First Baptist Christmas Eve

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•December 13, 2017• First Baptist Church of Sullivan is inviting everyone to the Christmas Eve service Monday, Dec. 24. A musical prelude begins at 6 p.m. with service from 6:30 -7:30 p.m. During December the church choir will present “O Little Town of Bethlehem” cantata featuring solos by choir members. The church hymnal contains 78 songs and hymns about the birth of Jesus, and the musicians are including most in church services during December. Regular church services are 10-11 a.m. Sundays, and everyone is invited to share the music and beautiful decorations of the Christmas season. The church is handicap … Read More

Okaw Valley Girls Hit Threes to Propel Win

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•December 13, 2017• By Jason Brown NP Sports Okaw Valley girls’ basketball team split a pair of games this past week, defeating Martinsville Monday night and losing to Altamont Thursday night. Monday night against Martinsville, eight Timberwolves scored at least three points to help propel OV to a 57-26 victory. OV outscored Martinsville 23-4 in the first quarter and did not allow a point in the entire second quarter. … Read More

ALAH Knights Squeeze by Tuscola in Overtime

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•December 13, 2017• By Jason Brown NP Sports The Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond boys’ basketball team split a pair of games this past week. The Knights defeated Tuscola last Tuesday but lost to Toledo-Cumberland Friday. Against Tuscola, ALAH had to outscore the Warriors 12-9 in overtime to win a close 50-47 game. “We did a fantastic job rebounding on both ends of the floor,” said ALAH coach Dale Schuring. “We competed well and handled adversity when it came our way.” The Knights out-rebounded Tuscola 53-42. ALAH shot only 33 percent from the field and 22 percent from behind the arc but was able … Read More

Open Health Coverage Enrollment Ends Friday

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•December 13, 2017• The Illinois Department of Insurance (DOI) is reminding consumers that the 2018 Open Enrollment Period ends Friday, December 15. All Illinoisans needing health insurance coverage for 2018 must enroll by 11 p.m. Friday, December 15. In past years, consumers had time to change plans in January after receiving their first premium bill. With a shortened enrollment period ending December 15, this is no longer an option, making it important to select the right plan the first time. “We do not recommend passively re-enrolling because prices and plans change every year. Cost should not be the only factor … Read More

State Fire Marshal Streamlines Firefighter Training Certification

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•December 13, 2017• State Fire Marshal Matt Perez and Illinois Fire Service Institute (IFSI) Director Royal Mortenson announced today an intergovernmental agreement that streamlines the process for Illinois firefighters who complete IFSI courses to receive state certification. Under the terms of the agreement, the IFSI will be granted state certification equivalency for its end-of-course examinations. This will eliminate the requirement imposed upon Illinois firefighters who attended IFSI courses to take both a final end-of-course examination and an OSFM examination in order to receive state certification. Perez stated “The Illinois legislature has mandated that the firefighters of Illinois receive training from … Read More

Obituaries 12-13-2017: Connie Reedy

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Connie Reedy Constance A. “Connie” Reedy, 64, of Sullivan passed away at 12:45 a.m. Thursday, December 7, 2017 in St. Mary’s Hospital in Decatur. Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, December 11 in McMullin-Young Funeral Home in Sullivan. Burial will be in Keller Cemetery in Lovington at a later date. … Read More

Illinois EPA Announces Annual Environmental Education Competition

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•December 13, 2017• Fifth and sixth grade writers and artists from around Illinois are invited to compete in this year’s Poster, Poetry and Prose Contest sponsored by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA). This year’s contest theme is Illinois is Celebrating 200 Years! How Can You Be an Environmental Pioneer? focusing on helping to preserve and protect the air, land and water for the next 200 years in honor of Illinois’s bicentennial. Educators are asked to introduce historic environmental problems and how Illinois laws and citizen actions have helped make a healthier environment. Students are challenged to answer the … Read More

Christmas is About Making Memories

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•December 13, 2017• By Madison Ulrich For The News Progress It is true that the holiday season brings with it a flurry of memories and a tradition of reminiscence. No doubt that everyone has their own favorite experiences and moments. But what makes Christmas perfect? Maybe it’s the gifts, the under-the-tree treasures, maybe it’s the family we get to see after such a long time apart, or maybe it’s just the excited energy in the air. Maybe it’s all three, but it’s different for everyone.  … Read More