Festival of Trees Shares “Mistletoe Magic”

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•November 14, 2018• Designers are gearing up to transform the Lumpkin Family Center for Health Education at Sarah Bush Lincoln into a shimmering winter wonderland for the annual Festival of Trees, now in its 20th year. The public is invited to share in this magical event, themed “Mistletoe Magic,” from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, November 16, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, November 17. Sponsors are Consolidated Communications (Principle Media Sponsor); Dale & Marilyn Hoots (Title Sponsor), BSA LifeStructures, Co-Bank & Coles-Moultrie Electric Cooperative, Dr. Lori & Bobbo Cudone, First Mid Bank & Trust, and Leslie Hill … Read More

Masonic Lodge Presents Community Builders Award Makes Community Donations

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•November 14, 2018• By Ellen Ferrera for the News Progress Laurrie Minor, Executive Director of the Sullivan Chamber and Economic Development, was honored with the Community Builders Award by Sullivan George A. Sentel Masonic Lodge #764. She received a plaque in recognition of her work with the Chamber at the Past Masters dinner and awards ceremony held Friday, Nov. 9 at the Masonic Lodge. Worshipful Master, Ron Chenoweth, welcomed the members and guests and offered an opening prayer. “Our golf outing and other fundraisers were very successful this year.” He reported “We provide three scholarships to high school students in … Read More

Understanding Illinois: A Chance for Responsible Government Ahead

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•November 14, 2018• By Jim Nowlan NP Guest Columnist As a result of the election Tuesday, Democrats are totally—I mean totally—in charge of Illinois government. Governor-elect J. B. Pritzker won a resounding victory and his party achieved more than 3/5ths majorities in both the House and Senate. And the Illinois Supreme Court continues to have a Democratic majority, as has been the case continuously since 1962. This offers an unusual opportunity in Illinois for voters to place credit or blame, with some clarity, over the coming four years with one political party. For most of the past half century, Illinois … Read More

Elks Host Hoop Shoot

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•November 14, 2018• The Charleston Elks # 623 will be host the annual National Hoop Shoot including shooters from Sullivan and Windsor-Gays on Saturday, Dec. 1. The National contest in its 47th year is a free throw competition for age groups 8-13 years of age. Three divisions each for girls and boys,will shoot 25 free throws for best score. Winners will advance to District in January in Robinson and possibly onto State, Iowa Regionals & the Chicago National Finals in April. Competing age groups are 8-9,10-11,12-13, girls and boys each. Ages will be based on how old contestants are on … Read More

A Walk with Mr. Walk: Superintendent-Y Stuff

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•November 14, 2018• By Ted Walk, Supt. Sullivan CUSD #300 Each year the Sullivan School District meets with members of various local organizations to conduct a safety review for the school system. Items covered during this time can vary widely but typically include updates on our safety improvements, a review of our safety drill programs, and information on our emergency plans. … Read More

Obituaries 11-14-2018: Andrew Helmuth

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Andrew Helmuth Andrew O. Helmuth, 67, who lived south of the Otto Center in Arthur, died at 8:26 a.m. Monday, November 12, 2018 in St. Mary’s Hospital in Decatur. Funeral services will be held at 9 a.m. Thursday, November 15 at the HCK West Building in Arthur. Visitation will be held after 10 a.m. today (Wednesday) at the HCK West Building in Arthur. Burial will be in Otto Cemetery in Arthur. McMullin-Young Funeral Home in Sullivan is in care of the arrangements. Andrew was born October 4, 1951 to Oba and Anna Mae Schrock Helmuth. He married JoAnna Kaufman November … Read More

Barack Obama’s Political Career in Illinois Helped Shape His Presidency

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•November 14, 2018• By Chris Kaergard Of the Journal Star A decade ago, he claimed victory in the presidential campaign from Grant Park in Chicago. He announced his run — and later his running mate — on ground trod by Abraham Lincoln at the Old State Capitol. And, yes, he also quoted Ronald Reagan on occasion. Like the first two, Barack Obama wasn’t born here, but chose to live in Illinois and make his reputation within these borders. While his post-presidency may not — at least for now — feature a Chicago address, his time in Chicago and its politics … Read More

Swim Team Competes at Centennial Sectional Meet

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•November 14, 2018• By Jason Brown NP Sports Editor The Sullivan/Okaw Valley/Shelbyville girls’ swim team competed in the IHSA Centennial Sectional in Champaign Saturday. Sullivan scored 170 points and placed fourth out of 23 teams. Though the team did not advance anyone to the state meet, several individuals had podium finishes. “Could not be prouder of the season these girls have had,” Sullivan coach Nichole Hendry said. “They worked hard and all of the podium finishes confirms that work paid off.” The 200 freestyle relay team of Anna Wooters, Gabrielle Spain, Natalie Drury and McKenna Kull missed out on a … Read More

OV Robinson Improves as Drury Panther

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•November 14, 2018• By Jason Brown NP Sports Editor In February Okaw Valley girls’ basketball standout Paige Robinson led the Timberwolves to an IHSA Class 1A state appearance. This week Robinson embarked on an all-new experience with the Drury Panthers, a Division II University in Springfield, Missouri. Though Robinson has been improving her game on the court, the off-court adjustments from a high school athlete to a collegiate athlete has been huge. “Time management has been a difficult adjustment for sure,” she said. “In high school the typical day was go to school for eight hours, then practice for two … Read More