Walleye and Sauger Stockings at Lake Shelbyville

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•July 5, 2017• The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in conjunction with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) recently released walleye, averaging 1-3/4 to 1-7/8 inches long, from the Fin and Feathers Nursery Pond located near Sullivan. The fish were being raised in the nursery pond but had to be directly released into the lake May 25 due to water level being higher than normal and rising above the ponds outlet pipe. Additional stockings of walleye and sauger, a close relative of the walleye, have been recently released in a different location in Lake Shelbyville. -May 19: 26, 601 … Read More

Julia Beals Promoted To Vice President With First Mid-Illinois Bank & Trust

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•July 5, 2017• Joseph R. Dively, Chairman and CEO of First Mid-Illinois Bancshares Inc., recently announced officer promotions that were approved at the annual organizational meeting, April 26. Julia Beals has been promoted to Vice President, Retail Loan Officer. She joined First Mid in 1988 and has held various operational, marketing and lending positions within the bank. Since 2004 she has managed the Mortgage Lending services of the Sullivan branch and held leadership responsibilities of the Regional Retail Lenders. In addition Beals has developed lending responsibilities for numerous commercial and ag customers in the Sullivan market.  … Read More

Jo Dee Messina and Pro Rodeo Headline the 87th Moultrie-Douglas County Fair July 9-15

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•July 5, 2017• The 87th year of the Moultrie-Douglas County Fair is shaping up to be one of the best events of the summer. The fair will be held July 9-15 at the fairgrounds located directly behind the Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond High School on Rt. 133. Headlining will be Jo Dee Messina at 7 p.m. Saturday, July 15  and Carrollton Band at 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 12. The entertainment lineup is sponsored by CHI Overhead Doors/Lift Master. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. for Messina.  Advance ticket sales for Messina are available at First Mid Banks of Tuscola and Arcola; First Community Bank … Read More

Watch Out For Rabid Bats And Animals

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•July 5, 2017• More than a dozen rabid bats found in Illinois so far this year The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) wants people to beware of rabid animals, including bats, as they become more active this time of year. To date, more than a dozen rabid bats have been reported in Illinois this year. “Most cases of rabies in Illinois are almost always found in bats,” said IDPH Director Nirav D. Shah, M.D., J.D. “You can’t tell just by looking at a bat if it has rabies so it’s important to avoid handling bats and to make sure … Read More

Correction

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•July 5, 2017• In the June 28 edition of the News Progress it was reported that Marie Yokley, who turned 87 on July 2, was born in 1987. She, of course, was born July 2, 1930. The News Progress apologizes for this error. … Read More

Spook Show Con at the Cross County Mall

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•July 5, 2017• The CIL-Con/Spook Show Con Committee will hold the first annual Spook Show Con at the Cross County Mall, 700 Broadway Avenue East, in Mattoon July 14 and 15. The event will run from 3-9 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday. General admission to the event is free. There is a VIP Pass available for $20 that allows you access to exclusive areas, discounts on workshops and events, and additional perks. “We have had great support from the community with our annual CIL-Con event. We want to continue bringing new and different events to the Coles … Read More

Understanding Illinois: What In The World And Who Should I Believe?

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•July 5, 2017• By Jim Nowlan NP Guest Columnist As I walked recently on a country road past Herb Rucker’s place, Herb came out to chat. Politics was on his mind. “Jim, what in the world am I to believe, and who should I believe?” I didn’t know if “fake news” was on Herb’s mind though there was a good chance as 75 percent of folks in my Stark County voted for Trump. Then this past week, I had lunch with three friends who are active in the nearby Bureau County Tea Party. Two of the three told me, in … Read More

State Fair Gate and Parking Passes Available Online

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•July 5, 2017• The Illinois State Fair continues its trek into the digital age! In 2016, the Illinois State Fair unveiled a new mobile app that allows fairgoers to customize their visit to the state fairgrounds. This year, the Illinois State Fair is offering an online payment option for gate admission, parking passes and mega passes with more features to be added as we approach the August fair. In addition to purchasing your tickets in advance, the Illinois State Fair will now have the option to scan those online purchases on your mobile phones at the gate. “Technology is allowing … Read More