Sullivan Council Wrestles with Health Coverage Options

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•July 5, 2017• By Ariana Cherry for the News Progress Sullivan City Council members debated the issue of health insurance again at their most recent meeting. The debate was whether the retired employees over 65 and their dependents should share the cost of their health insurance with the city. Insurance carrier Health Alliance has urged a decision with commissioners Jerry Risley and Mike Mossman pointing out the need for further information. Commissioner Mike Kirk felt that they shouldn’t wait another year. “It isn’t fair to the people or to the city,” Kirk noted. The outcome of their decision would affect … Read More

Lovington Legion has Early Bird Invite

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•July 5, 2017• Early Bird for the Lovington American Legion family will be held Saturday, July 8 with doors opening at 10 a.m. Members of the Legion, Auxiliary and S.A.L. are encouraged to stop by the Post and pay dues for the upcoming year. Free food and refreshments are provided for new and renewing members. Installation of officers will be held at 1 p.m … Read More

City of Sullivan Clean Up Days

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•July 5, 2017• The city of Sullivan has authorized July 15 and 22 as City Clean Up Days. The location of a citizen’s residence determines which day their items will be collected. Items for all residents who live north of Harrison Street and on Pifers Ln. will be picked up Saturday, July 15. Those living south of Harrison Street will be serviced Saturday, July 22. Those not living in the corporate city limits are not eligible to participate in the clean up day; therefore, any items set out will not be picked up. Items must be on the curb by … Read More

Key Staff Changes at C.E.F.S. Economic Opportunity Corporation

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•July 5, 2017• C.E.F.S. Economic Opportunity Corporation announces the promotions of Kevin Bushur to the position of Chief Executive Officer, Barbara Waymire to the position of Chief Operations Officer, and Cindy Mayer to the position of Outreach Director. These promotions resulted after the retirement of Paul D. White from the Chief Executive Officer position on May 17, 2017. In their new positions, Bushur, Waymire, and Mayer will serve as a key members of the agency management staff group that are responsible for the day-to-day management, leadership and operation of C.E.F.S. and its programs to ensure effective accountability, oversight and outcomes … Read More

Social Security And Medicare Are Lasting Sources Of Independence

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•July 5, 2017• By Gerald Tilley Social Security District Manager In July, communities everywhere celebrate our nation’s independence with fireworks, family, and friends. A strong community also creates independence as we help each other recognize our full potential. Social Security has been helping people maintain a higher quality of life and a level of independence for over 80 years. And Medicare has been doing the same for over five decades. Most people first become eligible for Medicare at age 65. For many older Americans, this is their primary health insurance and without it, they might not enjoy an independent lifestyle. … Read More

Guy Little, Jr. – A Final Bow to the Little Theatre on the Square

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•July 5, 2017• By Ellen Ferrera for the News Progress As the Little Theatre on the Square continues its glorious 60th season there is a front row seat that will be forever vacant in our hearts. It was my honor and pleasure to conduct the last interview with Guy Little, Jr. on February 8 and almost a month later on March 3 he was gone. Following is his final story. February 8, 2017 was one of those winter days where the snow piles gently on the branches creating a magical winter wonderland when I set out to interview the Sullivan … Read More

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