Letter to the Editor 8/2/2017

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Tractor Pulling Association Appreciative of Tabor Park Location Editors Note: The following letter was signed by members of the Christian County Tractor Pullers. It is a response to the article written for the News Progress by Ariana Cherry on July 19, 2017 in regard to Tabor Park’s natural beauty. The mowing issues brought up during the meeting were not related to the Garden Tractor Pulling event which has always respected the park. We apologize for any misunderstanding. Dear Editor, … Read More

Pedal Tractor Pulls Bring Competition to Tabor Park

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•August 2, 2017• Tabor Park in Sullivan came alive with pedal tractor pulling Saturday, July 15 as young peddlers from three to 12 tested their leg power. Tot Rod Pedal Pull. which is operated by Paul and Stefani Callan of Assumption, organized the competition with prizes awarded in five different age categories. The Altgilbers brothers traveled from Sigel winning each of the three age brackets they entered. … Read More

OVHS Gearing Up Outside Projects

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•August 2, 2017• Okaw Valley High School students are still vacationing while Principal Matt Shoaff is gearing up for cooperative programs. The nationally recognized OVHS Corps Project at Lake Shelbyville is continuing to grow. “We are setting up dates right now for work days and just where our students work on projects around Lake Shelbyville,” Shoaff said. … Read More

4-H Has Your Seat To The Eclipse

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•August 2, 2017• Illinois 4-H is inviting the public to a front row seat for the historic total solar eclipse in August in southern Illinois where sun’s path creates the longest duration of darkness. University of Illinois Extension, in cooperation with the Southern Illinois Miners baseball team, will host an educational program on the Miners ball field in Marion from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Aug. 21. The ball field will allow prime viewing for the afternoon eclipse. One may order tickets online at go.illinois.edu/4Heclipse. Select “register” from the right website box. Tickets are $8 per person for entry; … Read More

Obituaries 8-2-2017: Gynith Patterson

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Gynith Patterson Gynith Georgia Patterson, 101, of Sullivan, passed away at 9:24 p.m. Thursday July 27, 2017 in Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center in Coles County. Celebration of Life services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday in Reed Funeral Home in Sullivan. Burial was in Lower Ash Grove Cemetery in Strasburg.  … Read More

First Mid-Illinois Bancshares, Inc. Announces Organizational Changes

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•August 2, 2017• First Mid-Illinois Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: FMBH) (the “Company”) announced that Michael L. Taylor has been named Chief Operating Officer. Taylor joined the Company in 2000 and has been serving as the Chief Financial Officer since that time. His expertise in the financial, operational, risk management, and regulatory compliance of the company have been and will continue to be critical to the organization’s success.  … Read More

City Looks into Grease and Oil Dumping Issues

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•August 2, 2017• Sullivan City Council recently decided to end the solar net metering contract with resident Mike Fowler when it expires September 30. The contract with Fowler was originally approved by the previous city council after Sullivan passed a net metering ordinance. That was prior to Fowler’s installation of a solar electric system which can produce excess electricity for the city use on sunny days. Incorporating solar production made Sullivan one of the few alternative electric production sources in central Illinois. Commissioner Mike Kirk noted that with the ordinance in place the contract would be not be needed. Other … Read More

Understanding Illinois: Does Anybody Have a Good Word for Illinois?

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•August 2, 2017• By Jim Nowlan NP Guest Columnist How long has it been since you heard anyone say a good word about Illinois? Oh, I recall a decade ago when Thomas Friedman, in his bestseller The World Is Flat, waxed enthusiastically about how the world-wide web browser was basically created at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign. Tom was impressed, as he should have been. And I have seen positive stories in the national news more recently about how downtown Chicago is a mecca for young professionals, their creativity and energy, and all the great restaurants and music that … Read More

OVHS Band Getting Ready for Marching Season

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•August 2, 2017• The Okaw Valley High School band is working hard at band camp and is looking forward to a successful marching season. This year’s band is comprised of 34 students. Teresa Colclasure is the band instructor. Drum majors are Connor Powers and Caleb Hildebrandt; David Hagerman, visual coordinator; Monica Maybell, color guard and Courtney Boyd, percussion.  … Read More