Charles Kelly Charles “Chuck” W. Kelly, 68, of Springfield, Ill. died at 4:32 p.m. Wednesday, November 8, 2017 in Memorial Medical Center. The family will host a memorial gathering from 1-3 p.m. Saturday, November 18 at First Church of God in Springfield with a memorial service to follow at 3 p.m. … Read More
•November 15, 2017• Okaw Valley girls’ basketball team won its first game of the season over Shelbyville 60-40 at Bethany Monday night. After a one point lead, OV outscored the Rams 19-4 to burst the game open and take a 34-18 halftime lead. Senior Paige Robinson led the team with 19 points, including two 3-pointers. Three other players scored in double digits. Natalie Jeffers tallied 16 points, scoring at least three points in each quarter. Kate Jeffers and Bella Benning each scored 10 points. Benning made two 3-pointers. OV is scheduled to travel to Pana at 7:30 p.m. Friday then … Read More
•November 15, 2017• Following taps by John Mathias the gymnasium filled with Sullivan High and Middle School students observed a moment of silence out of respect for veterans. The Friday, Nov. 10 observation of Veterans Day was prepared by Rebecca Lawson’s SHS Careers English Class. The program included a mix of music, dance, testimony and honors for those who served in the various military branches. Serena Spencer, a 2001 SHS graduate who served in Iraq in 2004 as combat support with the 1544th Paris National Guard unit, recalled her time overseas. “Life is short,” she told the crowd of students … Read More
•November 15, 2017• By Jason Brown NP Sports Sullivan boys’ basketball coach Chester Reeder knows what a down year feels like after last season’s overall 2-23 record and 0-7 Little Okaw Valley Conference. This season, Reeder in his fifth year at the helm, is hoping to see what it feels like to have a bounce-back season. “We have a group of young men who are not afraid of hard work,” said Reeder. “A lot of them put in a lot of hours over the summer. We will definitely take a step forward, and we will take a huge step forward … Read More
•November 15, 2017• By Jason Brown NP Sports The Sullivan/Okaw Valley/Shelbyville girls’ swim team competed in the Girls’ Swimming and Diving Sectional in Champaign (Central) at Centennial High School, Saturday. The swim team finished fourth out of 32 teams (138 points) and advanced four swimmers to the state meet at Winnetka (New Trier) Friday and Saturday. “These girls are really dedicated to their sport, and they swim all year round, even summer,” said coach Scott Bales. “Most people don’t realize the hours of practice our swimmers must put into their sport to even drop a few seconds in any event. … Read More
•November 15, 2017• By Jason Brown NP Sports Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond runner Logan Hall verbally committed to the University of Illinois. Monday in front of family, friends and coaches the senior made it official and signed a National Letter of Intent to run track and field and cross country at the University of Illinois. Hall was runner up in the IHSA Class 1A State Cross Country Championship meet at Detweiller Park in Peoria two weeks ago. “Hands down, Logan is the best runner to ever come through this area, and we may not see one like him ever again,” said ALAH coach … Read More
•November 15, 2017• By Ellen Ferrera for the News Progress Bethany village board recognized retiring village employee Steve Sowers for 32 years of service during their regular meeting November 9 at village hall. After President Bill Ashley gaveled the meeting to order at 7 p.m. Sowers was presented with a plaque and a desk lamp fashioned from a water meter. A report was made by the Christmas committee on plans for the Santa Coming to Town and tree lighting. They requested some street closings for safety concerns. The committee’s next meeting is at 6 p.m. Dec. 16 at Scott State … Read More
•November 15, 2017• By Jason Brown NP Sports The Little Okaw Valley Conference Northwest Division announced 2017 all-conference teams for volleyball and football this past week. For volleyball, four Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond players and two Okaw Valley players earned honors. For the Knights, senior setter Madison Brown was a unanimous selection to the first team. Brown was on the first team in 2015 and in 2016 earned honorable mention. Middle hitter Taylor Powell also earned all-conference first team honors. … Read More