Free Tomato Plants- Who Can Resist?

News Progress Posted on by

•May 17, 2017• By Ellen Ferrera for the News Progress A neatly drawn sign in the Senior Center in Sullivan offers Peter Spencer’s tomato plants for free. Any tomato-loving person could not resist such a generous offer. Spencer was in his wheelchair on his front lawn next to an amazing array of tomato plants – red and yellow cherry tomatoes, red and yellow beefsteaks and others. A couple arrived to select tomatoes as Spencer told his story. “A few years ago I suffered a stroke, and everyone was so kind and helpful so this is one way I can repay … Read More

All-American Cookout

News Progress Posted on by

•May 17, 2017• Eastview Terrace in Sullivan is hold the All-American Cookout at 12 noon Friday, May 19. As National Nursing Home Week comes to an end everyone is invited to enjoy a cook out and great music from The Rauch Band. Come to 100 Eastview Place in Sullivan and noon and bring a lawn chair, for a great a hot dog, potato salad, baked beans and apple pie for dessert. For more information call 217/728-7367. … Read More

ALAH Runner Takes First

News Progress Posted on by

•May 17, 2017• Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond distance runner Logan Hall took first place in three events at the Little Okaw Valley Conference Championships in Toledo last Tuesday. … Read More

Understanding Illinois: “Politics of blame” Game Diminishes Us All

News Progress Posted on by

•May 17, 2017• By Jim Nowlan NP Guest Columnist I fear that the 2018 election contests for governor and legislature, already underway, will be ugly, brutal affairs. Unprecedented millions of dollars will be focused laser-like on convincing voters that the opposition bears all the blame for the incredible mess the state is in, with nary a sou spent on discussion of constructive, though painful, options for getting us out of our mess. If I am right about this, we will all come out of the process feeling a little grimy and less positive about our state. All this during our … Read More

Obituaries 5-17-2017: Sally Jacobson

News Progress Posted on by

Sally Jacobson Sarah “Sally” Tabor Jacobson, 78, passed away in Naples, Florida May 2, 2017 after a brief battle with cancer. She was comforted by the loving presence of Paul, her husband of 56 years, and her family. Sally was born in Decatur July 29, 1938 to Purvis and Roberta Tabor and was the elder of two daughters. She grew up in Sullivan where she developed a love of music. Sally had a beautiful soprano voice and sang in both formal church choirs and in informal settings with friends and family. She also was an accomplished pianist and played throughout … Read More

Obituaries 5-17-2017: Ezra Plank

News Progress Posted on by

Ezra Plank Ezra J. Plank, 97, of Lovington died at1:45 p.m. Wednesday, May 10, 2017 in St. Mary’s Hospital in Decatur. Funeral services were held at 9 a.m. May 14 in the HCK West Building near Arthur. Burial was in Otto Cemetery in Arthur. Edwards Funeral Home in Arcola assisted with arrangements. … Read More

Local Varsity Players Join Challenger League Fun

News Progress Posted on by

•May 17, 2017• Okaw Valley and Paris high school baseball players dusted off their uniforms following the May 5 game in Bethany and went to work for a great cause. The OV/Paris game was the ultimate road trip for the Challenger League, when the group of special needs ball players was greeted by two varsity baseball teams as “Buddies”. As the high school players did the year before following the game at Paris, they stayed around as “Buddies” for the Challenger League game playing along side the Little League visitors. The Challenger division in Douglas County Little League started with … Read More

Healthcom Holds 5K event

News Progress Posted on by

•May 17, 2017• Healthcom is increasing awareness for Senior Fitness Month by sponsoring an Active Every Day 5K Run/Walk for the benefit of Mid-Illinois Senior Services in Sullivan. The staff of Healthcom Inc. is coordinating this fund-raising event, which kicks off at the Sullivan High School track/football field at 9 a.m. Saturday, June 10. Those registering early get a $10 discount plus a participant’s t-shirt and tote with gifts. Those 65 years and older race free and may purchase a shirt. The 5K run or walk is through Wyman Park with the one mile fun run for seniors and children … Read More

County Funds New Comprehensive Plan

News Progress Posted on by

•May 17, 2017• Moultrie County board members approved $25,000 to have a new Comprehensive Plan prepared by Coles County Regional Planning and Development Commission during the May 11 meeting. County board chair Dave McCabe reported that he felt a new plan could be a useful tool to help promote economic growth for the county. Planning commission executive director Kelly Lockhart explained that the Moultrie County plan would include an overview of the county and incorporated areas including economic factors, land use, housing and zoning information. He went on to point out the planning commission had completed the Coles County Comprehensive … Read More

Okaw Valley Schools Lunch Buddies Mentor Students

News Progress Posted on by

•May 17, 2017• By Mike Brothers Okaw Valley District schools realize it takes a village to raise a child, and the villages served get it. Last week 36 Lunch Buddies gathered at the elementary school in Bethany honoring the adult and student mentors for these young students. “At Okaw Valley we are a family” Lunch Buddy and Supt. Kent Stauder said. “We strive to help our students succeed in and out of the classroom.” “What I have discovered is that we get as much from the time with our lunch buddies as we give,” he continued. How the district got … Read More