Understanding Illinois: A Radical Reshaping of Social Service Agencies Could Help

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•November 29, 2017• By Jim Nowlan NP Guest Columnist A year ago, the circus came to my rural county. As a youngster I loved the circus, so I wanted to make sure every kid had a chance to go. Friends and I put a few bucks together, went to a couple of help-the-poor groups and asked for names of families who could use our bucks for tickets. Fifteen mothers called back to say they would like the assistance. I remember dropping off the tickets—which cost only $6 bucks for children; we added a little for cotton candy—for several mothers. At … Read More

Panthers Pull Away from Sullivan in Third

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•November 29, 2017• The Sullivan girls’ basketball team dropped a non conference game 41-30 against Pana Monday night at home. Sullivan took a six-point lead after the first quarter and carried that lead into half, but the Panthers outscored the Redskins’ 13-2 in the third quarter to pull away. “We started the game well, but unfortunately for us it is not how you start but how you finish,” said Sheri McCain. “We simply did not come out ready to play in the second half. It was our lack of effort that was so disappointing this evening. Pana simply wanted it … Read More

A Dyer Need to Be District President 

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•November 29, 2017• Sullivan High School junior Cullen Dyer was recently elected president of the Eastern Illinois District Association of Student Councils during the annual convention at Eastern Illinois University. Over the next year Dyer will represent the EIDASC by traveling to different schools in the district, run monthly district meetings, representing the district at the State Convention and LEAD Convention and overall work to improve the relationships between member schools. Dyer is the Sullivan High School Student Council vice president and the son of Karen and Doug Dyer. … Read More

Moultrie County Budget Approved

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•November 29, 2017• Moultrie County approved a 2018 budget with a $51,212 deficit while keeping local tax levies close to the previous budget. Total general fund revenues were amended in the budget March 9, 2017 to reflect $4,791,902 with FY 2017 actual revenue anticipated at $5,199,820.66. Budgeted appropriations include $153,867 ($146,414 -2016) for county clerk, $187,640 ($183,689 -2016) circuit clerk; $91,315 ($86,840-2016) treasurer,$202,305 ($151,024-2016) supervisor of assessments; $242,259 ($235,497-2016) state’s attorney; $1,304,752 (1,092,152-2016) sheriff; $30,000 ($29,755-2016) coroner. … Read More

Bethlehem Walk Dec. 3

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•November 29, 2017• An indoor Bethlehem Walk will be held 5:30-7:30 p.m. Dec. 3 at the Windsor Methodist Church located at 1200 Ohio St. Visitors will experience Bethlehem at the time of Christ’s birth and will be given the opportunity to sample foods from that time period. … Read More

Okaw Valley Student Jury Returns Innocent Verdict for Car Thief

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•November 29, 2017• An Okaw Valley high school jury decided the driver of a stolen car was doing a good deed rather than committing a crime as they returned a not guilty verdict during mock trial proceedings in Moultrie County Circuit Court Nov. 17. OVHS social studies teacher Brad Ackers took his civics classes to the Moultrie County Courthouse Friday. The students participated in a mock trial over which sitting Moultrie County Circuit Judge Brad Rau presided. “The simulation allowed our civic students to fill the roles in the courtroom ranging from court reporters, clerks, prosecutors and defense attorneys to … Read More

Water Control Public Meeting

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•November 29, 2017• The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is hosting a public meeting at 6 p.m. Monday, December 4 in the Lake Shelbyville Visitor Center. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the current water control plan, water control operations, and dam safety.  … Read More

News Progress Collects Letters for Santa

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•November 29, 2017• The Sullivan News Progress is offering a chance to send letters to Santa. Santa’s North Pole drop box will be placed in front of the Monroe Street office this week. Plans are to publish all letters in both The Fish Wrap and The News Progress on Wednesday, December 20 and Thursday, Dec. 21 to give Santa Claus plenty of time to repond. Letters may also be sent to santa@newsprogress.com or by mailing to Santa Claus c/o News Progress 100 West Monroe St., Sullivan 61951. Letters should be received no later than Friday, December 15. … Read More

Remember When? 11-29-2017

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25 Years Ago This Week About 200 people gathered around the Sullivan square for the lighting of the Starflake Trail. WAND-TV weatherman Bob Murray, Sullivan Area Chamber president David Leslie and Starflake Trail organizer Patti Ketchmark were present when Mayor Leon Lane pulled the switch to light the trail in Sullivan. Moultrie County Inter-Agency Council helped low-income families enjoy a merry Christmas for the past 11 years and hope to help 450 kids this season. Carol Meadows, of the council Christmas committee, noted that the fund goal of $11,400 has received $6,480 so far. Vouchers donated may be used by children … Read More