustrated the interference of lobbyists and special interests that he said were “killing” the program by snapping flowers off the … Read More

Indians’ Fourth Quarter Cost Redskins’ Chance at Win

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•December 12, 2018• By Jason Brown NP Sports Editor The Sullivan boys’ basketball team dropped three games this past week. The Redskins lost to Villa Grove/Heritage Saturday, Neoga Friday and Okaw Valley last Tuesday. Against Villa Grove/Heritage, Sullivan fell behind 26-7 in the first quarter and could not recover in the 67-30 loss. Dominick Kimberlin scored a season-high 17 to go with three rebounds and two steals. Ian Plank added seven points and two rebounds, and Dalton Rogers and Elder each had three points. Rogers also had two assists, and Elder collected with two rebounds. Friday at home Sullivan stuck … Read More

Cookie Exchange Memories

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•December 12, 2018• Well, one of my favorite memories from growing up was holiday baking with my mom. She was a great cook and baker. After her passing, I didn’t want to lose that tradition so I decided to do a cookie exchange with some friends. We each bring several dozen of one type of cookie or candy, and I supply the containers, then we all share. The first year I think we only had three or four. The next year we had a few more and decided to do enough for ourselves as well as the fire department and … Read More

Annual Toys for Tots Collects

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•December 12, 2018• The area Toys for Tots drive for 2018 has received tremendous support from the Piatt County area, Coordinator Eric Kenney pointed out. Of the 280 toys collected for the annual program in Moultrie and Piatt counties Moultrie County collected some 96 toys from First National Bank in Sullivan plus Dollar General drop boxes in Sullivan and Bethany. In Piatt County the Cerro Gordo led collection locations with the Dollar General collecting 134 toys at a single location,. Toys for Tots is a program run by the United States Marine Corps Reserve which distributes toys to children whose … Read More

Okaw Valley Boys Pick Up Win Over Sullivan

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•December 12, 2018• By Jason Brown NP Sports Editor The Okaw Valley boys’ basketball team picked up its first win of the season against rival Sullivan last Tuesday but dropped a close Little Okaw Valley Conference game Friday. Against Sullivan at Bethany, both teams struggled to put points on the board. OV led 9-5 after the first quarter, and the second finished similarly at 8-5 for the 7-point halftime lead. After each team scored eight points in the third quarter, the Timberwolves tacked on to the lead in the fourth for the 40-30 win. For OV, Cole Nichols scored a … Read More

When Trouble was Always Just One Step Away

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•December 12, 2018• By Evelyn Burtcheard for the News Progress In our family the person who caused the excitement was my brother Donny. He caused all sorts of havoc by just being in the wrong place at the right time and made it appear reasonable. One may have difficulty seeing the reasoning at the time the incident is happening, especially if you are part of the big plan; and Donny always had a plan. Donny did not have to look for trouble; it was always just one step away, no matter which way he turned. That is not to say … Read More

Dos and Don’ts of Disaster Donations

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Unsolicited donations often become the “Second Disaster” •December 12, 2018• The tornadoes that struck Christian County on December 1 have tugged at the heartstrings of many local communities and interest groups. While there is no doubt that the affected communities will have a long road to recovery, state and local officials have an urgent warning for those who are currently collecting donations for tornado survivors. “Words cannot express our gratitude for the generosity of our friends and neighbors in this time of need,” said Taylorville mayor, Bruce Barry. “But at this time, please refrain from sending unsolicited items such as … Read More

Sullivan Girls’ Basketball Cracks Class 2A State Top Ten

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•December 12, 2018• By Jason Brown NP Sports Editor The Sullivan girls’ basketball team toppled two Central Illinois Conference foes this past week and cracked the Associated Press’ top ten as the No. 10 Class 2A ranked team in the state. The Redskins easily took care of Meridian Monday night and Warrensburg-Latham Thursday (Dec. 6). In Macon Monday, Sullivan wasted no time with its early pressure and outscored Meridian 22-8 in the first quarter. The Redskins did not look back in the 70-32 rout. Lilly Null had team-highs in three categories with 16 points (including two 3-pointers) eight steals and … Read More