Understanding Illinois: A Good Dose of Everett Dirksen and Lyndon Johnson Will Work

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•June 14, 2017• By Jim Nowlan NP Guest Columnist In 1978 my friend Ron Michaelson of Springfield had just finished officiating a double-overtime super-sectional high school basketball game. On his way off the gym floor to the locker room, Ron was attacked by family members of a losing player. They broke his nose and put him in the hospital for several days. So Ron is a sensitive observer of anger in American, and he says it’s getting worse all the time. Even in youth sports for little tykes, Ron says, he sees coaches venting anger at the refs all the … Read More

Masonic Lodge Open House

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•June 14, 2017• George A. Sentel Masonic Lodge #764 in Sullivan is celebrating the 300th anniversary of Free Masonary with an open house from 1:00-3:00 p.m. Saturday, June 24 at the Jefferson Street Lodge. Masonic Lodges all over the world will celebrate the 300th anniversary on the same date. The George A. Sentel lodge encourages the public to attend where they may view the history of Masons in Sullivan and the remodeled facility while enjoying refreshments. … Read More

IDPH Offers Tips To Avoid Tickborne Illness

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•June 14, 2017• As the weather warms up, more ticks are starting to appear. Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Director Nirav D. Shah, M.D., J.D., reminds residents about the importance of taking precautions against tick bites and the diseases they carry. “Ticks can carry diseases like Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and ehrlichiosis,” said Director Shah. “A bite from a tick can cause anywhere from mild to severe illness, and even death in some cases, so it is important to protect yourself against bites.” Many tickborne diseases have similar symptoms. The most common symptoms of tick-related illnesses can … Read More

Lovington Moves to Complete Drainage Project

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•June 14, 2017• Lovington Village Board met in May with new president Roger Walker presiding and newly elected trustees Pam Anklam, Doug Smith and Dennis Garmon. Walker reported drainage issues are improving and recommended the village complete the High Street project. A bid of $2542 from Heppe Construction including cutting and replacing road and sidewalk access was presented. The board voted unanimously to complete the project and accepted an offer from David Bowers of the drainage district to pay half the city cost for completing the project. Heppe Construction was also approved to replace a curb on High Street for … Read More

Garrett Fritz Makes All-State Team

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•June 14, 2017• Okaw Valley baseball catcher Garrett Fritz was named to the Class 1A IHSA All-State Baseball team. The soon to be senior earned unanimous first-team All-Little Okaw Valley Conference selections. “Garrett is arguably the best overall player in the area,” said Hagerman. Despite teams pitching around him all season, Fritz hit over .500, had an OBP of over .600 and hit seven home runs. “He is an exceptional defensive catcher as well,” said Hagerman. “He controls the game when he is behind the plate.” … Read More

Lovington Has Junefest Fireworks

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•June 14, 2017• Lovington Junefest is Friday, June 16 at Tom Conn Park with a grand finale of fireworks at dusk at the football field. Events at Tom Conn Park start at 4:30 and run through 7:00 p.m. with fireworks at the old high school football field beginning at dusk. Local singers Jean Dulik, Steve Fleming, Dennis Garmon, Angie Krapf, and Shari Schable’s Collage of Faith group will perform from 4:00-8:00 p.m. Kids can enjoy the free Bounce House while adults enjoy shopping in the park. Veterans eat free. … Read More

Healthcom 5K at Wyman Park Brings Fun to Fund Raising 

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•June 14, 2017• By Ellen Ferrera for the News Progress Over 50 men, women and children turned out at Wyman Park Saturday to participate in Healthcom’s 5Krun/walk to benefit the Mid-Illinois Senior Services. The race started promptly at 9 a.m. with runners, walkers and some seniors walking a mile on the high school track. One of those was Art Welch who is recovering from hip replacement surgery. With the support of his family and wheelchair he completed several laps on the track. … Read More