The Widow Sons Hosts Benefit Ride

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•October 11, 2017• A benefit ride for Michelle Matherly Bushert begins with sign up at the Shamrock in Dalton City at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, October 14. Hosted by the Masonic Lodge affiliated motorcycle club, The Widow Sons, kickstands go up at noon and all vehicles are encouraged to participate. Stops include: Legends in Shelbyville, 32 Below in Strasburg, Spanky’s in Mattoon with the Toy Bar in Sullivan completing the run. Activities include: Scavenger hunt, Masonic Sign Raffle (Masons only), 50/50 raffle, gun raffle, two-half hog raffle, lamb and beef raffle. For more information contact Marty Gadberry at 217/254-6399. … Read More

Rose Bill Would Repeal Soda Tax

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•October 11, 2017• Cook County’s penny-per-ounce tax on sweetened beverages, often called the “soda tax,” would be repealed under legislation (SB 2238) filed by State Sen. Chapin Rose (R-Mahomet). “Many people just ‘roll their eyes’ at Cook County’s new soda tax as more of the same from the ‘nanny state’ that is Chicago,” Rose said. “But, people need to realize that Chicago’s actions will have a direct negative impact here in Central Illinois as one of the primary ingredients in any sweetened beverage is corn. So, agriculture will take a hit under this tax that is aimed at lowering consumption. … Read More

Medicare Workshop in Lovington

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•October 11, 2017• SAIL, Soyland Access to Independent Living, will host a workshop introducing the A B C ‘s of  Medicare 4-5:30 p.m. Tuesday, October 17 in the Lovington Public Library. The presenter is Mervet Adams. The workshop is free; reservations are not required.  For more information call Betty Watkins, SAIL Rural Outreach Coordinator, at 774-4322. … Read More

Eulogy To A Church: Sullivan’s Presbyterian Church Holds Last Service

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•October 11, 2017• By Ellen Ferrera for the News Progress On Sunday, September 29, 2017 the six member congregation and the minister of Sullivan’s Presbyterian Church held its last service. They said their good-byes and then quietly and without fanfare closed their church. On that day a 169- year-old church passed into the ages. “The church was unable to attract young families to grow the church, and we were faced with very expensive repair work,” Mary Ann Hargis said. The Cumberland Presbyterians were one of the first groups to start organized religious work in Moultrie County and their Bethany church … Read More

Understanding Illinois: The way we were, and are today

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•October 11, 2017• By Jim Nowlan NP Guest Columnist Garrison Keillor has a gift for recalling the softer, warmer, quirky side of growing up in small-town America after World War II. And he is on target, but only in part. Here is what I recall from my childhood back then in Lake Wobegon Ill., a town of just 1,200. Life was pretty good in my town for the expanding white middle class. Decent jobs were plentiful at nearby factories. On hot summer evenings, sans AC of course, couples would sit on their front porch swings to catch a breeze and … Read More

Findlay Legion Meets Goal

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•October 11, 2017• The Findlay American Legion Auxiliary met its goal of 20 pints of blood at their American Red Cross blood drive held Oct. 4. They not only met the goal, but surpassed it by one pint.  Twenty-three potential donors reported, but only 21 pints were actually collected. The next blood drive will be held 2-6 p.m. Tuesday, December 5 at the Findlay American Legion Hall. … Read More

Sullivan Girls Golfers Make Sectionals

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•October 11, 2017• The Sullivan girls’ golf team missed out on a trip to the state meet by two strokes in the Class 1A Tuscola Regional at the Ironhorse Golf Course last Wednesday, but two individual golfers did make the trip the Williamsville Sectional Saturday. At the regional, Sullivan scored a 457 for fourth place, two behind Pana’s third place. Charleston won the meet with the low of 393. For the Redskins, junior Addison Darush carded a 106 and junior Esther Miller shot a 109 to advance to the Sectional at The Rail Golf Course in Springfield At the sectional … Read More

Final Workshop for Sullivan Art Club

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•October 11, 2017• Springfield artist Stan Squires will return to Sullivan to conduct Sullivan Art Club’s final workshop of the 2017 season at 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, November 11 with an hour break for lunch. The workshop will be held at St. Columcille Church hall located on the east end of the church at the corners of W. Jackson and McClellan streets. There is a dedicated entrance to the hall adjacent to the parking lot.  … Read More