Okaw Valley Cross Country Competes in First Meet

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•September 6, 2017• By Jason Brown NP Sports The Okaw Valley cross country program made history this week competing in its first ever meet as a team last Tuesday. The Timberwolves ran in the St. Joe Kickapoo Kickoff Classic to kick off its own program. “Starting up cross country at Okaw Valley is a dream come true,” said coach Brennon Baker. “This is something that has been talked about around here for a long time. It’s definitely a rewarding feeling to watch these guys compete and represent Okaw Valley cross country.” Baker doesn’t expect his team to set the cross … Read More

Understanding Illinois: Illinois Public Schools On The Defensive With Private School Boost

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•September 6, 2017• By Jim Nowlan NP Guest Columnist As I write this, the Illinois House has just passed a school funding bill that includes $75 million in first-ever state tax credits for scholarships for youngsters to attend nonpublic schools in our state. The proposal is yet another declaration of lack of confidence in Illinois public schools. I am a believer in public schools as the historic bedrock upon which our nation has been built. I also believe in competition as a tool for enhancing quality. Yet public schools have been held suspect in various quarters since the mid-1800s. Catholic … Read More

WW I Army Foot Locker Reveals 99 Year Old Memories

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Bauman Dog Tags Included •September 6, 2017• By Ellen Ferrera for the News Progress When Russell Bauman returned home from WW I in 1918, he put his Army footlocker in the attic of his home in Sullivan, and there it sat untouched for nearly 99 years. Recently Russell’s 94-year old son Roy and his great-granddaughter Danielle opened it while doing some housecleaning. It was like finding a buried treasure chest full of artifacts from a war in France long ago. Among the items in the locker were a U.S. Army issue fork, two tin boxes, the tattered knapsack for all … Read More

Scott State Bank Hosts Birthday Picnic 

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•September 6, 2017• Nearly every seat was filled in the Crowder Park pavilion as hundreds gathered to celebrate Scott State Bank’s 130 years of service to the community. Long lines formed for the plates of pulled pork sandwiches with beans, cole slaw and potato chips washed down with ice cream. Many sat in lawn chairs listening to the band as others tried to guess the amount of money in a glass jar. Sam and Barbara Scott dressed in company t-shirts were on hand with many employees to greet their many well-wishers. Scott State Bank is believed to be the only … Read More

ALAH Knights Score Big in Palestine-Hutsonville Win

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•September 6, 2017• By Jason Brown NP Sports The Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond football team evened its record to 1-1 with a 45-12 blowout win against Palestine-Hutsonville Friday night. The game stayed close until the third quarter when, leading 10-0, the Knights’ offense exploded for 35 points to put the game away. P-H tacked on its 12 points in the fourth quarter, but it was too late. ALAH ran for a total of 169 yards on 39 carries and passed the ball for 133 yards on four completions. … Read More

IEPA Provides Temporary Variance from Emission Standards

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•September 6, 2017• The Illinois EPA has granted a provisional variance to members of the Illinois Petroleum Council (IPC) from requirements of Illinois emission standards and limitations as they relate to motor fuels. This includes variance of the gasoline volatility standards, gasoline delivery vessel sticker requirements and the Reid Vapor Pressure of gasoline in Illinois during the regulatory control period of May 1 through September 15. The variance will allow IPC members to operate within parameters of the Federal Fuel Waiver that was issued by U.S. EPA on August 31. … Read More

Remember When? 9-6-2017

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25 Years Ago This Week Bethany schools start classes following an agreement on a two year contract, including a 5.7% increase for teachers the first year plus additional teacher’s aides. The teachers were docked for the six day strike. Members of the Bethany Education Association celebrated the return to class with a noon luncheon. Bob Best pays tribute to a valiant effort by Steve and Ruth Rankin in BB’s. The Rankins started The Peoples Voice, a weekly newspaper, in Windsor at the dawn of the desktop publishing boon. They bought a Macintosh computer and printer and were on their way.  … Read More

Shimkus Accepting Military Academy Nominations

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•September 6, 2017• Congressman John Shimkus (R, Illinois-15) is now accepting applications from young men and women interested in attending one of the United States military academies. High school seniors, college students and anyone interested should apply now for 2018 admission. “As the school year begins many high school seniors are thinking about their future. As a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, I am eager to provide information and assistance with nominations to the military academies,” said Shimkus. To be eligible for a nomination, a candidate must be an American citizen, at least 17 years … Read More