Oktoberfest Bigger & Better Than Ever

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•September 6, 2017• The 14th Annual Oktoberfest is back on the Sullivan square bigger and better than ever. This year’s festival will be held 6-11 p.m. Friday, October 20 and noon-11 p.m. Saturday, October 20. Friday night festivities include arts, crafts and food vendors. The Sullivan Area Arts Council (SAARTS) will host Artoberfest at Cathrine’s Gallery Gifts & More. A highlight to the festival this year, the Oktoberfest wine tasting at 5 West is open 6-9 pm. The Oktoberfest beer tent will be open 6-11 p.m. Friday night. Wreckless Whiskey will rock the beer tent 8-11 p.m. On Saturday at noon the … Read More

Letter to the Editor 9-6-2017

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The Moultrie County Beacon is a Shining Light “So shines a good deed in a weary world.” Quietly said by Willy Wonka towards the end of the original or Gene Wilder version of the film Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, these eight words exemplify a special part of my summer – the part that I spent working with the people of the Moultrie County Beacon. In this weary world of ours, it is sometimes hard to find the joy, find the kindness, find the love, and find the shining good deeds. But, much like many Sullivan citizens have recently been … Read More

Trees May be Memorials

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•September 6, 2017• By Ariana Cherry for the News Progress Memorials at city-owned parks and cemeteries for loved ones prompted discussion about offering a tree memorial program. Sullivan City Council was led to the discussion following a request for a memorial for Logan Riley in Wyman Park. They agreed that some type of ordinance should be in place to ensure consistency when it came to special memorials. Often, some memorials put in place require upkeep which some families follow up on, but as time passes, often these memorials fall into the hands of city workers. During their discussion, the idea … Read More

Disasters Don’t Plan Ahead, But You Can

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•September 6, 2017• September is National Preparedness Month and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) is joining with emergency management agencies throughout the state and across the U.S. to encourage people to spend a few moments during the month on disaster preparedness. The campaign’s theme Disasters Don’t Plan Ahead. You Can. urges people to set aside time to discuss emergency plans with family members and develop a plan to stay safe when disaster strikes. The goal of this annual preparedness push is to increase personal and community disaster preparedness throughout the U.S. … Read More

Obituaries 9-6-2017: Eddie LeCrone

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Eddie LeCrone Eddie M. LeCrone lived 78 interesting and loved years. He was a beloved husband (Darlene), father of Gigi (Bruce Carlson) and Mimi (Ken Book), grandfather of Kurt (Mary Phillips Carlson), Larin (Justin Filip), Cody (Katie Book), and Jeremy Book as well as a great-grandfather to Hank, Gus and Ike. … Read More

Obituaries 9-6-2017: Clifford Kauffman

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Clifford Kauffman Clifford Kauffman, 62, of rural Arthur passed away at 4:36 p.m.. Saturday, September 2, 2017 in Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, September 8 in Arthur Mennonite Church, 710 E. Park in Arthur. The Rev. Glen Rhodes will officiate. Burial will be in Arthur Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, September 6 and from noon to 3 p.m. and 5-8 p.m. Thursday, September 7, all in Arthur Mennonite Church. Edwards Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements. … Read More

Investing in People Makes Life Better and Communties Stronger

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•September 6, 2017• By Mike Brothers Helping people invest in themselves is a commitment for Illinois Treasurer Mike Frerichs. “Investing in people makes life better and our communities stronger.” Frerichs made a pre-Labor Day weekend visit to Sullivan Sept. 1, stopping by the News Progress office accompanied by his third grade daughter, Ella. In a state known for having no money Frerichs’ job presents opportunity to generate income for Illinois by managing $12 billion invested in 700 different funds. Through savings programs for college, people with disabilities and the ICash program the treasurer’s office continues to help people invest in … Read More

Sullivan Grad’s Transition to Big Blue Football

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A Growing Experience •September 6, 2017• By Jason Brown NP Sports The transition from high school to college is often a difficult one, especially before the reward of playing the first game of the year. Freshman Millikin wide receiver and Sullivan graduate Bryce Farris has found this out first hand, but with help, he has been able to overcome the full-time schedule to start in the first game against Greenville College Thursday night. The Big Blue won by a score of 76-3. Farris caught four passes for 35 yards and scored a touchdown at the end of the first quarter. … Read More

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